Why Microsoft cloud pilots stall before production

Many pilots prove that a workflow can be improved. Fewer prove that the solution can be secured, monitored, funded, supported, and adopted by the team that owns the process.

Production criteria should exist before the pilot starts

Define the launch threshold early: permissions, performance, data boundaries, support model, cost, accessibility, release process, and who can approve wider rollout.

• A named operational owner
• A clear support and escalation path
• Monitoring for usage, errors, cost, and risk