Business strategy for Cloud Porviders (The document comes from IBM.)
The case for potential cloud services providers

This is one paper of a two paper series on cloud
strategy from IBM Global Business Services

Abstract
Cloud computing has the potential to be the next major driver
of business innovation, as it promises to enable new business
models and services across almost all industries, especially
telecommunications, healthcare and government. For some
providers, cloud delivery models will open access to new
customer segments such as small business and emerging
markets. And it will fundamentally change the balance of
power in many existing markets.
However, as with any technology-driven change, it is difficult
to sort out the reality from the hype. And even when the
technology is real, being able to capitalize on it with a winning
strategy is difficult. Very few companies emerged as clear
winners from the dot-com wave compared with the many more
that failed. The same will be true of the cloud market. But for
the companies that are successful, the rewards will be equally
as large.
This paper is focused on helping those who want to emerge as
winners in the new cloud provider marketplace.
We have assessed service provider business models for cloud
computing by evaluating services/offerings, strategies,
operations and target customers. We believe the recipe for
success will require exploring all of these factors coupled with
the right partnership strategy.