In the heart of the overall shift from cloud computing as an isolated project to a central IT strategy, a particular tenet is reigning supreme: hybrid IT strategies. As cloud computing continues to evolve, new technologies are emerging to support the dynamic creation of cloud services. CIOs are increasingly feeling the need to deal with hybrid environments.  But how? Enter the rise of hybrid IT process models and the positioning of IT as a service broker.

Gartner recently identified hybrid cloud and IT as a Service broker (ITaaSB) in its Top 10 Strategic Technology Trends; they also highlighted how to move to an ITaaSB environment in their research titled: Top 10 Technology Trends, 2013: Cloud Computing and Hybrid IT Drive Future IT Models.

But what exactly is an IT services broker? And how can we help make this shift?

An IT services broker, a role potentially assumed by the CIO, ensures the alignment of business and IT objectives.  Consider actively engaging with line of business groups to add not only business value but also flexibility to the discussion in the early stages of development. By taking the lead and aligning IT and business objectives, CIOs can help the Line of Business (LoB) group select multiple sourcing options (public, private and hybrid) with a full understanding of the technology requirements, such as security, service-level agreements, behind each consumption model. The result is a business that is more agile in a challenging and competitive economic environment, while greatly reducing the risk of rogue consumption of public Cloud services that don't meet compliance and security requirements.

And how can Cisco help your organization make the shift? As an early proponent of a vision based on a World of Many Clouds, Cisco has developed a combination of technology solutions (such as Cisco Intercloud) and consulting services designed to accelerate the adoption of a hybrid cloud approach. IT departments that support LoB groups with cloud solutions powered by Cisco have found that our integrated approach to cloud brokerage and governance results in tangible gains in stakeholder satisfaction while reducing cost and risk, regardless of whether a solution deploys a private, public or hybrid cloud.

Interested in learning more? Read our Newsletter featuring Gartner insights: Top 10 Technology Trends, 2013: Cloud Computing and Hybrid IT Drive Future IT Models and let us know how you are best implementing hybrid cloud strategies in your organization.

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Cloud-Base ITaaS : Transforming IT from Support to Service Brokerage by Fabio Gori, Director WW Cloud Marketing

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