Cloud Computing and Change Management Best Practices

Based on the previous implementation experiences, I call out a few CM best practices that are more than what is expected (like Stakeholder Management, Training, Communication, Adoption, Project Team Effectiveness) by a change lead during any transition.

Identify organization drivers for cloud computing: Being a change lead, review an organizations business case including specific drivers for moving to cloud platform. This helps in value definition, assessment and focus change activities on key performance indicators (KPIs).

Align change activities with SDLC: The SDLC of cloud computing is tailored considering shorter release times and fewer tasks. The project efforts are divided among smaller project streams. To ensure successful transition, change activities need to be properly aligned and integrated with SDLC stages.

Ensure IT organization clearly understands new governance structure and they consistently follow new processes without creating any shadow practices: The IT team needs to enhance their competencies to work like a delivery unit to improve business and revenue generation.

Setup and manage correct expectations with an organizations cloud user community to avoid any later dissatisfaction due to unmet expectations. CM must be much more than communications and training.

In conclusion, cloud computing involves changes impacting people, process and policies. These changes do appear across industry verticals without significant differences. It definitely requires CM to address unique implementation challenges.

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