A Journey to Cloud Business Value (Part 1)

In the quest for digital transformation, organizations can liken their journey to launching a powerful rocket with each stage getting closer to their ultimate goal. We can see the four layers of value generated from adopting public cloud as distinct stages of this rocket, each providing the necessary thrust to move to the next level of digital maturity.

Continuing with the rocket stages analogy for public cloud adoption, let’s delve deeper into the roles and characteristics of each stage, comparing them to specific components of a spacecraft. This fresh perspective underscores the significance of each stage and how they collaborate to propel an organization towards digital maturity.

In the pursuit of digital transformation, organizations may embark on their journey differently, depending on their current IT setup and needs. While the four-stage rocket analogy offers a broad perspective on the path to public cloud transformation, it's essential to recognize that not every organization will necessitate every stage.

Stage 1: IT Infrastructure Transition
 

In this optional initial stage, transitioning from on-premises IT infrastructure to equivalent cloud environments ("datacenter in the cloud") serves as a booster rocket, propelling companies forward. This transition helps them break free from the limitations of their current systems and sets the stage for future transformation. Once this stage is complete, the organization can focus on the subsequent phases of enterprise transformation.

This stage is particularly relevant for enterprises with a brownfield scenario, heavily dependent on legacy IT infrastructure. By moving from on-premises to cloud (IaaS) environments, these enterprises can consolidate their IT infrastructure and reduce operational costs before advancing to the next stages. However, enterprises that have already adopted modern infrastructure or are starting fresh can bypass this phase and proceed directly to the next stage.

Stage 2: IT Transformation
 

In the second stage, the spacecraft’s rocket engines are powered by the shift towards cloud-native technologies. These advanced solutions—such as Platform as a Service (PaaS), Containerization, Function as a Service (FaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS)—provide the critical thrust needed for the next phases. By embracing these cloud-native technologies, organizations build a more agile, scalable, and flexible IT infrastructure, positioning themselves for greater success in the digital age.

Stage 3: Value Delivery Transformation
 

In the third stage, the focus shifts to value delivery transformation, which optimizes workflows and enhances business agility through lean and agile practices. This stage functions as the life support system of the spacecraft, enabling the organization to navigate the ever-changing digital landscape with ease and resilience. By adopting methodologies such as DevOps, SRE (Site Reliability Engineering), value stream management, and agile practices, organizations can streamline their processes, deliver greater value to customers, and maintain an efficient digital backbone for their operations.

In the context of a space journey, this stage provides the essential resources and environment for the crew to adapt and thrive in the vast expanse of space. Similarly, value delivery transformation equips organizations with the tools and processes necessary to respond to market changes, seize new opportunities, and maintain a competitive edge in the digital era.

Stage 4: Business Transformation
 

The final stage represents the pinnacle of the journey, where the organization achieves comprehensive business transformation through digitalization, innovation, or servitization. This stage functions as the spacecraft’s navigation and control system, steering the organization through the complexities of the digital landscape and ensuring alignment with strategic goals. Here, the organization leverages capabilities developed in previous stages, combining them with advanced analytics, cutting-edge technologies, and strategic partnerships to create new revenue streams, deliver exceptional customer experiences, and secure long-term success in the digital era.

By navigating the digital landscape with precision and foresight, organizations can chart a clear path to their objectives. In the space journey analogy, this stage helps the spacecraft maintain its trajectory and adapt to environmental changes, ensuring a successful mission. Similarly, organizations that effectively integrate the advancements from Stages 2, 3, and 4 will be better positioned to thrive in the ever-evolving digital world and achieve lasting success.