CloudSwitch, Inc



CloudSwitch, Inc

CloudSwitch, Inc. is a developer of software focusing on cloud computing. CloudSwitch, with its creative cloud software suites, safeguards enterprises from the risks, complexity, and possible lock-in of cloud-computing; aiding the enterprises to take advantage of cloud computing in business agility and cost. With the availability of software appliances, provided by CloudSwitch, enterprises are not limited to firewalls of cloud providers. CloudSwitch provides its customers with the ability to customize the firewall rules, policies and services controlling public access to internet towards servers, present in the cloud. Recently, Verizon Communications, Inc., a provider of wireless and wire line communications services, acquired CloudSwitch, Inc; and both companies are based in the United States. The aim of the paper is to provide insight insight of the organizational competencies and weaknesses of CloudSwitch,Inc., which would aid in developing comprehensive organizational strategic plans.

Discussion

Organizational strategy is a systemic concept, made up of essential parts which are independently distinguishable, but which together forms a new and better strategy, ultimately affecting the whole organization in terms of efficiency and effectiveness. For a company to be successful, it must have thorough strategic planning, regarding the upcoming threats and risks; and should also provide insight regarding the strategies adopted by the organization (Miller, 1998).

The cloud computing industry, where CloudSwitch, Inc. operates, is growing rapidly. With many organizations starting to benefit from the cloud, companies of all sizes should evaluate the potential fit. Cloud computing is gaining importance for many reasons. Economic, social, technological and environmental trends are favorable to a further extension and broader adoption of cloud computing. Policy makers are actively addressing the impact of cloud computing on security, privacy, location and ownership of data. The cloud computing industry is growing sharply with a projected growth rate of 24% for the 2008-2013 periods (http://www.prweb.com/releases/cloud/computing/prweb4771704.htm). While new innovative and successful vendors are emerging, companies are investing massively in developing and acquiring on demand solutions.

Organizational Issues

The cloud computing industry is facing numerous concerns and challenges, which includes data security and confidentiality, control on data, data access and internet connectivity issues, outages, third party dependence & contract issues. Other than this with expanding horizons of business, there are issues surfacing for the organization, such as culture, teams (including virtual teams), ethics, and human resources.

With the acquisition by Verizon Communication, CloudSwith, Inc. may have to face broad HR related issues. It will have to deal with a diverse workforce, as organization expands. In most cases, diverse workforce has led to cultural differences, ethical and moral concens. The firms in the cloud computing industry may have to think of alternatives to conduct business; the alternatives may include the likes of virtual teams etc. It is necessary for CloudSwitch, Inc. to expand their operations across geographic boundaries. This in most cases result in a phenomenon that has been referred to as the globally distributed team. While this trend is typically a response to business opportunity, it is not without challenges. One of those challenges is how to maintain organizational culture as teams ...