Based on experience garnered from 150+ private cloud implementations, this session will provide attendees with a set of hard-earned lessons-learned. These are illustrated by a number of project-based anecdotes, including building a future-proof cloud and re-engineering existing IT service delivery processes. Additionally, the session will describe actionable strategies for avoiding the most common (and expensive) private cloud pitfalls, including mismanaging user expectations and underestimating platform growth.