Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
that needs to be considered during the development of the business case is that it
takes time until investments in Grid and Cloud Computing result in financial gains.
To summarize: the initial analysis evaluates the potential of Grids and Clouds to
support business strategies, determines whether the corporation is ready to embark
on Grid and Cloud programs, defines where to focus efforts to gain the maximum
benefits, and quantifies potential benefits of Grids and Clouds in a business case.
The result of the grid assessment can be used to determine the overall company's
Grid and Cloud Computing goals, a Grid and Cloud Computing strategy, and the
most cost-effective domains in which to focus Grid and Cloud efforts. They further-
more, serve as the basis for recommending action and developing a detailed imple-
mentation plan (Murch 2004).
14.3.1.2 Strategic Decision to Introduce Grid and Cloud Computing
As Grid Computing is complex and results in considerable changes for the company
and the projects are long-lasting and costly, a final decision whether to institution-
alize Grid and Cloud Computing needs to be taken on the highest management level
of the organization and has strategic character. The results of the initial analysis, in
particular the developed business case, are input to the strategic decision making
process related to Grid and Cloud Computing. The identified business case should
be presented in a way to clearly show current deficiencies, the potential and specific
benefits of the technology, the risks associated with its introduction, the necessary
investments and the expected return on investment. Other important information is:
the expected changes and the duration of the project. Of high importance is also the
management of expectations and of realistic assessment when the Grid or Cloud
solution will become operative and after which period of time the return on invest-
ment might be expected.
If a positive decision is made to go for Grid and Cloud Computing, at this stage
of the process it is also important to assure management support for the whole du-
ration of the project. An ideal situation would be to have one representative of top
management as main project owner. Visible interest of top management represen-
tatives and frequent communication of the importance of the project and its results
helps to motivate employees and to introduce change with less overall objection.
14.3.1.3 Pilot Implementation
It is recommendable to apply an evolutionary approach and start with a pilot imple-
mentation of Grids and Clouds. The pilot should be suitable to provide a proof
of the advantages of Grid and Cloud Computing for the company and to provide
input for the next steps of implementation. In a company with no Grid experience a
typical starting point in the evolution towards Grid and Cloud infrastructures is the
introduction of Cluster Grids. Cluster Grids of several organizational units serve as
a foundation for a pilot interconnection of them in an Enterprise Grid.
