Name: CIF Talks: Cloud Is a Great Tool - Make Sure You Understand How To Use It!
Start: 2020-10-13T15:00:00Z
End: 2020-10-13T15:00:57.000Z
Location: BrightTALK
Rating: 0

The Cloud Industry Forum (CIF) is a not-for-profit professional association for the cloud computing industry
We commission independent research, advocate for policies which will foster growth,  educate, inform and drive best practice. Learn more at cloudindustryforum.org

Join David Terrar, CEO of Cloud Industry Forum and guests for episode 42 of Digital Transformation in Action, as they discuss the opportunities - and risks - around AI and the cloud. 

From ChatGPT to AI hyper scalers, this month’s episode will look at:
- What the evolution of AI and the cloud means on a macro level for businesses and employees
- AI use cases
- Security considerations and ethics
- And more

AI + Cloud: Show Me The Opportunity

Cloud infrastructures offer seemingly endless opportunities, but this lack of physical boundaries can create problems if organizations aren’t careful. Today’s market is full of cloud providers and solutions, to the extent that IBM estimates that 85% of companies are operating a multi-cloud environment. If left unchecked, this growing network of cloud tools could become a sticky web that drains resources and compromises compliance.
 
For many organizations, cloud networks remain the most efficient way to handle digital operations. Yet this relies on having clear oversight over all activity, as well as a company-wide strategy for cloud management. Learning how to limit cloud sprawl and maximize existing cloud tools is the only way to ensure a positive return on investment, without falling behind the latest developments.
 
Join this episode of Digital Transformation in Action to hear more about cloud sprawl and how to rein it in. 

Our panel will take a closer look at:
- The most common scenarios for cloud sprawl and how to spot it
- How to balance valuable integrations and partnerships, without overextending your network
- Building a cloud management strategy that protects you in the long-term
- And much more!

Building Boundaries: How to Rein in Cloud Sprawl

An increasing number of organizations are deciding to move their digital operations into the cloud, but this is only the first step in a long migration process. Today’s companies are presented with several options on how to get to the cloud and this choice carries seriously high stakes. Get it right and the business will see cost savings and improved performance. Get it wrong and join McKinsey’s estimated 70% of companies whose digital transformation efforts failed.
 
For some, the right choice is to embrace the simplest switchover method, known as “lift and shift.” This maps existing applications directly onto a cloud structure, removing the need to modify the applications themselves and shortening the migration process. Others will prefer a comprehensive cloud native-strategy that requires a lot more development and retraining, but may be a smarter long-term approach.
 
Tune into this episode of Digital Transformation in Action to work out what is the right choice for your organization. 

Specifically, we’ll look at:
- The migration options on the table, whether IaaS, PaaS or SaaS
- The limits, opportunities and best company fits of each approach
- Some of the more common pitfalls that organizations fall into
- And more

Managing Cloud Migration: Lift & Shift or Going Cloud Native?

As nearly all industries start to embrace digitization, businesses are facing the challenge of supporting this higher volume of online activity. One of the most commonly proposed solutions to this problem is deploying a cloud network. Yet undertaking a cloud migration can be a draining process, from both a financial and operational perspective — and it may not be worth it for your organization. In fact, Gartner estimates that in many cases “cloud services can initially be more expensive than running on-premises data centers.”

In order to know whether cloud is the right answer for your business, it’s critical to first understand the true cost of cloud computing. Between initial investment costs, the retraining of employees, and the long off-ramp for on-premise servers, the answer might surprise you. 

Join this latest episode of Digital Transformation in Action to discover:
- How to avoid quantifying cloud costs in the same way as data-server strategies
- What a true cloud migration looks like, in both best and worst case scenarios
- How to identify cloud optimization opportunities, to make your investment worth it
- And much more!

FinOps: Managing The True Cost of Cloud

It used to be that cloud services were the domain of IT departments alone, but the new emphasis on digital-first strategies has all departments engaging with the technology. Not only does this mean more potential customers looking for cloud solutions, but they’re not just utilizing one provider for all their cloud needs; new data from the Flexera 2021 State of the Cloud report shows that 92% of enterprises are now deploying a multi-cloud strategy.

This is a big opportunity for cloud partners, as it’s no longer about offering as many services as possible, but about focusing on tailored solutions that add value as part of a larger framework. The challenge is differentiating your product in an increasingly competitive market. 

In this month’s episode of Digital Transformation in Action, we explore how to sell cloud services in this evolving landscape. Join host Alex Hilton and guests for expert advice on navigating these multi-cloud waters, including:

- How to leverage existing cloud products in a new, relevant way
- How to appeal to business teams outside of the traditional IT department
- The importance of integration and “mix and match” programs
- And more

Adapting to Selling Cloud Services in a Multi-Cloud World

The proliferation of data has enabled businesses to gain deeper insight into their operations and increase their bottom line, but it has also created new security and privacy risks. Companies today need to understand what they’re liable for and learn what their protections are when engaging a new cloud service provider, otherwise they risk falling out of compliance — or even losing important customer data.

