As companies become more comfortable with cloud technology, more C-level executives are finding it better to lead with a cloud-first strategy, rather than adding a cloud solution as an afterthought to more traditional methods of computing.

To expand on this new challenge,  Subbu Iyer, SVP and CMO of Riverbed Technology, Inc., joined Dave Vellante (@dvellante) and Stu Miniman (@stu), cohosts of theCUBE, from the SiliconANGLE Media team, during Riverbed Disrupt, held at the Conrad Hotel in New York City, to discuss the new thinking around cloud.

As Iyer pointed out, “Digital transformation is fueled from a cloud technology.” As the group discussed, the emphasis is more and more on the end users who may be on many different types of devices. Cloud gives companies the flexibility to run them, no matter where the users are located and no matter how they are accessing the cloud.

APIs can fuel internal innovation

Additionally, the increasing importance of Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) can help fuel internal innovation, reaching new customers, extending products and creating vibrant partner ecosystems. The resulting shift in the way business works is creating huge new opportunities for both individual organizations and global commerce as a whole.

“It’s easier for a company … when you have a focused set of people within the company with whom to talk [about cloud computing],” said Iyer, noting the increased sophistication of corporate cloud buyers and users.

He also touched on how there’s been more opportunities for Riverbed Techology to be viewed as a customer leader, helping its clients to not just handle current challenges, but also to anticipate future industry trends to the benefit of all.

Watch the complete video interview below, and be sure to check out more of SiliconANGLE and theCUBE’s coverage of the Riverbed Disrupt event.

Photo by SiliconANGLE