Cloud Assurance

As more companies adopt cloud computing and the range of services available in an ‘as a service’ model are increasing, businesses are recognizing that the benefits of cloud computing go far beyond cost savings. Business process transformation – changing the way enterprises interact with the customers, suppliers, employees and others through the agility and ease of use of cloud-based solutions – is rising on the agenda of many CXOs.

Leveraging cloud computing to support a transformation in the business or simply moving business processes to the cloud requires changes that go beyond technology. Business processes will change to adapt to a model that involves less direct control by enterprise, greater standardization, and new capabilities to manage cloud environments or providers (“cloud administrators”).

With change introduces risk and successful companies will address the risk of change proactively so they do not get caught without the right processes, controls and governance to ensure they maintain, at a minimum, the existing level of control and compliance that they have invested in over their company’s history. This session will discuss key business process areas that are changing as company’s leverage the cloud for business transformation or that are moving key business processes to the cloud. We will discuss key areas of consideration for identifying and managing the risks of change through this transformation.

- by Cara Beston

Author`s Bio:

Cara is the National Technology sector leader for PwC’s Systems & Process Assurance practice based in San Jose, CA. She is also a member of PwC’s national Cloud Action Committee. She specializes in IT and process risk and control assurance services to IT, Internal Audit and business leaders in the Technology sector. In her 21 years with PwC, Cara has served over 80 technology clients, including key Cloud enabling enterprises, Cisco Systems, VMware, 3Par, SaaS providers, and a number of on-line businesses including Shutterfly, CBS Interactive, Zappos.com and others. Cara graduated summa cum laude from Bridgewater College, MA and is a member of the AICPA. She lives in Pleasanton, CA with her husband and 3 children. Danielle Ritter Manager, Risk Assurance Danielle helps lead PwC’s cloud and internet Risk Assurance practice based in Silicon Valley. With a deep knowledge of enterprise risk management and the importance of sound internal controls she helps companies assess, identify and manage risk through the development and evaluation of business and technology standards, procedures and controls. Most recently, she has dedicated her time to developing a deep understanding of the unique aspects within cloud environment, helping both providers and consumers of cloud services manage and mitigate risks with both moving to and maintaining cloud environments. With nine years of technology industry experience, Danielle has her MBA from Columbia Business School and holds active licenses as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified Information System Auditor (CISA).