Hype isn't helpful, especially in IT. And cloud has now reached a special status: Zombie Hype. It just keeps coming back over and over. In this session, Microsoft Cloud Lead Advocate Rick Claus joins SolarWinds Head Geeks Patrick Hubbard and Thomas LaRock to break down how SolarWinds customers are using cloud in the real world. Learn what hype curves are, how they're different from adoption cycles, and how to gauge your organization's journey relative to your competitors.

We'll cover user experience from the Pit of Despair to the Productive Paradise, diagram snakes eating elephants, and get industry-specific tips. We'll also talk about the common benefits and challenges based on where you are on the adoption curve. Whether you're an early, middle, late, or non-adopter, you'll discover how useful your existing skills are when it comes to building an effective cloud plan—even if your plan is nope.