The cloud system finished 2011 as a trend and has started 2012 as a trend. Everyone is talking about getting a cloud-computing system for their company but many Chief Executive Officers, Presidents, and Executive Boards do not truly understand what a cloud system is and what it requires. Here are some tips for what you, as an IT wiz, should tell your boss about cloud services.

Tell your boss that you know a way to save money and Become a Hero
Cloud computing is not just an infrastructure investment but a strategic alternative that will ultimately drive down costs and improve custom service. By realigning business goals with IT objectives, your company can save time and money. Make sure to explain how the cloud system will benefit you as the IT guy (or girl) and the company as a whole.

Have Research in Hand and Become an Expert
It is not enough to read this article and know all. Do your own research by finding cloud analysts, vendors, and real know-it-all’s to help you understand the full advantage of the cloud system. By having supported and unbiased research in hand, your boss will appreciate the hard work and dedication you show.

On another note, do not assume that your boss even fully understands what the term ‘cloud’ means. Let them know what it means and entails to have self-service management and provisioning, service catalogs, cost show-back, IT charge-back and others. Make sure to explain the benefits (and disadvantages) of the cloud system especially how it helps monitor and curb consumption of IT resources resulting in a lower total cost of ownership.

Know the Needs and Resources and Become a Dedicated Employee
Understanding your company’s needs and resources is step one for creating change. Figure out your company’s vision and mission and analysis where the company is today and where they want to go. Chances are your company gave out goals for 2012 and you did not read them. Go back now and read them. Make sure your cloud strategy parallels that of the company’s. Further, figure out how the specialized cloud infrastructure can benefit your company’s needs from efficiency to world-wide connection cloud can help.

Test it and Become a Pilot
Pilot the cloud system (after approval) for your company. Test it and figure out where the problems might arise. Of course, due to the novelty of the cloud system problems will arise. Let your boss know it is a working progress and this crash course will help improve efficiency when the cloud system goes company-wide.

Finally, Love It, Use it and Become the Ultimate IT Wiz
Assuming all went well during the test portion, schedule another meeting with your boss. Let them know what you experienced, want to change, and your final thoughts. One of those final thoughts should be explaining that moving to the cloud is a long-term strategy. Make sure to point out all of the benefits and expected return on investment relating to self-service management, service delivery, resource optimization, and operational efficiency. Explain the cloud system as a business strategy not an IT strategy.

This guide can be utilized for any change you see fit, not just cloud computing. Telling any boss about ways to save money is a plus especially when you have research, understand the company, and test it. Let your bosses know that this is a great way to keep your IT infrastructure efficient.

Unfortunately if this guide does not work out and your company does not choose cloud computing, don’t worry. There are many companies that offer the cheapest dedicated servers, managed servers, and collocation services around. Come back to them with new research and new ideas; be innovative.