What Does Cloud Computing Mean to Project Managers?
Posted by Brad EgelandI was watching an online video the other day where some IT industry experts were asked what cloud computing meant to them. It’s funny how it means something a little different to everyone and some of them were at a loss of words to describe which gives you an idea of how new it still is to everyone…and yet how simple the concept really is. And that’s mostly what it is…a concept. Like the flow chart that would have this big box that said “and something happens here” when no one could figure out the right process to show or how to solve the problem.
Defining Cloud Computing
Cloud computing isn’t quite like that…it isn’t something that just happens…but done right it is something that sort of “just happens.” Like the internet…you turn your computer on and there it is and your connected to information, networks, servers somewhere else, a remote printer, etc. You don’t really worry about it, it’s there. And that’s the concept of cloud computing.
Cloud means Internet. The computing takes place on the Internet – in place of the software you use executing on your desktop pc, it’s hosted on the Internet on a server installed in a data centre usually staffed by people who are experts in managing technology. This type of “cloud” software is sometimes called “on demand” or Software as a Service (SaaS).
After all, the cloud idea came from the image used to display the concept of the Internet in diagrams. Like a big cloud that we connect to not caring really what is in that cloud and how we get information and services from it. Back to the video I was watching…one individual described it simply as…”if you need more than your laptop and an Internet connection, then it’s not cloud computing.”
Cloud Computing and the Project
So what does cloud computing mean to project managers? What does it mean for our projects? At a minimum, this is what I believe it means to me as a project manager:
- New web-based testing processes (see my article on startup Skytap teaming with HP)
- Web-based project management software (ProjectOffice.net, Liquid Planner, MindManager, etc.)
- Greener project management
- Lower costs
- Elimination of unnecessary hardware
- Incredible scalability
- Ease of information sharing between delivery team members, customer team members and executive management
- Rapid dashboard info on portfolio of projects
- Information sharing through Wiki’s, etc.
- More remote management
- Meetings using web-based tools
- Add-on software part of the cloud and not a requirement for your customer to have loaded on his users’ machines
Summary
To me, as a Project Manager, cloud computing means a more green, less costly, and more carefree processing environment for the customer. Does this mean a more carefree and less costly implementation? Possibly less costly, but from the PM perspective I don’t believe it’s any more carefree. Everything must still be tested, everything still must work upon deployment, and everything must still be supported.
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Robert Higgins says:
To me Cloud Computing offers Project Managers a way to solve wicked problems.
We can use the cloud technology for example Yahoo Pipes to Massively Collaborate and create use able knowledge streams that are vetted, filtered and expanded. Not only will these new knowledge streams be vastly superior to the kind of hit and miss search methods today, but they will spawn whole industries and create a kind of Culture of Project Management that is diverse and inclusive. We can have global knowledge mashing up many languages and cultures and fine grained filtered control to personalize and securitize for our projects.
Brad Egeland says:
Robert- I agree…the opportunities for enabling better solutions could be endless. Used properly, we can see many new avenues for information sharing open up to project teams. I’m looking forward to what we can do.
MichaelDeutch says:
Brad,
Great post. Using MindManager on the web to support, there’s another key advantage: the ability to collaboratively update information in real-time.
For instance, if your project team is spread across multiple locations, you could all enter into the same map together and as a team build out the project charter, define the work breakdown structure, brainstorm, identify or mitigate risks, etc… This is different than most web conferencing tools where one person presents and the rest of the team (hopefully) watches. Other supporting tools in the cloud like this would be google docs.
There are a lot of sample maps and other great discussions about how mapping improves the ‘thinking’ throughout your project lifecycle on the Mindjet blog.
Thanks for sharing and mentioning Mindjet!
Pradeep Bhanot says:
I see cloud computing as a natural extension of SaaS to Infrastructure as a Service. CA Clarity On Demand enables web based PPM and leaner IT, so companies can focus on their core competencies and differentiators, rather than getting IT systems up and reliable. As Larry Ellison used to say “no one buys from a company because they have a great accounting system”. It means taking service availability and scalability for granted which is a good thing. Cloud computing lets organisations focus on what really matters to their customers.
Brad Egeland says:
Pradeep – I couldn’t agree more. Freeing orgs up to focus on their customers is key as is being able to take availability and scalability for granted. When that happens, technology has truly arrived.
Brad Egeland says:
Michael- You are welcome and thanks for the comment. Always interested in learning more about the technology that helps us accomplish our goals. Thanks again.
Dirk says:
Your post What Does Cloud Computing Mean to Project Managers? | Project Management Tips || Project Management, Collaboration and Knowledge Management Blog was very interesting when I found it over google on Friday by my search for jobsdb.com. I have your blog now in my bookmarks and I visit your blog again, soon. Take care.
Veronica Brown says:
I think sharing schedules is more important. Cloud computing only addresses the IT maintenance part of it. The sharing functionality is still missing in many products.
Brad Egeland says:
Dirk- Thanks for the comments. Our goal here is to provide useful tips on Project Management and business related processes to those in need. Thanks for being a reader….
Brad Egeland says:
Veronica- I agree – sharing schedules and other related project information is always going to be the key component to project management. Info dissemenation to your team and your customer is a major step to making everyone accountable and keeping the project on track. I see cloud computing as a potential way of making the sharing of that information easier and possibly even more cost effective. Time will tell. Thanks again for commenting.
Daria says:
As a matter of fact, I do believe that cloud computing brings if not carefree, then at least a less painful implementation. You don’t have to install the software to test it with your team, which is a big advantage. Then, you can choose how many licenses or projects you want to pay for; you can painlessly downgrade any time. I could continue, but I’m sure you know all this yourself.
Kalpana Sathrasala says:
I am seeing a lot of hype on greener project management using Cloud Computing. But, I’ve not seen any product demonstration that is illustrating the concept. Does anybody have any ideas or know of a product that talks about greener project management?