Case Study 3 Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

3 - Case Study Example This paper will focus on two major technologies i.e. cloud computing and virtualization that can be adopted by BP to support its current strategy in its quest of transforming its business operations and ensuring it is no longer a serial underperformer. Virtualization refers to a way of creating virtual version of devices or network resources e.g. storage devices, servers, network or operating system. (Lans, 2012). In this case, the framework divides the resource being virtualized into one or more execution environments. In this case of BP, virtualization can be applied by combining its resources i.e. serves so as to serve as one. This is advantageous in a way that having a central server will lead to increased processing power hence faster data processing. Having one central server means BP will incur less costs in buying less hardware and also reduced energy costs since less hardware means less power consumption. (Roebuck, 2011) Fewer personnel will also be required to manage and maintain the equipment hence Dana Deasy’s dream of centralizing and cutting down costs of BP will come true with the adoption of virtualization. With virtualization, BP can create a strategic business environment in terms of resource use and operation with business partners and suppliers. This can be done through the firms intranets and also via external networks i.e. extranets and the internet. This will present BP with a collaboration opportunity of sharing information, resources and ideas with other people and the company hence helping the company respond in timely manner toward situations. (Rainer & Cegielski, 2012). Cloud computing refers to sharing of computing resources over the internet instead of using local servers to support applications. (Marks & Lozano, 2010) For the case of BP, the company through the advice of the CIO can choose to software-as-a-service where they will subscribe to an application but access over the internet. BP can also use