IT Executive Challenges This Year

In the constantly changing world of information technology, it’s always good to pay attention to trends that might help you stay a step ahead of the game.This year, a few of the biggest IT news stories from 2013 could have a lasting impact on your organization.

If 2013 was the year of cloud computing, then 2014 will be the year that the massive migration to the cloud starts slowing, and organizations take a step back to investigate things further. Here are three trends that could lead to potential challenges for your company this year.

NSA revelations increase cloud security concerns

For most businesses, it’s not hard to see the attraction of cloud computing. It’s cheaper than maintaining an in-house infrastructure, cuts down on maintenance and hosting costs, and lets you use someone else’s time and resources to take care of your network and applications.

Security was a minor concern—but it became a potential major issue when everyone started to hear about the true extent of the National Security Agency’s (NSA) capabilities for eavesdropping on electronic communications, whether or not they had permission.

Many organizations are taking this into account, especially those who haven’t yet started using the cloud. Security risks for sensitive data and applications like email and collaboration tools could be called into question, and hybrid cloud solutions that combine private with public clouds may become more prevalent.

Microsoft will have a new CEO

This year, Steve Ballmer is stepping down as CEO of Microsoft—the software giant whose Windows operating systems power the majority of U.S. businesses.What’s more, April 2014 will see the end of support for Windows XP, an OS that is still in active use for a significant percentage of companies.

The direction the new Microsoft CEO takes the company in will set the tone for the future of cloud computing in business. Microsoft may continue the migration initiated by Ballmer toward a device and services organization with a focus on cloud-based software, or return to concentrating on the on-premise software that has long been the core of its service offerings.

Cloud brokers will grow in popularity

Regardless of the NSA and Microsoft, the number and variety of cloud services continues to grow. In 2014, expect to find more cloud brokers and cloud service providers working to put together the best comprehensive solutions for businesses attempting to navigate the sprawling cloud.

Vendor-neutral cloud service companies will be able to work closely with IT pros, and help them find the combination of models, platforms, and services that will best meet the needs of their organization. Once free of cloud configuration and maintenance tasks, IT-based companies can focus on developing new offerings and new revenue streams—making 2014 a potentially profitable year all around.

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