CIF-endorsed cloud training schemes launched by Galahad

Technology training specialist Galahad, in partnership with the Cloud Industry Forum (CIF), has announced a comprehensive Cloud Services Seminar programme, to provide buyers and sellers of cloud services with a well-grounded introduction to cloud computing. The courses – entitled Buying Cloud Services – will commence mid-December.

The one-day seminars, written by CIF’s founder, Andy Burton, will equip participants with both clarity and confidence to frame the cloud services opportunity within their organisation. Attendees of the seminars will receive a thorough and vendor-neutral overview of cloud computing, learning how to define a relevant business case, set selection criteria, source suppliers, navigate cloud contracts and manage hybrid IT procurement.
The elements of the course comply with the requirements of the CIF certification scheme for cloud service providers, designed to ensure transparency, capability and accountability in their dealings with customers and enable end user organisations to understand and plan for successful cloud implementations.

Simon Allen, Director at Galahad, said: “We believe the future of IT is centred on cloud computing because it enables flexibility and scalability previously unachievable. There is, however, a great deal of confusion and FUD in the industry. That’s why we he have created, in collaboration with the Cloud Industry Forum, Buying Cloud Services. These one-day seminars unpack the uncertainty surrounding cloud computing and in doing so, they enable decision-makers to make informed decisions.”

Alex Hilton, CEO of CIF, added: “The overall cloud adoption rate in the UK stands at an all-time high, with 69 per cent of businesses formally using at least one type of cloud service, but from our latest research we know that understanding of cloud computing, and its business impact, is not as high as it could be. Just 38 per cent of cloud users report that they fully understand the business impact of cloud services, 37 per cent have a good understanding of cloud contracts, and 40 per cent understand the changes to business process required to migrate to cloud services.

“In order to understand the best fit of cloud to any given opportunity it is important that organisations are able to make a practical assessment of the criteria that will help define the options possible. This vendor-neutral training scheme will play a key role in helping would-be cloud sellers and buyers to navigate the market, cut through the hype, and hone their understandings of cloud computing,” he continued.

David Smart, Managing Director of Softwerx, who attended the pilot seminar, said of the scheme: “A thoroughly comprehensive day. Someone has finally put a cloud computing course together for the business-orientated! Galahad strikes an important balance between delivering an up-to-the-minute strategic industry insight, with a bucket-load of practical explanations and take-homes. Excellent value. All of our Senior Execs will be attending.”

The first Buying Cloud Services seminar will be held on 11th December 2013.