How can you align your IA systems with your cloud computing strategy?

2 Choose your cloud model

The next step is to choose the cloud model that best suits your IA needs. There are three main cloud models to consider: software as a service (SaaS), platform as a service (PaaS), and infrastructure as a service (IaaS). SaaS provides ready-made applications that run on the cloud provider's platform. PaaS provides a development environment and tools that allow you to create and deploy your own applications on the cloud. IaaS provides the basic computing resources, such as servers, storage, and networks, that enable you to run and manage your own applications and data on the cloud. Each cloud model has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of cost, control, customization, scalability, security, and performance. You need to weigh these factors and choose the cloud model that meets your IA needs and expectations.

3 Design your cloud-based IA systems

Once you have chosen your cloud model, you need to design your cloud-based IA systems. This involves applying the principles and practices of IA to create effective and efficient structures and processes for your information. Depending on the cloud model, you may have more or less flexibility and responsibility in designing your IA systems. However, some key components to consider are the information architecture, content strategy, user interface design, and user experience design. The information architecture involves organizing, labeling, navigating, and searching systems that enable users to find and use information. The content strategy includes planning, creating, delivering, and governing content. The user interface design encompasses layout, visual design, interaction design, and accessibility of presentation. Finally, user experience design consists of researching, testing, evaluating, and optimizing usability and satisfaction.

4 Implement and maintain your cloud-based IA systems

The final step is to implement and maintain your cloud-based IA systems. This involves deploying your IA systems to the cloud, integrating them with other cloud services and systems, and monitoring and managing their performance and quality. You also need to ensure that your IA systems are secure, reliable, compliant, and scalable. You may need to collaborate with your cloud provider and other stakeholders to address any issues or challenges that arise during the implementation and maintenance phase. You also need to update and improve your IA systems as your information needs and expectations change over time.

By following these four steps, you can align your IA systems with your cloud computing strategy and benefit from the advantages of cloud computing. You can also enhance your IA skills and knowledge by learning from the best practices and innovations of cloud-based IA systems.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?