Six Sigma universities can be found on the Internet.  They offer trainings and online courses designed to help management professionals grasp the principles of Six Sigma.  However, so-called Six Sigma universities are not formal higher education institutions one would expect with a similar name.  These universities are virtual training centers and education resources for management professionals.  These institutions are very important in developing the capabilities of professionals in facing the challenges of business process management.  Virtual Six Sigma universities are also responsible in popularizing this business process methodology.

Six Sigma institutions especially those sponsored by big companies offer free courses to the public.  Courses are divided into several modules and can be easily downloaded.  The modules are designed for study at home professionals and are generally treated as added book of knowledge.  However, those wishing to get a formal accreditation as a Six Sigma practitioner should enroll in formal Six Sigma trainings.  These trainings can be full online or a mix of online and traditional learning methods.  Be very sure however that the training institution is accredited by certifying organizations and professional institutions. 

After Six Sigma training, there will be a qualifying exam in order to get a Six Sigma belt.  Belts signify the level of expertise of a practitioner.  Green Belts can be considered novices or basic Six Sigma practitioners.  Black Belts or higher categories are experts in the field.  Trainings can be rigorous but the knowledge and skills learned from it could really help advance the career and experience of every management professional.

Cloud Computing, IT consolidation & ITIL

One of the major problems facing large-scale IT operations is a lack of cohesiveness, or simplicity of operation.  While it might seem as though increased complexity merely opens the door to additional possibilities, this isn’t the case when things become so scattered and complex as to create or foster miscommunication (or absence thereof).    The main aim behind the IT consolidation movement was / is to create more standardization across multiple platforms, systems, infrastructures and working bodies so that waste and exorbitant expenditures can be slashed.

Virtualization has long been associated solely with cloud computing however it is important to note that they are not the same thing (though they both tap into similar technologies).  For instance, a traditional non-cloud architecture model can still utilize or integrate virtualized elements.  To be considered truly “cloud” you have to have nearly a complete move toward the centralization of all IT assets, especially those on the user end of the spectrum.  One of the chief benefits of cloud computing is that it allows a smaller group of IT professionals to manage a much larger pool of resources, all from one location.

Before we jump into how cloud computing can assist in, or even perhaps replace our current notions of what IT consolidation is, or is capable of, let’s examine some of the benefits (of IT consolidation).  Though the true benefits of IT consolidation are highly debatable, there are essentially four principal reasons why it is preferable:

1. Streamlined Modifications / Amendments – By having a solid IT consolidation policy in place it is much easier to modify existing systems in order to incorporate newer / better components as well as correct minor issues without jeopardizing service delivery.
2. Unproblematic Management of Assets – A truly consolidated IT organization allows management to perform their duties in a much cleaner and more efficient fashion.  They are able to spend more time assessing and meeting goals and less time attempting to organize existing infrastructure (or personnel).
3. Better Exploitation of Resources – If you want to succeed in IT, you must be able to help deliver upon expectations and perhaps even bend to facilitate your client’s business model.  Through IT consolidation it is possible to gain a clear understanding of what resources are available and how they might be better used (perhaps even in an unexpected / unconventional, yet highly functional manner).
4. Enhanced Security and Data shielding – Of the many concerns facing IT groups in the modern world, security and the ability to protect data from breach or attack has to be at the top of the list.  Most of the data and systems that IT is charged with utilizing and protecting are often vital / crucial to the success of the businesses they service; in other words, a security breach could very well lead to downtime, which is the same thing as lost profits.  IT consolidation can not only help identify potential risks in this regard, it can also help put measures in place to combat such actions as well.

In many ways, cloud computing is as much another form of IT consolidation as it is a new approach to IT and computing / networking.  This is largely because cloud computing, by its very nature, is concerned with the centralization of assets, which basically requires that (at some point) a complete “inventory” be taken, and a strict organization of assets be initiated.  In this way, establishing or transitioning to a cloud infrastructure is in many ways adhering to the four concepts listed above.  For example, cloud computing allows for the establishment of much cleaner, accessible and more direct management of all IT resources from one central location, which should more than satisfy any requirements needed for successful IT consolidation.

Additionally, methodology frameworks like ITIL can be leverage to provide additional support toward establishing a cloud infrastructure (in terms of both the infrastructure itself as well as the micro-management of personnel).  This is because many of the components found embedded in various individual cloud services are likely to have been developed in a traditional IT environment utilizing ITIL, for example.  Aside from any implications concerning how ITIL might be used to “build a better cloud”, it is still one of the leading technical certifications that IT professionals can attain.  Additionally, it should be noted that ITIL is a perfect reflection of the wisdom and research of countless respected IT gurus; it should go without saying that if you want to make a mark in any particular industry, it’s probably best to study what the “greats” have to impart upon you, so to speak.

