Find your cloud operating model.
Four questions. An explained starting point. Editable templates for your next working conversation.
A starting point you can question.
The finder compares your choices with five patterns in the Cloud TOM reference library. It is a design aid, not a maturity assessment or a validated benchmark. It does not assess budgets, staffing, control obligations or your readiness to implement a pattern.
Each answer adds the points shown below. The highest total suggests the first pattern to explore; a difference of two points or less highlights a close alternative. Equal totals follow the library order. Fewer than two answers that distinguish patterns returns the generic model. Handovers matter in every pattern, so that priority selects supporting material without adding points.
See the selection rules · Method 2026.1
How is cloud work organized today?
- One shared cloud team: Centralized CCoE +4; Platform-product operating model +1
- A central team and business domains: Hub-and-spoke cloud operating model +4; Federated governance +1
- Several capable, independent teams: Federated governance +4; Hub-and-spoke cloud operating model +1
- Not sure yet: No points; this answer does not favor a particular pattern.
Where should cloud decisions sit?
- Mostly with a central authority: Centralized CCoE +5; Hub-and-spoke cloud operating model +1
- Shared rules, with local decisions: Hub-and-spoke cloud operating model +4; Federated governance +3
- Close to product and delivery teams: Federated governance +5; Platform-product operating model +2
- Not sure yet: No points; this answer does not favor a particular pattern.
Who will deliver and run the services?
- Mostly our own teams: Platform-product operating model +2; Centralized CCoE +1; Federated governance +1; Hub-and-spoke cloud operating model +1
- A mix of internal teams and providers: Hub-and-spoke cloud operating model +2; MSP-led cloud operating model +2
- Mostly a managed-service provider: MSP-led cloud operating model +9
- Not sure yet: No points; this answer does not favor a particular pattern.
What do you most want to improve?
- Clearer ownership and common standards: Centralized CCoE +3; Hub-and-spoke cloud operating model +2
- Reusable platforms and self-service: Platform-product operating model +8
- Faster decisions across teams: Federated governance +4; Hub-and-spoke cloud operating model +2
- More reliable handovers into operations: No points; this answer does not favor a particular pattern.
- Not sure yet: No points; this answer does not favor a particular pattern.
Answers are processed in your browser and are not sent to analytics. With your analytics consent, we measure finder starts, completions and resource downloads. Explore every archetype or read the reference methodology.