One of the challenges with application modernization often stems from focusing & prioritizing the activity around defined, measurable business need (like lowering costs and streamlining operations, two areas that rank highly in the the data Laberis cites).

Yes, Laberis makes an excellent case for warning signs, new initiatives like Big Data and IT-business alignment. But they're rational ... and that can lead to decisions based on budget, priority ranking, etc. that lead to "cuts" and the status quo.

The key (my opinion) is to find a catalyst ... like execs wanting to access a key app on their iPhone and can't and using that as a way to move beyond ROI-based decisions. The best decisions are based on aligning with stakeholder enthusiasm as much as ROI. To me, more than anything else, aligning with consumerization is the best opportunity for getting application modernization in process in the near term.

--Paul Calento

(note: I work on projects sponsored by EnterpriseCIOForum.com and HP)

Cloud enables process, but isn't necessarily "the" process ... it enables it (like in the example above). In some cases, improving IT efficiency and IT agility may not even involve the cloud. The key is to adapt/utilize a methodology (typically via a platform like referenced) to achieve key objectives. (Always) Thinking (only) cloud-first, rather than focusing on solving a particular problem or achieving a stated goal, may lead to the wrong conclusions.

--Paul Calento

(note: I work on projects sponsored by EnterpriseCIOForum.com and HP)

Reducing complexity is easier when you're starting from scratch. Unfortunately, most organizations already have legacy investments in rather complex applications ... some of which they have little to no visibility into how they're used. However, the move to simpler devices with tablet input (smartphones, tablets, etc.) may be forcing the issue, given the increasing importance of mobility. But managing complexity is difficult. It may start with monitoring apps, usage and learning from the experience and modifying/adapting apps in a more agile fashion. Strong UI is a differentiator, despite commoditization.

--Paul Calento

(note: I work on projects sponsored by EnterpriseCIOForum.com and HP)

Not sure that mobility warrants a C-level job title, but the discussion underscores the role that mobility plays on application modernization and cloud computing. While many organziations are deploying mobile devices as a primary computing solution the applications and resource availability (say access to printing regardless of location) have lagged the availability of those solutions. What's required may be a simple best practices framework (possibly incorporating elements of the HP Instant-On approach) that organizations can utilize as part of their cloud computing transition/build-out.

--Paul Calento

(note: I work on projects sponsored by EnterpriseCIOForum.com and HP)

Best practices for securing IaaS are already here. Key may be being proactive over reactive. Focus on the wants, needs and goals for improving the overall risk profile and subsequently use cloud computing, IaaS et al to make it happen.

--Paul Calento

(note: I work on projects sponsored by EnterpriseCIOForum.com and HP)

Related to cuture, I think its important to never discount your first impressions. Ask yourself, "Do I like the people I'm working with? Do I like the people I will be managing?" If the answer is 'no', consider whether the position is for you. These are the kinds of questions we've been trained to ignore ... "its business after all". However, I think that these are the types of basic issues that ultimately success, failure and (most importantly, but often overlooked) professional happiness. Of course, as you've pointed out before, AFTER you get the job, you still need to "do your homework".

--Paul Calento

(note: I work on projects sponsored by EnterpriseCIOForum.com and HP)