Information technology companies transitioning to become cloud-ready not only have to rethink their approach to servicing their small business clients but also hiring the types and categories of employees they will need to be successful.
Following is a list of roles, broken out by category, that comprise what might be referred to as a cloud-based IT business “dream team.” To some extent, it differs from the roles played by employees in traditional IT companies.
It's worth noting that, depending on the size of the enterprise, employees could shoulder more than one role. Smaller companies - those with 25 or fewer employees - may consider outsourcing some of the functions to trusted third-party providers.
Business Leadership
Decision Maker
Every IT company needs a decision maker who focuses on building a successful cloud business. This person may or may not be the CEO.
Regardless of title, the decision maker concentrates on identifying opportunities, establishing cloud capacity and allocating the right investments to achieve the company's financial goals.
Attorney
Every cloud-based IT business needs an attorney who understands and approves all cloud service contracts. This person helps to establish contractual commitments, identify risks and provide win-win solutions between the various cloud service provider partners and the IT company.
Accountant
The key to building a successful cloud business lies in generating monthly recurring revenue from multiple sources.
A cloud accountant should be proficient in understanding cloud revenue models, provide guidance around tracking solutions and prepare the correct tax report for the business.
Technology
Chief Information Officer (CIO)
The CIO plays a key role in implementing cloud solutions with customers, enhancing automation, and running cloud solutions closely with all teams - product, product management and sales and marketing. He also coordinates with customer support and ensures legal sign-off.
Cloud Security, Compliance and Privacy
This role is responsible for defining the cloud security, compliance and privacy policy and signing off on the cloud-ready plan.
Sales and Marketing
Business Development
Cloud companies need to invest in business development managers as they collaborate with cloud vendors, channel partners and distributors to identify new market opportunities.
Cloud Solution Sales
The cloud solution sales role sells cloud solutions directly to customers.
Marketing
The marketing team seeks to drive customer leads through all marketing channels, such as events, social media, email and advertising.
Product Management
Cloud Architects
Cloud architects are responsible for administering a company's cloud computing strategy. This includes cloud adoption plans, application design and cloud management and monitoring.
Product Managers
Those who serve this role define, prioritize and plan product specifications of cloud solutions prescribed by the company.
Developers
This group spearheads the development and implementation of cloud solutions.
Designers
Designers create the right UI/UX for a cloud solution.
Customer Support
Tier 1 Support Engineers
Tier 1 engineers work directly with customers and with Tier 2/3 to resolve any issues or challenges faced.
Tier 2/3 – DevOps
This group operates internally with all the necessary teams to find a resolution.
Conclusion
As you can see, the roles a cloud-ready IT business needs are broad and varied. While some small to medium-sized businesses need expert help from the outset, others may require intervention at different levels. The right mix of employees can enable in IT provider to offer cloud services across the entire spectrum.
Team High Five Photo via Shutterstock
This article, "I'm Ready to Offer Cloud as a Service, How Do I Assemble My Dream Team?" was first published on Small Business Trends
No comments:
Post a Comment