To support the expanding role cloud services are playing across enterprise information technology, Dimension Data, an ICT services and solutions provider, has launched several new cloud readiness services designed to help organisations assess their ability and readiness for migrating applications to the cloud.
Dimension Data’s approach addresses readiness across four critical aspects of cloud computing: business alignment; organisation; infrastructure; and applications.
With expertise in networking, virtualisation, security, data centres, application migration, software as a service (SaaS) and cloud technologies, Dimension Data’s team of consultants deliver a cloud roadmap to help organisations realise the benefits of cloud computing more immediately.
“The lack of a long-term cloud strategy can result in costly re-architecture and re-integration measures down the line,” says Steve Nola, CEO of Dimension Data’s Cloud Solutions Business Unit.
“Dimension Data brings a rich heritage in building multifaceted enterprise IT and hybrid cloud solutions, enabling organisations to build a cloud roadmap that preserves business agility and operational efficiencies as their business needs evolve.”
“Moving to the cloud is a complex process. There are many aspects to consider such as security, application migration, internal readiness, billing, authentication, single sign-on, and integration with other applications,” says Jeff Packard, Dimension Data’s Global Head of Consulting and Professional Services.
“Even the most sophisticated IT organisations find the process of migrating to the cloud challenging. Leveraging our expertise across traditional IT and cloud services, Dimension Data now offers its clients a suite of consulting services to help them prepare for their cloud journey.”
Dimension Data’s cloud readiness service comprises four elements:
* Online cloud self-assessment – a short and convenient Web-based online assessment that includes an in-depth survey to determine organisations’ cloud readiness level, which then recommends actions to address the gaps.
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Cloud readiness workshop – a half-day engagement that allows Dimension Data’s Consulting and Professional Services team to use key findings collected during the workshop to build a detailed 12- to 24-month tailored cloud roadmap.
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Cloud readiness assessment – a comprehensive review of a company’s organisational structure, operations and technology. This assessment is carried out over a period of approximately two weeks and focuses on developing a plan that would move a significant portion of a company’s IT environment to the cloud.
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Cloud total cost of ownership (TCO) – designed to help clients demonstrate financial justification for an investment in Dimension Data cloud services and communicate the value proposition for these services via a highly polished set of financial deliverables.
The cloud readiness services provide organisations with a comprehensive picture of where they stand in their cloud deployment cycle, while also providing a long-term strategy for migrating key applications to the cloud.