In today's competitive landscape, cloud computing executives often rely heavily on consulting firms to navigate the complex world of cloud technologies. However, ensuring that these engagements deliver genuine business value requires vigilance and strategic oversight. One key concern is the tendency of consulting firms to recommend partner technologies, which can potentially lead to conflicts of interest. Executives must critically assess these recommendations to ensure they align with their company's strategic goals and are not merely driven by the consultant's partnerships.

To ensure that consulting engagements translate into tangible business outcomes, it's crucial to set clear objectives and establish measurable indicators of success. Rather than focusing solely on technical deliverables, executives should prioritize initiatives that offer significant business impact. This requires a regular assessment of consulting projects to ensure they remain aligned with overarching business strategies.