IT managers 'feel accountable' for cloud implementations

[Former Member]

IT departments that are pushing to upgrade their solutions to cloud-based business software packages are concerned they will be held accountable if such projects do not go as well as expected.

This is according to research conducted by communications solution provider Damovo, which revealed four out of five IT bosses think they are under pressure because they will be seen as responsible by their directors should anything go wrong.

It was noted by the firm that as the technology has evolved over the past few months, computing departments have found themselves trying to manage a much more complex and diversified IT structure, with many companies using a combination of on-premises and cloud-based services.

This is creating headaches for many bosses, as 78 per cent agree their newest solutions are actually making their operations more complicated, rather than reducing their burden.  Therefore, it could be highly useful to businesses to consider a comprehensive IT solution from a single provider, such as SAP Business ByDesign, which can bring all of their functions under the control of a simple-to-use system with a high level of support.

Damovo's research suggested this may be desirable for many enterprises, as 90 per cent of respondents said they would like more transparency and advice from cloud providers when they sign up to a service.

Head of portfolio and consultancy at the firm Kevin Little said: "Organisations are understandably keen to move IT services into the cloud to reap the efficiency benefits and cost savings. Yet trusting an external provider with sensitive data and vital IT operations remains a major consideration for IT departments."

It was noted that common concerns include the implications of data that is stored beyond the borders of a company's home country, which lead to worries about legal requirements and compliance issues. Provisions for disaster recovery are also high on the agenda for many IT bosses, with two-thirds admitting their worries over this have increased in the last year.