The stakes are high: the Facebook/Cambridge Analytica data breach resulted in an approximate $5billion fine, which most companies would struggle to weather. However, with the right preparation, businesses can protect themselves and ensure that their cloud service relationships work for both parties.

In this month’s episode of Digital Transformation in Action, join host Alex Hilton and guests for expert advice on the legal considerations of buying and using cloud services, such as:

- Identifying the local regulations that apply to your cloud service partnership
- Understanding what safety measures are deployed by the provider and what’s on your company to ensure
- Building a regular, reliable auditing system for ongoing legal compliance
- And more

From Licensing to Liability: Inside the Legal Angle of Cloud Service Engagement

According to IDC, worldwide Digital Transformation technology investment is set to reach at least $7.4 trillion over the next four years and will be the first time that DX will account for the majority of IT spending – predicted to be a huge 53% of budgets. 

Therefore, it is more important than ever to ensure Digital Transformation investments are informed and yield the best ROI for your business - particularly with McKinsey estimating that around 70% of Digital Transformation projects fail. 
         
In this month's episode of Digital Transformation in Action, we look ahead to 2022 and the trends that can help a business develop a more customer-centric approach. 

Join host Alex Hilton and guests to learn:

- The most important and notable trends in DX in 2022
- How to identify which trends/solutions will bring the most significant benefit to your company
- What post-pandemic Digital Transformation investment may look like 
- Lessons from those who have gone before in how to ensure DX success
- And more

Digital Transformation in 2022: Trends, Predictions and Insights

Today, companies are aware that adopting cloud is not a binary choice. Hybrid cloud strategy continues to be the most popular strategy for Digital Transformation and ESG estimates that 89% of organisations still expect to have a meaningful on-premises footprint in three years.  In this month's episode of Digital Transformation in Action, we discuss how emerging and established development processes can support traditional architectures so that IT leaders can meet business demand, and stay within budget.  Join host Alex Hilton and guests for expert advice on managing the hybrid cloud, including:  - How to manage a hybrid cloud architecture that can flexibly support the workloads businesses need to succeed - How to ensure your existing and legacy technology can support applications being built today and in the future - How to handle costs confidently - And more

Handling the Hybrid Cloud Challenge

Alex Hilton, CEO at Cloud Industry Forum and Chris Hill, RVP Public & Cloud Alliance at Barracuda discuss the evolution and future of hybrid working.

The Evolution of Secure Hybrid Working

CIO magazine defines secure Digital Transformation as a necessary interruption that empowers businesses to operate more efficiently, intelligently, and rapidly in order to deliver value to their customers. 

A year ago, Digital Transformation in Action shared how to ensure pandemic-driven Digital Transformation projects were secure. Now with even more users, devices and data located outside of the network than ever before, we’re revisiting new and emerging best practices to guide you through an ever evolving threatscape.

Join Alex Hilton and guests as they share:

- What IT and security leaders need to be aware of in terms of the bigger picture of secure Digital Transformation
- Where SASE can help in defending your business-wide DX projects in 2022
- How to securely connect a remote, mobile and hybrid workforce
- Security tips and tricks from those who have gone before
- And more

Securing Digital Transformation in 2022: Trends, Insights and Best Practices

Charities are proving to be priority targets for cyber crime.

In this panel discussion, discover how you can secure your Charity’s Microsoft environment against cyber threats. Take advantage of the latest best-practice in Microsoft cloud security and learn from the first-hand experience of industry leaders.

Speakers:
- Richard Brashares - Business Development Manager, Microsoft and UK Ambassador at Technology for Social Impact (Non-Profit) 
- Donal Watkin - Chief Executive, Association for Charitable Organisations
- Alex Hilton - CEO, Cloud Industry Forum
- Adriaan Bekker - Technical Director, Softwerx

Microsoft Security Advice for Your Charity

Building and maintaining a robust cloud security posture within a defined budget is a demanding proposition that is increasing in both complexity and consequence, as attacks become more sophisticated, together with a myriad of over-lapping solutions. In this panel discussion we explore the ‘art of what is now possible’ with a Microsoft First approach to security and compliance. We'll be discussing:

- Why Microsoft are now a serious cyber security partner
- Exploring the ‘art of what is possible’ with Microsoft
- Building a cyber-resilient Microsoft Road Map
- Use Cases
 

Moderator

·         Alex Hilton, CEO, Cloud Industry Forum

Panellists:

·         Adriaan Bekker - Technical Director at Softwerx

·         Peter Messervy-Gross - Chief Information Officer at LGL Group

·         John Mitchell - Modern Work & Security Customer Lead at Microsoft

Building a Robust Cloud Security Posture with a Microsoft First Approach

We all operate within the information age, where data has become the most valuable commodity because there’s so much value locked within it. To take advantage of data, organisations are looking to adopt more digital tools, which involve migrating data lakes to the cloud. But the sheer size and scale of those repositories pose unnecessary risk. Join this Panel discussion to learn about the challenges faced directly from a client perspective - and the tips, tools and solutions available from Microsoft and Exonar.

