Why Architectural Optimization Should be the Focus of Cloud Design

From “An Insider’s Guide to Cloud Computing”

Future optimization will include all systems, cloud and non-cloud, and thus we must move to more strategically focused system deployments. Most initial cloud deployments are much less optimized than they should be, with survey after survey reporting substandard ROIs relative to the promised values of cloud computing. We’ve covered aspects of this type of optimization already, so I don’t redefine it in as much detail here.

It’s time to stop deploying the most popular technology that might “work” but typically results in underoptimized solutions. Figure 10-11 depicts the next shift that will align the end-state solutions with both the business requirements and the optimized use of technology that returns the maximum ROI. This will be a nice change.

Figure 10-11": In-demand cloud skills seem to be shifting from generalists to those with specialized skills. It’s no longer a qualifier to be a cloud data expert; it’s best to specialize in a specific cloud provider and cloud-native database. Generalists, including good cloud architects, are in demand as well, but not as much. This could lead to problems if only a few hires are looking at more holistic issues within the cloud architecture.