Cloud Governance: An In-Depth Look
Cloud Governance is the process of setting and enforcing rules and regulations on the use of cloud computing services. It is a critical part of any organization’s cloud strategy, as it helps to ensure that cloud services are used responsibly and efficiently. By establishing and enforcing guidelines for the adoption, use, and management of cloud technology services, organizations can maximize the benefits of cloud computing while minimizing the risks.
Key Components of Cloud Governance
Cloud Governance consists of four key components: policies, standards, processes, and tools.
Policies:
Policies are the overarching rules and regulations that are the foundation of cloud governance. They set the foundation for cloud adoption and usage, including defining acceptable use and security standards. Policies should be tailored to each organization’s specific needs, and should be regularly reviewed and updated as necessary.
Standards:
Standards are the specific technical and operational criteria that must be met in order for cloud services to be used. These standards will ensure that the cloud services are secure and compliant with industry regulations.
Processes:
Processes refer to the specific steps and procedures that must be followed when managing cloud services. These processes will ensure that cloud services are used efficiently and securely.
Tools:
Tools are the technology solutions that enable cloud governance. These tools can range from automated provisioning solutions to cost management solutions. By using the right tools, organizations can ensure that cloud services are used in accordance with policies and standards.
Need for Cloud Governance :
Need for Cloud Governance
Cloud Governance is a set of policies, guidelines, and procedures that enable organizations to establish control over their cloud environment. By implementing cloud governance, organizations can ensure the security and privacy of their data, avoid vendor lock-in, reduce cloud sprawl, prevent shadow IT, and ensure data portability and interoperability.
Security and Privacy Risks
Cloud Governance solutions cover multiple cloud security components such as encryption, security groups, audit trails, application access rules, and access controls. This helps organizations protect their data from unauthorized downloads/installation of software, storage of illegal data, and access to restricted sites by users.
Vendor Lock-in
Vendor lock-in occurs when organizations depend on the cloud service provider (or vendor) for products and services. Cloud Governance helps organizations understand and modify their Service Level Agreements (SLAs) suitably to reduce dependencies on a single vendor and ensure freedom.
Cloud Sprawl
Cloud sprawl happens when employees of different departments use different programs and cloud infrastructure from third-party providers without involving the IT department and getting necessary approvals. To avoid this, organizations must implement Cloud Governance solutions to detect and restrict cloud sprawl, and ensure a unified, efficient, and managed cloud infrastructure.
Shadow IT and Unwarranted Usage of Cloud Resources
Shadow IT and unwarranted usage of cloud resources occurs when employees in various departments do not follow the rules and regulations as imposed by the IT department on cloud usage. Cloud Governance helps organizations enforce rules, restrictions, and regulations to prevent security breaches and maintain control over their cloud environment.
Lack of Data Portability and Interoperability
Cloud Governance helps organizations detect and prevent issues related to lack of data portability and interoperability. It ensures that the cloud service provider and the inbuilt cloud infrastructure can easily connect with other software and products outside the organization, and prevents incompatible modules from causing chaos in the cloud.
Benefits of Cloud Governance
Cloud Governance provides numerous benefits to organizations, including:
• Reduced Costs: By establishing cloud governance policies and standards, organizations can ensure that cloud services are used effectively and efficiently. This can help to reduce costs by eliminating unnecessary usage and ensuring that resources are properly allocated.
• Improved Security: By setting and enforcing standards for the use of cloud services, organizations can ensure that cloud services are secure and compliant with industry regulations.
• Increased Visibility: Cloud Governance tools provide organizations with visibility into how cloud services are being used. This can help organizations identify areas for improvement and ensure that resources are being used effectively.
Conclusion
Cloud Governance is a critical component of any organization’s cloud strategy. By setting and enforcing policies, standards, processes, and tools, organizations can ensure that cloud services are used responsibly and efficiently. This can help to reduce costs, improve security, and increase visibility into cloud usage.