Which aspect of cloud computing may require a rethink of traditional IT governance models?

In the context of cloud computing, accountability and compliance are critical aspects that necessitate a re-evaluation of traditional IT governance models. This shift is primarily due to the shared responsibility model prevalent in cloud environments, where both the cloud service provider and the customer have roles in ensuring security, compliance, and accountability.

Traditional IT governance models often rely on structured, on-premises frameworks that delineate clear boundaries of responsibility, control, and accountability. However, in a multicloud or hybrid cloud environment, these boundaries can become blurred. Organizations must establish new policies that address multi-vendor services, varied compliance requirements across different regions, and the dynamic nature of cloud resources.

Ensuring compliance with regulatory standards (such as GDPR, HIPAA, etc.) becomes more complex when data and applications are spread across multiple cloud services. This demands a more agile governance framework that can adapt to the cloud's fluidity, promoting continuous compliance monitoring and accountability mechanisms.

Therefore, the emphasis on accountability and compliance in cloud computing challenges traditional IT governance approaches, requiring organizations to adopt a more integrated, flexible, and collaborative governance model that aligns with cloud capabilities and risks.