[ON-DEMAND] Watch Our Exclusive Fireside Chat on AWS-Powered Innovation
On the 28th of August 2024, BlueSky and Amazon Web Services (AWS) brought together experts for an exclusive fireside chat, diving deep into the transformative power of the cloud for South African businesses.
If you missed the live event, you can now access the full conversation on-demand.
Watch the recording to gain valuable insights into how leveraging AWS is no longer just an IT decision, but a core driver of business strategy, agility, and growth.
Key Topics Discussed:
Our panel of experts from BlueSky and AWS explored the critical questions facing business leaders today:
- Beyond Migration: The Cloud-Native Mindset: We moved past the “lift and shift” conversation to discuss what it truly means to innovate with a cloud-native approach, leveraging the full power of AWS services.
- Data as a Strategic Asset: The chat uncovered practical strategies for using AWS to build a modern data foundation, unlock insights, and fuel AI-driven decision-making.
- Driving Business Innovation: We shared real-world examples of how South African companies are using AWS to accelerate product development, enhance customer experiences, and create new revenue streams.
- The Human Element: The discussion also covered the cultural shift required for successful cloud adoption, focusing on skills development and fostering a culture of continuous innovation.
The BlueSky Takeaway:
Cloud adoption is the foundational step for future-proofing your business. The insights from this discussion provide a clear roadmap for any South African organisation looking to move beyond simple infrastructure and truly innovate with AWS.
Frequently Asked Questions (Answered in the Chat)
- What is the biggest mistake companies make when adopting AWS?
A common mistake is treating the cloud simply as a cheaper data centre (a “cost play”). The real value of AWS is unlocked when you start using its higher-level services for data analytics, machine learning, and serverless computing. A successful strategy focuses on business transformation, not just infrastructure replacement.
- How important is an AWS partner for a successful cloud journey?
For most businesses, a certified AWS partner like BlueSky is critical. A partner accelerates your journey by providing deep expertise, helping you avoid common pitfalls, and ensuring your architecture is secure, cost-effective, and aligned with best practices. They bring the experience of hundreds of migrations, which is invaluable.
- Where can a business start if they are new to AWS?
A great starting point is a “Well-Architected Review.” This is a process where an AWS partner assesses your existing infrastructure or plans against AWS best practices across six pillars: operational excellence, security, reliability, performance efficiency, cost optimisation, and sustainability. It provides a clear, actionable roadmap for your cloud journey.
About the Author:
Martin Cheetham is the Business Executive for Experience Design at BlueSky, where he helps leading South African companies bridge the gap between employee engagement and customer satisfaction through strategic design.