How cloud computing is changing management

Business management is changing because of the cloud. By leveraging cloud computing, we see a new generation of management styles emerging. The adoption of cloud technologies has drastically changed how businesses operate and the power that this offers can be tapped into by managers who embrace these changes.

This new generation of cloud-based networking, computing and storage supports business growth. Managers that do not embrace it could risk falling behind and losing out to competitors in the globally digitised world. SEACOM Business offers various cloud solutions to large enterprises in East Africa.

Using the cloud to manage business operations

Particularly in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, business leaders have been forced to adapt their approach to managing teams and workflows. Even now that offices are open once again and employees are back at their desks, many of them are still using a hybrid work-from-anywhere approach.

Workloads can be deployed and managed globally with cloud computing. Through fibre optic networks, businesses enjoy seamless connectivity and remote teams can work together from almost anywhere.

The cloud enables managers to improve customer interaction and streamline internal processes. Real-time inventory data, for example, serves to optimise e-commerce sites. Big data is used by machine learning algorithms to forecast future sales and the amount of stock needed.

Business solutions and product offerings are now intertwined with information and communication technologies (ICT). Healthcare and educational institutions in both the public and private sectors are influenced by cloud computing, in addition to corporate management.

Through learning management systems, content management systems and virtual machines that enhance learning, cloud-based education is making its way into workplaces. Cloud-based learning software offers a customised experience that is focused on the needs of the learner. HR departments are leveraging these virtual technologies to improve employee skills and knowledge-sharing capabilities.

Using the cloud to manage product development

A seamless digital experience with improved collaboration is provided by cloud computing. Information is shared more quickly and can move faster across digital systems. This improves access and flexibility because of improved user interaction and closer departmental collaboration.

A company's products and services can be influenced by various stakeholders. For instance, fintechs can engage with their stakeholders during the product design process to ensure that the functional and performance needs of the end users are met. Online retailers are capable of anticipating and meeting customer needs. The cloud offers managers valuable insight into areas that need to be addressed by providing real-time information about the customer experience.

Additionally, changes and upgrades can be done more quickly, so the innovation cycle is reduced. Cloud-based artificial intelligence (AI) has the ability to automate workflows and collect data. This strengthens the relationship between product development and product deployment through constant iteration with accelerated testing.

Benefits of cloud computing for managers

The cloud offers managers a number of key benefits. Many business units can work together more closely and it aids in removing a silo mentality to cultivate an inclusive mindset that leverages diversity - key components of an innovative business culture.

By using public clouds like Microsoft Azure and Amazon AWS, managers can reduce costs. Business leaders can use these tools to manage workflows and process data more efficiently. Since you do not need to make large investments in physical hardware or networking components, public clouds are less expensive than private corporate networks.

Pay-per-use public clouds allow managers to quickly increase their digital resources as needed. Instead of spending money on expensive dedicated hardware and software, they can monitor costs with a pay-as-you-go subscription.

IT management is transformed by the cloud

Virtualisation software is used with cloud computing in a variety of different ways. With technologies such as software-defined wide area networks (SD-WAN), IT managers can allocate computer resources more effectively. SD-WAN allows tech teams to automate critical data traffic and leverage intelligent routing capabilities to ensure that key business processes are always prioritised.

Cloud computing is changing how IT professionals manage corporate networks. Automated tools allow for a reduction in manual intervention and IT managers can gain excellent visibility into what is happening on the entire business network from a centralised remote console.

Cloud computing uses virtualisation software in a variety of different ways. IT managers can more effectively allocate computer resources with the assistance of technologies, like SD-WAN. Tech teams can automate critical data traffic with SD-WAN and use intelligent routing capabilities to make sure that important business processes are always given priority.

Managing business networks is evolving due to cloud computing. Automated tools reduce the need for manual intervention, and from a centralised remote console, IT managers gain excellent visibility into what is happening throughout the entire company network.

Management skills for the future

The World Economic Forum (WEF) predicts a radical shift in the job market within the next few years. It estimates that out of the top 10 work skills for the future, only two of these are technology related. The remaining skills involve problem-solving, self-management and teamwork.

Managers need to focus on skills like collaboration, learning and emotional and social intelligence. While technical skills can often be picked up on the job, it is far more challenging to develop the complex analytical thinking necessary for innovation and leadership. In the coming years, managers will need to concentrate on developing their active learning, stress tolerance and flexibility skills.

Managerial roles will shift from control to enablement, and cloud technologies are the enablers. The future of business process management, from product ideation to final delivery, is dependent on cloud computing. Businesses must be able to collect data on key business metrics in this information era, including information from various stakeholders and thousands of virtual machines. As such, data-driven management is enabled through cloud computing.

SEACOM Business cloud services

More enterprises are choosing to partner with third-party IT professionals like SEACOM Business as the cloud gains traction in the business world. Due to the strong demand for tech skills, companies can reduce risk by partnering with a reputable solutions provider. This ensures that businesses always have access to the most cutting-edge ICT resources and professional expertise.

Enterprises should choose a cloud service provider that understands their needs. SEACOM Business offers tailored solutions for Kenyan businesses, working with management teams to improve business processes and digital ecosystems. For more information or to get a quote for our cloud solutions, email us at marketing@seacom.com or leave us a message.

SEACOM owns Africa’s largest network of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure, including fibre optic networks and subsea cables. We offer a wide range of industry-leading scalable ICT solutions for large companies that operate throughout the region.

SEACOM is privately owned - making it adaptable to the needs of the client. We are the preferred ICT and internet connectivity supplier for African enterprises. We can guarantee fast, reliable and secure internet and networking services at affordable prices.

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