Over the past 18 months we have seen the irresistible rise of a new phenomenon, cloud computing. This term is given by the IT industry to a new business model for computing, one where capacity for computer, storage and networking can be dynamically acquired, on demand, and paid for according to usage.

The major benefits of this model are that new services can be introduced, in a matter of moments, without recourse to lengthy capital procurement processes, or challenges in locating physical space or power in the datacentre. In fact, all that’s needed is a credit card to get the ball rolling! And that’s where the problems start.

In this article, DAV Management chief operating officer Andrew Moore explains why organisations considering a cloud strategy must take due diligence seriously and why commercial management will be a fundamental element of any successful delivery.