Recommendations for potential users   

Users today still tend to be skeptical when it comes to the topic of cloud computing. Large companies in particular fear a lack of dependability of the services. Before cloud computing can be seen as a fully fledged substitute for established applications relevant to business, the trust in the long-term positioning of the providers must mature, legal problems regarding the storage of data across national borders must be clarified, and the unrestricted availability of the Internet to all market participants must be secured.   

But interesting utilization potential already exists for applications outside of the core programs and for young and smaller companies. Whether the use of cloud computing in the company will pay for itself depends on certain organizational and process prerequisites. The greater the number of locations and business partners a company has, the more the open network opportunities offered by cloud computing can be exploited. The introduction of flexible working hours and workplace regulations in the company may also make a change to cloud-based infrastructures and applications worthwhile.   

Fast-growing and very young companies can profit from the scalability of web-based cloud services. The utilization of cloud computing is highly recommended in these cases because the solutions can also grow in the event that staff numbers increase by leaps and bounds. In the case of larger companies, which are growing more slowly, the project mentality of the company can be decisive. If large projects are frequently conducted in the company, e.g., during product launches or corporate mergers, cloud services can offer the flexibility required to provide infrastructures and applications in line with needs.    

One of the most important questions, also from a technical-operational perspective, is that of data security. Adequate ­encryption of the stored data, redundant data storage, and regular backups should be ensured. The question of who is responsible when important data are lost, and how legal problems related to the storage of data across national borders can be avoided should be clarified in advance with the provider.   

If cost savings are the main argument for the implementation of cloud computing in a company, compatibility aspects play a major and twofold role. For one, the interaction of the cloud service with the company’s existing ICT infrastructure must be checked. Secondly, the compatibility of the services with one another when a number of cloud services from different providers are used should be examined. Only a clear understanding of the big picture of the application architecture ensures the interaction of the individual parts and consequently the cost-efficient implementation.