Migrating to Cloudware - Guide to Cloud Computing for Business and Technology Managers - page 430

20.4.1 As-Is (Baseline/Current State) Analysis
The assessment of the current broader information systems and support-
ing technology landscape indicates the existing capabilities and resources
in support of the current business strategy. There will almost certainly be
gaps between the current resources and competencies and those needed to
satisfy the cloud-enabled information system. The main deliverable of the
as-is analysis is establishing business direction and needs stemming from its
strategy and business architecture and the collection of demands from the
current business operations in its internal and external context.
20.4.1.1 Analyzing the Business Context and Technology
Requirements and Opportunities
This stage of analysis considers the macrocontext of the business. It is impor-
tant to indentify the trends that can affect the business positively or nega-
tively. This has strategic significance and cloud affects the choice of cloud
model an organization opts for or the pace of change required and potential
risks that might affect the adoption plans.
It is also important to consider the level at which the framework is applied.
It is useful to consider the local as well as global context of the business in
the cloud. Similarly, it may be helpful to narrow down to a particular part of
the business and analyze the impact of cloud at that level as it will provide
an opportunity to focus on more relevant and specific influences and issues.
Some of the other concepts, tools, and techniques that help with internal
and external analysis include the following:
• Porter's five forces analysis to identify possible supply chain link-
ages with.
• Customers and suppliers and other actors such as service providers
or service brokers should also assist in evaluating stakeholder activ-
ity and their interests in the cloud ecosystem.
• Value chain analysis to identify if cloud could improve efficiency
or effectiveness or provide competitive advantage through linkages
within the internal and external value chains.
• SWOT analysis for each business.
20.4.1.2 Analyzing the As-Is Business Architecture
This stage of analysis requires critical evaluation of the business environ-
ment, business and technology drivers, business processes, and organiza-
tional change program. In essence, it is an audit of the enterprise's current
context, direction, and capabilities. This exercise is similar to an enterprise
architecture development, and its purpose is to establish the business case
for cloud by modeling a clear understanding of the vision and existing level