While IT consolidation should always be considered to be a step in a positive direction, we should keep our minds open to the possibilities intrinsic to cloud computing, as it is capable of achieving nearly the same ends (with perhaps even greater benefits).   Given the fact that there is currently a big industry-wide push toward cloud computing, it is advisable that careful thought be given as to how your organization is planning to adopt and take advantage of cloud technologies.

Interesting in learning more about ITIL certification, please visit this site.
To check out various cloud computing certification programs, click here.

Most of the large companies have now adapted ERP systems for their businesses that the market for them has been almost saturated. ERP vendors are now targeting mid-ranged companies which are now slowly adapting ERP systems as well. There is definitely a big boom for ERP market in all business areas.

When ERP was initially introduced, there were very few vendors and acquiring a customized ERP was not only expensive. It was also time consuming and required a long waiting period. Today, there are many ERP vendors in addition to the large ones that are already operating. Many smaller ERP vendors are trying to share a portion of the ERP market and this is a good business.

It is predicted that mid-range business will provide good business. For ERP vendors, in the next years to come, they need to prove that ERP is not yet dead but a very much alive business. A mid-range company can now source for an ERP vendor that can customize a system suitable for his company’s budget and needs. It was very much unlike the old days when softwares were too expensive. Of course well known software giants offer a higher price, which is the reason why some smaller companies have been looking at equally good but not so expensive alternatives.

In the future, we don’t know if such trend will exist for a long time. But for these few years, ERP Systems have definitely provided many changes in the business world and will continue to change the way businesses are done.

Why ITIL should play a role in Cloud Computing planning & strategy

To assume that there should, or even could be just one set of practices or methodologies which would completely cover cloud strategizing in its entirety, is wishful thinking at best.  Does this mean that something of this nature won’t emerge in the coming months and years?  No, of course not; but as it is, many different disciplines are needed in order to effectively plan a successful transition to the cloud or to simply craft strategies with one that’s already operational.  Of the many technical reference resources available to IT professionals, ITIL is among the most useful, especially for those managing cloud computing systems.

When we think of cloud computing one of the things that immediately springs to mind is of course, centralization.  For businesses however, the real draw to the cloud is going to be “services”.  In cloud computing, services are essentially capabilities or processes, they are often visualized as being very “silo-like”.  Many have stated before that the true value of cloud computing lies in the quality and abilities of its services, and they’re right.  The general idea is that, through cloud computing, these services can be built to perform very specific tasks / duties and then be leveraged across the entire infrastructure.

One of the most interesting uses for the cloud service deployment concept is transferring or salvaging elements of one’s “legacy” infrastructure (for use in the cloud).  In other words, taking the critical and useful components from traditional IT and repositioning / rebuilding them as part of a new cloud service offering; in this way, the best or most useful elements of the previous architecture can be saved.  In these types of cases, it is best if ITIL has been used to organize and streamline traditional pre-cloud architectures.  After the transferred components (from traditional IT) have been repurposed for use as a cloud service, ITIL can still be used to manage them, or rather it (that particular cloud service offering).

In terms of strategizing in the cloud, there are potentially innumerable ways to utilize any methodology resource (like ITIL), but principally just two main overlying benefits associated with cloud computing in general.   These two concepts are; sustaining a manageable and projected budget as well as assuring increased savings by means of more efficient centralization strategies.   To put that into more digestible terms, cloud computing allows an organization to make more informed long term decisions regarding the use of their infrastructure, and cut energy consumption costs by incorporating a more energy efficient design across an entire network.

Sure, there are many other benefits associated with utilizing cloud computing, but the aforementioned two concepts are usually what bring businesses to the table; in addition to the ability to purchase useful new services on a pay-as-you-go basis.    So, how does ITIL factor into this scenario?  ITIL is used to organize traditional IT in such a manner as to allow for more strategic planning (there are multiple sections devoted to the subject of strategizing), so why not simply repurpose this approach for cloud computing?  Likewise, even if ITIL isn’t implemented for use across the entire cloud architecture, it can still be used to deal with those services which might be constructed from pre-cloud components.

Interestingly enough, utilizing ITIL to prep an entire IT organization and its assets for transitioning to the cloud has been shown to be extremely successful. Not only were these same ITIL-infused groups able to sustain their functionality during transition to a cloud architecture, but they were also able to do so with minimal downtime and virtually no loss of functionality.

The bottom line is that the practices and methods inherent to the ITIL are among the best ever created or envisioned for the entire field of IT; failure to absorb this knowledge is akin to disregarding decades of important research from some of the greatest minds in IT.

If you are interested in adding ITIL certification to your list of accomplishments and resume’ there’s never been a better time than right now.  Not only is the entire industry becoming increasingly reliant on resource methodologies like ITIL, but employers too are quick to scan for these types of technical certifications.  In truth, it’s never been easier to become certified in ITIL as there are now excellent and convenient e-learning options available, which are not only expertly designed, but also extremely affordable as well.    In addition to ITIL, it is also a great idea to consider becoming certified in one of several areas in cloud computing.

Click here for access to top ITIL certification programs.
Click here for access to top Cloud Computing certification programs.