With emerging technologies and the maturation of the cloud, many CIOs are rethinking their initial cloud partnerships. What looked good on paper a few years ago may no longer be relevant today. How can hotel enterprises determine if it’s time to switch cloud providers? What should they look for when making the big switch? With more than 6,000 hotels and 60,000 users around the world, we have become experts in hotel operations in the cloud. Here are following tips and insights with enterprises assessing their needs in the cloud:
A perfect match? Does the current cloud platform match the current business model, including the capability to meet future needs and objectives? The provider’s platform should be built to evolve along with the changing needs of the enterprise. Compare the platform’s existing product features to the needs of the operation and check recent system releases. Engage in discussions with the cloud vendor to see what’s in their roadmap and if their technology can address the operation’s needs today and in the future.
Room for improvement? Once comparisons have been made, identify where there is room for improvement within the current cloud model. Perhaps it is in the area of cost reduction. Maybe the operation seeks greater scalability, security, and control. Before approaching potential new vendors, have a checklist in place to ensure that the vendor’s product offerings can address the areas the operation needs to improve the most.
ROI? Determine how the operation can yield ROI from its cloud investment. A best-of-breed cloud-based solution should do more than simply address existing needs. It should help streamline processes, reduce costs, and drive profitability for the enterprise. The best solutions should enhance existing operations while providing the potential for growth without limits.
Proficiency? Delve beyond buzzwords and jargon to ensure that the cloud vendor can demonstrate proficiency via their product offering. This is particularly critical when it comes to compliance, security, and support. Critique product demos, thoroughly review end service agreements, and consider involving multiple internal teams – including IT, legal, and finance departments – to evaluate the long-term potential of the enterprise’s cloud investment.
Support? Switching cloud providers is no small feat, especially for large enterprises. Ensure that the vendor has a dedicated support team in place to help transition your brand’s entire portfolio during the onboarding process. This should encompass different options for training (live and remote) and access to 24×7 support following enterprise migration.
By asking the right questions and demanding credible answers from vendors, hotel CIOs and decision-makers can forge long-term partnerships in the cloud.
