Book excerpt: This IBM® RedpaperTM publication describes our newest product for helping businesses enter the world of cloud technology: IBM SmartCloud® Entry, Version 3.1. This software includes the IBM Common Cloud Stack, which is powered by open source OpenStack from the OpenStack Foundation. These products work together to help you move your business to the cloud. This paper explains the ways that you can take advantage of this extensive and powerful technology. With the power of cloud computing, you can enhance your existing services, extend your market reach, and create new markets for your services. IBM SmartCloud Entry V3.1 is easy to use, even for first-time cloud service users. It can enable you to benefit from cloud technology in less time and with less effort than you might think. This Redpaper features two scenarios that demonstrate the ease of carrying out processes with IBM SmartCloud Entry software. The information is directed to two primary audiences. Chapter 1 is directed mainly to decision-makers, such as CEOs, CIOs, and CFOs, who need to know about cloud technology and the power that it offers. The remainder of the paper is directed to IT professionals, such as information architects, business intelligence administrators, and database administrators, who need to know about the functions and capabilities of SmartCloud Entry and Common Cloud Stack.