- The challenges from a client perspective.
- How to gain visibility of all of your data in one, instantly searchable place.
- The obstacles involved in migration projects.
- How to de-risk your migration project.
- What to be aware of once you’ve migrated.
 

Moderator

·         Alex Hilton, CEO, Cloud Industry Forum

Panellists:

·         Adriaan Bekker - Technical Director at Softwerx

·         James McCarthy - CMO at Exonar

·         Chris Sanders - IT Director at XPS Pensions Group

Digital Transformation: De-Risking Your Data Migration

Join Alex Hilton, CEO of Cloud Industry Forum in this webinar to discuss “Defining your remote working strategy”.

Alex will be joined by Stuart Wilson, Research Director for Channels & Alliances at IDC; Sean Roberts, GM of Public Cloud at Ensono; Rob Caldwell, Director, Application Services at Ensono; and Tom Hickling, Windows Virtual Desktop Global Black Belt at Microsoft where they will be debating how to build a long term strategy to help businesses consider a future of remote working in a structured and secure environment.

Defining Your Remote Working Strategy

The data economy is estimated to be worth between $118bn and $164bn in Canada alone. Applying that logic to the data economy in the US and it’s predicted to be between $1.4trn-2trn - nearly 5% of America’s stock of private physical capital. In 2021, there is no denying that ‘data done right’ is hugely valuable. 

In today’s digital age, it’s essential that businesses set themselves up as players in the data economy. To do this successfully, it’s worth looking at how cloud powers the data economy and unlocks its value with agility, flexibility and security. 

In episode 17 of Digital Transformation in Action, we’re sharing how organisations can make the most of the data economy with cloud solutions. Join us to hear:

- Why hybrid and multi-cloud environments are key to success in the data revolution
- How to ensure your cloud-powered data strategies meet regulatory requirements and are scalable and secure
- How cloud analytics can enhance business decision making
- And more

Unlocking the Data Economy with the Power of the Cloud: Strategies for Success

In this newly cloud-first world - driven by the Digital Transformation necessitated by the pandemic - there’s never been a more crucial time to make sure your cloud migration is a success. But a successful cloud migration requires a clear roadmap to help mitigate risk and enable businesses to safely and securely bring their operations to the cloud - and this can be hard to find.

Join episode 16 of Digital Transformation in Action where host Alex Hilton and guest experts share the essential considerations of cloud migration, including:

- What the obstacles to cloud migration are - including a lack of skilled teams and unrealistic timelines
- Best practices for successfully overcoming these obstacles
- The benefits of successful cloud migration - including data and threat protection, flexibility and scalability
- What to be aware of once you’ve migrated: the good, the ‘bad’ and potential unknowns
- And more

Guests:
- Danny Keating - Director of Global Alliances, Data Intensity 
- Arawan Gajajiva - Principal Solution Architect, Matillion
- Graham Bromham - Head of Regional Sales & Service Providers at Fujitsu UK

Cloud Migration: Why, How and When

Beyond getting the cloud architecture for your business right, cloud cost management is a whole other ball game and a discipline in itself. Understanding the true Total Economic Impact (TEI) of your cloud strategy requires IT leaders to embrace cloud economics and commit to exploring critical business questions including return on investment (ROI) and total cost of ownership (TCO).

Join us for episode 14 of Digital Transformation in Action, where host Alex Hilton and guest experts show you why it’s crucial you understand the economics of cloud computing and cloud cost models so that you can ensure your assets are optimized and of greatest value to your business. 

Areas of discussion will include:
- Essential considerations to include in your cloud economics model - including TCO, staff productivity, operational resilience and business agility
- The benefits of shifting from CapEx to OpEx with a cloud-first strategy
- How to measure the value of cloud and IaaS to show how business and IT benefits go beyond cost
- Costs you need to factor in despite not buying and managing underlying infrastructure: don’t get caught out!

Host:
Alex Hilton - CEO, Cloud Industry Forum 

Guests:
Liam Bennett - Cloud Practice Director, Claranet
Sean McAvan - Managing Director, EMEA, Navisite
Reze Behkishe - Business Lead for GreenLake Cloud Services at HPE

Complete Cloud Economics: Gaining Control of Costs

Join Alex Hilton, CEO of the Cloud Industry Forum and Rob May, MD at Ramsac as they discuss the cyber security considerations of working from anywhere.

CIF Talks: Cyber Security Considerations - Working From Anywhere! #WFA

Please join Cloud Industry Forum’s CEO Alex Hilton on 13th October a 4pm as he hosts the next CIF Talks event. 

Our speaker is Derek McAuley, Professor of Digital Economy at the University of Nottingham who will be discussing how “Cloud is a great tool - just not the only one, so make sure you understand how to use it."

CIF Talks: Cloud Is a Great Tool - Make Sure You Understand How To Use It!

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CIF Talks: Cloud Is a Great Tool - Make Sure You Understand How To Use It!

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