What not to do when adopting the cloud.

• Position: CLOUD

Before deciding to make the leap to the cloud, you may want to read Mike Kavis's new book, Architecting the Cloud: Design Decisions for Cloud Computing Service Models, which explores the key steps IT and business leaders need to first consider.

Joe Kendrick previewed the book in a recent Forbes.com article, summarizing the nine "worst practices" Kavis has observed that have derailed cloud deployment.

* Worst Practice #1: Migrating applications to the cloud solely to drive down costs. Kavis says companies that want the cloud to reduce the costs of managing current applications should consider moving their applications to a managed hosting provider.

* Worst Practice #2: Having inflated expectations of suddenly becoming a digital enterprise. Kavis advises that companies should use the cloud for smaller deliverables that can provide business value sooner and in smaller increments.

* Worst Practice #3: Not fully understanding cloud security. The lack of standards and enterprise experience with the cloud make it vulnerable to abuse. Cloud security understanding needs to be a top priority for architects, product teams, and other IT professional, says Kavis. * Worst Practice #4: Selecting a favorite vendor, not an appropriate one. Kavis advises to select a vendor who is experienced in cloud and understands the different business circumstances it may present. He also advises IT professionals to learn about the three cloud service models.

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