CIOs need to ask private cloud vendors specific questions

As more businesses adopt cloud computing, the inevitable shift toward private clouds have begun, with these companies hoping to achieve a greater level of security. However, before CIOs sign an agreement, they should ask private cloud vendors five questions, according to a recent Forbes blog post.

First, CIOs need to ask private providers how they plan to meet their company's unique security requirements. Without receiving an honest and thorough answer, CIOs run the risk of having an incapable, insecure managed IT service. Next, CIOs should question a provider's cost implication to determine how operational expenses could either increase or decrease over time.

CIOs also need to ask private cloud providers about their backup and disaster recovery plans - in case of an emergency, how that provider will get their system back online and make data available immediately. In regards to legacy applications, CIOs need to make sure their selected provider has a high level of interoperability in order to acclimate any such applications seamlessly. Finally, CIOs should estimate how much a private cloud can affect a team of workers, and if the provider can manage any potential changes to the team.

With the private cloud predicted to reach $11.8 billion by 2014, according to IDC, ensuring these questions are answered can go a long way for CIOs and choosing the appropriate provider.