Executive Q&A: Data Management and the Cloud –– TDWI

Moving data (and databases) to the cloud can be stressful. Datometry’s CEO, Mike Waas, explains what you need to think about, explains the pros and cons of three different approaches, and offers best practices to make the move less taxing.

Upside: There’s been an increasing movement of data management from on-premises environments to the cloud. What do you see driving your customers to make the move? What benefits are they expecting?

Mike Waas: We see primarily two driving forces. First, many companies are executing on a C-level mandate to become cloud-native, often on an accelerated timeline. In this case, moving all data management to the cloud is part of a larger initiative. Second, IT relocates data assets into the cloud independently to overcome the limitations of on-premises systems and lower their operational expenses.

Underlying either path is a careful cost-benefit analysis that has to justify what is often the single most complex transformation project within the organization.

Not surprisingly, the primary benefit is the anticipation of drastic savings. Compared to an on-premises data warehouse appliance, cloud-native systems can achieve a cost reduction of up to 75 percent. The savings are a combination of lower fees and a reduction in personnel because managed cloud systems liberate enterprises from having to staff large support teams.

A close second when it comes to benefits is the prospect of generating new revenue. In the cloud, companies expect to be able to tap into a bevy of integrated processing capabilities, ranging from the flexibility and rapid scaling to complete vertical-specific solutions. Continue reading on site.