One misconception among enterprises is that virtualization is the only method of consolidation. Virtualization focuses on reducing capital expenses, but nearly any application that can be delivered in-house as a service or is web-based can produce a greater opportunity for savings if it is moved to the cloud. This is because a cloud platform leaves it to service providers to manage infrastructure that will save you time, while also teaching you how to leverage the latest technologies in ways that enhances your competitive advantage. While consolidating through virtualization means better utilization of hardware, the way applications are developed and later evolve through that system doesn’t change. Virtualization also consumes precious internal infrastructure, which can be avoided through the more flexible option of a cloud platform.

True cloud adoption involves adopting a DevOps mentality. The cross-functional nature of a DevOps organization increases innovation while maintaining the highest standard of operational efficiency and quality. Stepping away from a traditional IT model through the adoption of a DevOps mindset is key to shaping an enterprise’s strategy around the cloud. While traditional IT thinking has always started with “Let me build an application from the ground up;” a top-down approach enables enterprises to pursue a platform that supports their particular workload most effectively. Rackspace has built a solution that combines dedicated hosting with cloud through RackConnect, which enables customers to take optimal advantage of the cloud while providing the benefits of traditional hosting.

The cloud is much more than affordable, on-demand infrastructure, or a place where one moves an application stack, as-is, from a data center. It’s a sophisticated business tool that requires an equally sophisticated conceptual approach. Cloud is a business model, not just a technology. In the end, the adoption of cloud means refining the way enterprises design, build and evolve applications, which leads to swifter innovation.

Be sure to check out the latest installment of the Enterprise Cloud Forum, in which Rackspace Senior IT Strategist Brian Jawalka and Rackspace Vice President of Software Application Development Krishna Prasad, along with guest host Mark Majewski, Cloud Solution Architect, discussed how enterprises need to approach DevOps to ensure cloud adoption success. You can tune in to an mp3 recording here and the presentation slides are available here.

Not to fear, we have an mp3 recording and presentation slides available here.

Learn about the evolution of DevOps and how it is no longer a luxury, but a necessity.

You’ll discover the five keys to DevOps implementation success:

• Rock-solid strategy development
• Organizational alignment and buy-in
• Project definition and experimentation
• DevOps expertise
• Continuous loop feedback and strategy refinement

Watch this webinar and let us know what you think in the Enterprise Cloud Forum on LinkedIn.

And be sure to join us on Wednesday, March 13 at 11 a.m. CST when Matt Montelone, Senior IT Strategist, and Rich Murr, Rackspace Vice President of IT Operations, discuss how to most effectively retool your enterprise IT shop when adopting cloud as a business model. You will learn:

• What an IT department should look like in a cloud world
• How to reallocate internal IT resources after partnering with a service provider
• How to assess your in-house skill sets – skills to develop and new skills to hire

Most of all, you will learn how to redefine, reorganize and revise roles and responsibilities to bring the most value to your business.

Essentially, DevOps success will make or break an enterprise, and both sides – the Devs and the Ops – must work together. It’s also up to enterprises to buy in to this new model and align their resources to embrace the shift to DevOps and to do what’s right for the business.

Luckily, we’re here to help you navigate the DevOps revolution in the Enterprise Cloud Forum. During the next installment of the Enterprise Cloud Forum (Wednesday, February 13 at 11 a.m. CST), we’ll teach you to “Tear Down Silos and Build Your Enterprise DevOps Engine.” During this roundtable discussion, we’ll guide your business toward DevOps success by touching on key topics like how to promote healthy cross-functional collaboration between your development and operations organizations; how to implement a mandate for DevOps; and how Rackspace IT is employing DevOps in its journey to the open cloud.

Rackspace Vice President of Software Application Development Krishna Prasad and I will lead the discussion. The Enterprise Cloud Forum, powered by the Rackspace Advisory Services Team, is a virtual roundtable that brings together both IT and business ideas to help drive your future IT strategy. These hour-long sessions are split into topic discussion followed by 30 minutes of open Q&A.

Space is limited to 50 registrants. All participants will receive a copy of the event recording. Sign up today and start breaking down the silos and embrace DevOps for IT success.