Glossary of terms

Cloud governance

Definition of Cloud Governance

Cloud governance is a framework of policies, procedures, and controls designed to ensure the efficient, secure, and compliant management of cloud computing resources within an organization. It encompasses the strategies, guidelines, and best practices that govern how cloud services are utilized, monitored, and optimized to align with business objectives and regulatory requirements.

Main Features of Cloud Governance

1. Policy Management: Establishing and enforcing policies for cloud usage, security, and compliance.

2. Risk Management: Identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks associated with cloud adoption and usage.

3. Cost Optimization: Monitoring and controlling cloud spending to maximize ROI and minimize waste.

4. Security and Compliance: Implementing measures to protect data, ensure privacy, and meet regulatory requirements.

5. Resource Management: Overseeing the allocation, utilization, and lifecycle of cloud resources.

6. Performance Monitoring: Tracking and optimizing the performance of cloud services and applications.

7. Data Management: Establishing protocols for data storage, access, and protection in the cloud.

8. Vendor Management: Overseeing relationships with cloud service providers and ensuring SLA compliance.

9. Change Management: Guiding the adoption of new cloud technologies and services within the organization.

10. Automation: Implementing automated processes for provisioning, scaling, and management of cloud resources.

Scope of Cloud Governance

The scope of cloud governance extends across various aspects of an organization’s cloud operations, including:

1. Strategic Planning: Aligning cloud initiatives with overall business strategy and goals. 2. Financial Management: Budgeting, forecasting, and controlling cloud-related expenses.

3. Operational Management: Overseeing day-to-day cloud operations and maintenance.

4. Security and Compliance: Ensuring adherence to industry standards, regulations, and internal security policies.

5. Architecture and Design: Guiding the design and implementation of cloud solutions and architectures.

6. Service Level Management: Defining, monitoring, and enforcing service level agreements (SLAs).

7. Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity: Planning and implementing strategies for data protection and system recovery.

8. Identity and Access Management: Controlling user access to cloud resources and services.

9. Data Governance: Managing data quality, privacy, and lifecycle in the cloud environment.

10. Multi-cloud and Hybrid Cloud Management: Coordinating governance across multiple cloud platforms and on-premises infrastructure.

11. Training and Skill Development: Ensuring staff have the necessary skills to manage and utilize cloud resources effectively.

12. Continuous Improvement: Regularly reviewing and updating governance practices to adapt to changing technologies and business needs.

The scope of cloud governance is comprehensive, touching upon technical, operational, financial, and strategic aspects of cloud computing within an organization. It aims to create a structured approach to cloud management that maximizes benefits while minimizing risks and ensuring alignment with organizational goals.

Blog