Options for cloud integration

IT professionals worried about whether or not their software integration plans will be compatible with the cloud may have additional migration options, according to a new report by Gartner. Additionally, CTOs may want to look at the existing data structure of their enterprise applications to determine which method would work best.

"Any cloud migration decision is, in essence, an application or infrastructure modernization decision and needs to be approached in the broader context of related application portfolio management and infrastructure portfolio management programs," said Richard Watson, research director at Gartner.

The options for cloud integration, according to the research firm, are as follows - replacing IT software, rebuilding it, re-hosting applications, refactoring software and revising legacy systems. All of these unique methodologies, when applied correctly, can result in a successful transition. However, Gartner maintains that application optimization should remain a tantamount concern for CTOs looking to make the right decision.

Migration concerns are just another way in which an IT professional's role is expanded by new technologies. According to the Register, the cloud is expected to represent the greatest change to this sector.