Businesses need more than just generic solutions to meet their specific needs in today’s fast-changing world. Industry cloud platforms is now playing an important role in this scenario. It is not like the traditional cloud services which are designed with features tailored to particular industries like healthcare, manufacturing and finance.
Industry clouds go beyond basic just providing cloud services and these are like infrastructure (IaaS) and platforms (PaaS). Brian Campbell from Deloitte Consulting said that the focus is on delivering “business outcomes as a service.” The evolution means businesses can solve deeply rooted problems within their industry value chains. They can easily improve efficiency and results with the help of industry clouds.
What Makes Industry Clouds Special?
Industry cloud platforms are pre-built with sector-specific capabilities and some of the examples are like healthcare providers can use Epic Cloud for patient management, manufacturers benefit from Siemens Insights Hub for IoT solutions, and SAP simplifies inventory workflows.
Shriram Natarajan of ISG highlights another advantage and it is that these platforms embed essential processes, templates as well as governance controls.
Benefits Are Clear
Adopting an industry cloud can drive innovation, increase efficiency and create stronger connections with customers as well as suppliers.
However, it is not just about solving operational challenges. Businesses see the best results when they align their industry cloud strategy with broader goals. Hence, it is simply about using technology as a tool to achieve bigger business ambitions.
Challenges to Watch
Industry cloud platforms are not without hurdles and challenges. Herb Hogue from Myriad360 warns of potential long-term costs such as subscription fees and upgrades. These can add up to the cost over time. There is also the risk of being locked into the ecosystem of a vendor and this may limit flexibility.
It is suggested that businesses should evaluate their options carefully. It is not just about the upfront benefits, but it is also about understanding the way a platform will support growth and adaptability in the long run.
