Evaluating Hardware DecisionsWhat factors should a firm consider when evaluating a move from a client/server system to a cloud computing environment? Resources to use are listed below Module 2 - Bac

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There are a number of factors that a firm should consider when evaluating a move from a client/server system to a cloud computing environment. One such consideration is the organization’s human resource asset. When implementing new technology such as transitioning to a cloud computing, it is common to face resistance from the work force. An organization’s people including their values and organizational culture and structure comprise its social system (Balloni, 2010). In order to successfully transition to cloud, it is vital that an organization boasts a culture of adaptability. This is because of the rapid pace of change associated with cloud computing. The organization also has to be ready to lose some degree of control especially when it comes to upgrades.

It is also vital to consider the technical capacity of the firm. This include aspects such as network architecture that can support the transition. It is also vital to consider the business strategy of the organization to ensure that the shift is aligned with the firm’s overall strategy. This will ensure that the organization realizes value from its investment (University of Missouri , 2013). It is also important to consider the financial capabilities of the company given that the initial investment required to make the shift is significant (Dube, Bernier, & Roy, 2009).To successfully implement a shift, it is critical to adopt a multidimensional perspective that accounts for the interdependence between various aspects. This is the basis for the sociotechnical approach which aims to optimize all systems because optimal performance can only be achieved through a comprehensive approach.

Balloni, A. (2010). Challenges and Reflections on Knowledge Society and Sociotechnical Systems,. The International Journal of Managing Information Technology 2(1).

Dube, L., Bernier, C., & Roy, V. (2009). Taking on the Challenge of IT Management in a Global Business Context: The Alcan Case – Part A.I. International Journal of Case Studies in Management. 7(2).

University of Missouri . (2013). Why General Managers Need to Understand Information System. Retrieved from http://tralvex.com/pub/edu/ism/zip/whygm-is.pdf