Strategic Choices for a Successful Digital Transformation
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the business landscape has undergone unprecedented transformation, placing cloud computing at the forefront of corporate IT strategies. According to statistics from IT Trends 2024, a recent comprehensive report on the state of IT in Canada conducted by NOVIPRO Group and Leger, 28% of companies plan to invest in cloud computing over the next two years. This is a conservative figure, albeit a slight increase from 24% in the previous study. This reflects a continuing desire to evolve towards this advanced business model, in contrast to traditional infrastructures.
Servers have long been used as the primary tool for addressing the need for enterprise data storage and management. Despite their advantages, they also have significant drawbacks.
In fact, the use of servers requires substantial investment in hardware, its management and maintenance, as well as the recruitment of qualified personnel responsible for the smooth running of the infrastructure. These costs can rapidly add up, representing a financial burden for many companies.
Moreover, legacy servers often limit the flexibility, agility and data accessibility of corporate applications. Rigid hardware configurations may hinder adaptation to ever-changing business needs and managing software upgrades and updates can be complex and time-consuming. As a result, companies can experience delays in new project implementation and reduced ability to respond swiftly to customer and market demands.
In order to address these challenges and offer solutions for digital transformation, we need to consider cloud computing.
Finding the right solution remains a challenge, as there are several options available to meet a company's needs.
Let's review the alternatives:
- Public cloud: a deployment model in which corporate resources and services are hosted on shared public infrastructure
- Private cloud: enterprise services and resources are stored on servers, in an on-premises data center or hosted by a third party and are dedicated to the customer.
- Hybrid cloud: this approach is a mix between public and private cloud, companies can host some of their resources in a public cloud and others in a private cloud.
Enhanced Security and Specific Needs
While many IT Trends 2024 respondents suggested that the choice of cloud was primarily motivated by cost savings, the reality is far more complex. While cloud can offer economic benefits, it is crucial to acknowledge its adoption relies more on addressing specific and evolving business needs. We reveal that 37% of companies have opted for cloud for its data storage capabilities, while 26% have opted for it to reinforce their cybersecurity. This trend is further supported by the emergence of technologies such as artificial intelligence and analytics, which are finding increasingly widespread application in cloud environments.
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The recent rise in cyberattacks has also highlighted the need for proactive reinforcement of corporate defenses. In this context, cloud is emerging as an attractive solution, offering advanced security features and a resilient infrastructure. Indeed, the ability of cloud providers to invest in advanced technologies, such as real-time threat detection and high-grade cryptography, enables companies to raise their protection levels while reducing security management complexity. As a result, cloud is positioning itself as an effective response to growing security needs, offering companies a flexible and robust platform to tackle current and future cyberthreat challenges.
Blair Technology Solutions adds: "It's with solid partners like IBM that we're able to offer a true cloud alternative. Together, we share a common vision for the future of cloud computing, focused on innovation, security and digital transformation. Thanks to our close collaboration, our customers benefit not only from access to IBM's leading technologies, but also from high-quality technical support and tailor-made solutions that cater to their specific needs. Our partnership strengthens our commitment to delivering world-class cloud services and supporting our customers on their journey to digital success.”
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Blair and the Proposal of a Virtual Private Cloud Solution for IBM® POWER®
This past January, Blair Technology Solutions responded to current market challenges with a new virtual private cloud solution, designed specifically for IBM® POWER® systems. This solution combines modernization and security, offering companies optimum reliability and flexibility to tackle their business needs.
Building on 30+ years of collaboration and expertise with IBM technologies, Blair Technology Solutions is launching its own offering to provide the very best for its customers. Their team of experts understands today's business challenges, including optimizing operational efficiency, robust security and adaptability to market changes. Their technology is designed to address requirements while anticipating future IT needs of their customers.
Their commitment is clear: to assist their clients every step of the way on their journey to cloud, while ensuring that they stay within budget, guaranteeing operational excellence and protecting their data.
The Promising Future of Cloud
In conclusion, cloud continues to play an essential role in corporate digital transformation, providing opportunities for innovation and growth while enhancing security and operational efficiency. As we look to the future, companies have to stay on top of cloud emerging trends, taking a proactive approach to integrate technological innovations into their cloud strategies. By leveraging best practices and learning from past experiences, businesses can ensure a successful transition to cloud and fully utilize the benefits it offers to meet current and future business objectives.
