Virtualization and Cloud executives share their predictions for 2014. Read them in this VMblog.com series exclusive.
Contributed article by Scott Kinka, CTO, Evolve IP
2014 Trends: Implementing Strategies vs. Solutions
As 2014 approaches, organizations are faced with some difficult
decisions when it comes to selecting the right technical business tools to facilitate
growth. However, no decision is more critical than evaluating an overall
strategy versus buying a product or solution that may only address immediate
needs. Two primary areas where we are seeing organizations adopt a strategy
first approach are in Cloud Computing and Unified Communications.
The promise of the cloud has been validated and tested now over
several years and organizations are increasing budgets and plans accordingly.
Now however, instead of seeking a cloud vendor for just disaster recovery, they
are looking across the organization to see wherelse cloud computing can drive
improved TCO and performance. Here are two of many areas where IT professionals
will take a strategy first approach.
-
Windows XP end of life will drive VDI strategies - Windows XP end of life could be a huge driver for desktop
virtualization. In fact, our recent survey of over 1,100 IT decision makers
indicated that over 60% will be implementing some form of VDI strategy in their
upgrade. Looking at Cloud as a long-term strategy around managing OS upgrades
vs. ad-hoc physical upgrades and refreshes makes sense especially when,
according to NetMarketShare.com, approximately 31 percent of PCs still run XP.
-
Web RTC - Another long-term strategy being considered by IT professionals
is based around the web standard developed by Google in 2011. While Web RTC is
still a couple of years away from widespread adoption, in 2014 we will begin to
see applications beyond the enterprise, adding benefits for employees,
customers, partners, suppliers, and beyond. Web RTC provides high-quality voice
and video interaction supported by a web browser, enabling anyone with a browser
and Webcam to participate. The need for problem-free video conferencing is on
the rise, and the eventual adoption of Web RTC will facilitate this.
Another example of implementing cloud strategies over short-term
solutions will be seen in Unified Communications. Typically organizations will
first seek out a product to address a specific business challenge or pain
point. The problem with this approach is that there is no single technology
platform or application that can meet all of the different communications needs
of an enterprise, so the IT director cannot just do a standard RFP and then
land on one vendor.
A strategy is required, first and foremost, to guide companies
towards a truly ‘unified' communications application that meets company
goals. The
good news is that due to continued and rapid emergence of development
standards, vendors now have the ability to integrate UC features into a variety
of platforms. Because of
this, and the increase in the number of BYOD and mobile workers, I expect to
see an increase in the adoption of UC.
-
Increased adoption of UC - According to analyst firm Infonetics, 20 percent of Americans
currently work from home, a number that is expected to increase by 63 percent
in the next five years. In order to provide consistent network communications
from any work location, more widespread UC adoption will prove key to
efficiency in 2014, and enterprises must consider strategies in the coming year
to accommodate this.
Of course Cloud is not a one size fits all service
- and strategies around Cloud need to be highly customized. Many organizations
have come to realize this and are beginning to look for companies that can help
them pull together a unified cloud solution that specifically targets their
industry needs. By streamlining their processes and only paying for and running
services they need, companies will be able to save both money and time to
maximize their business output and, ultimately, their bottom line.
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About the Author
Scott Kinka serves as Chief Technology Officer for Evolve IP, leading
its product design, development, and go-to-market strategies. With a
keen sense of not only what the market is asking for, but what the
market needs, Mr. Kinka has led his team to develop cloud-based
technology solutions that have been well received in the market, won
various awards for innovation, and reduced their customers' total cost
of ownership.
Earlier in his career, Mr. Kinka served as the Vice President of Network
Services for Broadview Networks and ATX Communications. There, he was
responsible for driving ATX's most advanced and innovative offerings and
for developing strategies to bridge the gap between traditional
telecommunications and next generation products. Known for his ability
to address a prospect's needs in a language they can understand, Mr.
Kinka's was instrumental in bringing dynamic security- and
productivity-enhancing solutions to the marketplace.