Even though cloud has been with us for some time already, many executives used to relying on traditional data servers consider this relatively novel technology an unnecessary risk and a potential source of problems. Their concerns are often based on some persistent misconceptions that seem to surround every new technology. Here are 7 major myths about cloud computing – debunked!
1. Cloud is not safe
This is perhaps the most significant and least grounded belief about the cloud. Many managers claim that they wouldn’t want critical information about a company to float somewhere around the internet, stored in shared hardware and accessible by anyone ranging from regular users to the National Security Agency.
The truth is that cloud providers usually boast many more security protocols than any company could ever get their hands on in their private, non-cloud data servers. Cloud providers can, and do, experience downtimes, but companies can efficiently avoid them by placing their data in several locations and developing a backup strategy.
2. Cloud is too expensive
Another classic argument. While cloud may involve some considerable upfront costs, it will be much cheaper in the long run. First, IT management tasks are outsourced and their cost is reduced. Moreover, in some cases companies can save up to 50% of costs normally related to operation, information system updates and maintenance.
Going for cloud, companies can reduce their investment in hardware equipment or human resources and radically limit space usually used for information infrastructure and management.
3. Organisations are still experimenting with the cloud
Some executives consider cloud just another technology trend that is bound to expire in some time. They think most companies that choose this solution are merely experimenting with it to see whether it brings any benefits.
A study conducted by Cloud Connect in partnership with Everest Group demonstrated that what’s happening isn’t experimentation, but serious investment. 58% of examined enterprises would spend more than 10% of their annual IT budgets on cloud services. And that certainly isn’t little.
4. Cloud doesn’t bring any tangible benefits to businesses
Wrong. Cloud computing is a major technological development that makes IT resources and applications easily accessible through a smart network. Increased data availability is just one important aspect of the cloud – another is the fact that it can easily adapt to company’s needs and usage habits. Other than that, enterprises choosing the cloud also enjoy an improved system performance and on-demand scalability.
5. Companies lose control over data in cloud
This concern is closely tied to the one about security. Many executives feel that by relying completely on an outsourced IT infrastructure, they might simply lose control over it. This simply isn’t true – by delegating the task of managing a company’s data infrastructure, executives can benefit from the expertise of data specialists at the cloud provider.
When choosing cloud, it’s the internal human resources that have full control over the company data – but the efficiency of their IT infrastructure is under the care of data experts, minimising problem-solving issues or troubleshooting, effectively giving your IT team more time to focus on development projects.
6. Scaling in cloud is automatic
Cloud doesn’t guarantee the possibility of scaling up each and every aspect of company’s operations. While pure computing power can be scaled up most of the time, enterprise application might not. That’s why companies that expect to grow should make sure that their applications were developed to allow scalability in cloud.
Speaking technically, applications should be modular – their functionality should be split up into independent commands. This will in turn allow companies to manage, configure and maintain more servers if their app requires them.
7. Cloud is just about technology requirements
Finally, many executives believe that cloud is a solution that affects exclusively the technology needs of an enterprise. The truth is that more than a half of enterprises examined in this study consider cloud to serve as a strategic business differentiator that accelerates innovation and promotes operational excellence.
All in all, cloud is a solution that brings tangible benefits to any enterprise deciding to outsource its data servers. When we look around us and see how many people are using cloud services – Google Drive, Gmail, Amazon, eBay, iTunes – we realise that the importance of cloud is steadily growing and might soon become a standard practice not only for consumer use, but enterprise as well.
Tess Pajaronis a Community Manager at Open Colleges, an online learning provider based in Sydney, Australia. She has a background in Business Administration and Management.