FEATURED PAPER

Project Management and Cloud Computing

By Bernardo Nicoletti
Master in Procurement, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome
Member of the ICT Steering Committee, ANIMP, Milan

Italy

Abstract

The use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is changing. A new wave is approaching: Cloud computing. Cloud computing is the provision of computer resources via the network, ideally through Internet.
Such a new opportunity can offer new ways to manage projects. It is especially useful when there are multi-locations projects, either from the point of view of clients, or suppliers or team members. The approach seems particularly suited to many companies with distributed operations, such as the EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) companies. In such a situation, the possibility to access distributed and distinct computing resources can bring substantial advantages.

Cloud computing is particularly useful to support a lean and digitize approach to project management. In this paper, a method is presented to take into account the opportunities of cloud computing. The method is applied to a specific situation of a virtual PMO and a Help Desk. The paper discussed the success factors and benefits of such approach

1. Introduction

Project and program management is becoming more and more challenging. In this situation, it is important to use all the available methods to improve effectiveness, efficiency and economics of project management.

One of the more interesting technologies is Cloud Computing. It is based essentially on offering computing as a utility accessible on demand everywhere anytime. On the other side, more and more projects are becoming virtual in nature. Project resources work in several locations and so often is the client. In such a situation, Cloud computing seems the ideal solution. This paper will consider what is cloud computing and a method to make its best use.

2. Definition of Cloud Computing

Cloud computing is defined by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) as “a model for enabling convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g., networks, servers, storage, applications, and services) that can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort or service provider interaction.” (Brown 2011). NIST identifies five essential characteristics of cloud computing: on-demand service, broad network access, resource pooling, rapid elasticity, and measured service.

Cloud computing can be deployed in different ways, each of which provides distinct trade-offs for organizations which are migrating applications to a cloud environment. NIST defines the cloud deployment models as follows:

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About the Author Bernardo Nicoletti Author Bernardo Nicoletti, organization consultant and coach, is a member of the faculty of the Master in Procurement program at the University of Rome Tor Vergata. In the past, he worked for Alitalia Airlines, Galileo International, GE Capital, GE Oil & Gas and AIG.  Bernardo Nicoletti worked on a method, named Lean & Digitize, to optimize processes while automating them.  He has written several books and articles for international reviews. He is a frequent speaker at international events and congresses. At the same time, he consults to organizations in financial services, manufacturing and information technologies. Bernardo can be contacted at  Bernardo.nicoletti@katamail.com.  More information at www.bernardonicoletti.com .