The widespread adoption of cloud technologies has revolutionised IT, granting businesses the flexibility and scalability they need. However, achieving the full benefits of the cloud hinges on how well organisations manage their cloud operations. Gartner research highlights three fundamental steps that IT leaders can take to build a strong foundation for cloud operations and close these gaps.
Step 1: Clarify the roles of cloud operations and cloud centres of excellence
A frequent issue arises when organisations misunderstand the roles of cloud operations and Cloud Centres of Excellence (CCoEs). Both are vital and serve distinct functions. The CCoE typically provides governance and strategic oversight, ensuring cloud adoption aligns with the organisation’s long-term objectives, compliance standards, and best practices. It is a driver of cloud strategy, transformation initiatives.
Conversely, cloud operations are responsible for the day-to-day management of cloud resources. This team handles provisioning, monitoring, identity and access management, and cost control —tasks that keep cloud environments stable, secure, and cost-effective.
A clear delineation of these roles ensures that each team focuses on their core responsibilities, rather than being stretched thin across tactical and strategic needs. Organisations failing to separate these roles risk eroding operational efficiency, as immediate tactical demands overwhelm strategic priorities, reducing the value delivered by both teams.
Step 2: Address the skills gap with a minimum viable product (MVP) approach
As cloud usage becomes more advanced, the skills required for effective cloud operations management become increasingly specialised. Attempting to build an exhaustive cloud management model from the outset is often overwhelming and impractical. An MVP approach—focusing on essential cloud capabilities and iteratively expanding them—helps close this skills gap by allowing teams to scale their expertise over time.
An MVP approach begins with foundational tasks like provisioning, orchestration, cost management, and identity management, then gradually layers in more complex functionalities as the team’s competencies grow. This approach aligns cloud operations with real-world requirements, helping I&O leaders foster expertise over time. The MVP approach builds stakeholder confidence by demonstrating value early, creating a strong foundation for further investment in cloud capabilities.
Step 3: Early engagement with stakeholders to define scope and capabilities
Cloud operations must be tailored to meet specific requirements, so early engagement with key stakeholders is crucial. Infrastructure and operations (I&O) leaders should work with stakeholders to define the scope of cloud operations, prioritising the capabilities needed to support essential services and aligning cloud activities with broader organisational goals.
The scope of cloud operations can vary widely based on an organisation’s needs. For instance, teams managing a high rate of change may need automated security and immutable infrastructure patterns, while those migrating legacy applications may focus on cost optimisation and compliance. By defining a scope aligned to operational needs, organisations ensure their cloud model scales efficiently. Establishing guiding principles such as “self-service preferred” or “automation-first” helps maintain focus as cloud operations expand. Moreover, when routine tasks are automated, resources can be reallocated to support higher-level strategic goals, improving overall efficiency.
Preparing for the future of cloud operations
The challenges of cloud operations can often feel daunting, but they are surmountable with thoughtful planning and alignment. By delineating the roles of cloud operations and Cloud Centre of Excellence, adopting an MVP approach to cloud capability, and engaging stakeholders early to define the operational scope. I&O leaders can build a resilient, scalable cloud operations model that strengthens their organisation’s competitive edge. As cloud technology continues to reshape the business landscape, the effectiveness of an organisation’s cloud operations will play a pivotal role in driving innovation and agility.
Gartner analysts will be discussing this topic further at the Gartner IOCS Conference taking place in London from19-20 November 2024.
Ted McHugh
Ted McHugh is a Senior Director Analyst at Gartner where he is a part of the IT Infrastructure and Operations Leadership team. His focus is on cloud computing and primary coverage areas include strategy, governance, operations, migration and skills.
