Cloud Service Management vs Cloud Governance
Cloud computing has become a game-changer for businesses of all sizes, enabling faster development, deployment, and scaling of applications. However, this speed and flexibility come with a price – preserving security, compliance, and governance in a cloud environment. Cloud Service Management and Cloud Governance are two approaches to achieve this purpose.
Cloud Service Management
Cloud Service Management involves managing the performance and delivery of cloud services to meet the requirements and expectations of customers. It is responsible for ensuring that cloud services are delivered according to Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and that customers can access and utilize the cloud services effectively.
The cloud Service Management System (SMS) provides operational procedures and guidelines for service management practitioners to manage cloud services effectively. The SMS is based on the Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) framework and includes processes such as Service Level Management, Incident Management, Problem Management, and Change Management.
Here are some essential features of Cloud Service Management:
- Focuses on the performance and delivery of cloud services to customers.
- Emphasizes adherence to SLAs and customer expectations.
- Based on ITIL framework with standard processes and guidelines.
Cloud Governance
Cloud Governance focuses on maintaining regulatory compliance, risk mitigation, and security standards for cloud operations. It is responsible for ensuring that cloud services are used in compliance with regulations, policies, and industry best practices.
Cloud Governance provides a set of policies, procedures, and guidelines for cloud management professionals to control the use of cloud services. It includes processes such as Risk Management, Compliance Management, Security Management, and Identity Management.
Here are some essential features of Cloud Governance:
- Focuses on ensuring regulatory compliance, risk mitigation, and security standards.
- Emphasizes adherence to policies, procedures, and guidelines.
- Based on industry standards and best practices.
Comparing the Two Approaches
Cloud Service Management and Cloud Governance have distinct objectives and scopes. While Cloud Service Management focuses on meeting customers' needs and delivering quality cloud services, Cloud Governance emphasizes security, compliance, and risk management. They complement each other and are essential for the effective management of cloud services.
| Cloud Service Management | Cloud Governance | |
|---|---|---|
| Objective | Manage the performance and delivery of cloud services | Ensure regulatory compliance, risk mitigation, and security standards |
| Focus | Customers and SLAs | Policies, procedures, and guidelines |
| Scope | Service delivery | Risk and compliance management |
| Processes | Service Level Management, Incident Management, Problem Management, Change Management | Risk Management, Compliance Management, Security Management, Identity Management |
| Framework | ITIL | Industry standards and best practices |
Conclusion
Cloud Service Management and Cloud Governance have different objectives and scopes, but they are equally essential for effective cloud management. While Cloud Service Management focuses on delivering quality cloud services to customers, Cloud Governance ensures regulatory compliance, risk mitigation, and security standards. Both approaches aim to guarantee that cloud services are optimized for business success while in compliance with regulations and policies.
So, which one is more important – Cloud Service Management or Cloud Governance? The answer is both! Cloud Service Management and Cloud Governance are complementary approaches that together lead to effective cloud management.