GLOSSARY
Cloud
Cloud means providing shared computing resources on demand over a network, such as storage or applications, with adjustable capacity and measurable usage.
Flexibility changes the cost structure
A sales operation with seasonal demand may need extra computing capacity mainly around tender deadlines. Cloud services can provide capacity closer to actual demand than permanently reserved infrastructure. Usage, data transfer and managed services then become important cost drivers. Successful adoption can therefore raise the bill, just as an inefficient workflow can. An assessment should consider cost per reliably completed task and make expected demand explicit. A low entry price provides only a partial picture of later operating costs.
Plan responsibilities and the exit route
Providers take on different operational duties depending on the service; responsibility for content, access rules and suitable configuration still needs explicit allocation. Data residency and available regions are concrete checks. Equally important is how data can be exported and workflows continued if the supplier changes. Dependence on specialised services can increase vendor lock-in. Before a major commitment, run a realistic load test, review complete costs and try a small restoration or export exercise. Operational capability deserves as much attention as provisioning the technology.