There’s always been a fundamental tension in information technology management: we want the computing environment to be robust and secure, but we also want it to be flexible and accessible. With cloud computing, it’s now possible to have it both ways. Cloud architecture represents a better way to configure and manage IT resources of all kinds, from servers and storage, to information and applications, to productivity tools and user interfaces.

Technology assets and their capabilities are well-defined, modular, and connectable. Interface methods are standardized and published. Virtualization enables physical devices to be efficiently and securely shared, and heterogeneous technologies to work together. All of these resources can be managed as an efficient and flexible pool, shared (as authorized) across the business, its customers, and its partners. Very importantly, these resources can also be consumed differently—as understandable business services that people can access on demand and often via self-service through a standard browser interface.

Businesses of all sizes enjoy more transparency into the services they consume and can often pay according to actual usage. The cloud approach enables better performance on multiple fronts simultaneously: cost, manageability, information access, new capability deployment, coordination and collaboration, business continuity and security, business innovation and growth. It’s the best and smartest way for companies of all sizes to get the best mix of capabilities, performance, and cost.