As common and widely used as the cloud is, it’s still not very well understood. From security concerns to financial questions, the majority of consumers have some misconceptions about how, exactly, cloud computing works. Fortunately, we have answers.
Here are the 5 top cloud computing myths and what you need to know about each.
Myth #1: People only use the cloud to save money
Truth: While migrating to a cloud-based system can certainly save a company money on IT costs, Gartner’s 2014 CIO survey states that organizations who use the cloud state that only 14% of their reasoning for doing so is based on finances. Other reasons companies use the cloud include convenience, increased collaboration abilities, and streamlined data retrieval and storage.
Myth #2: Cloud computing is not secure
Truth: While any data storage and retrieval system poses some potential risk, the cloud is only perceived as being less secure than on-site storage solutions. While there have been some notable cloud data breaches, most data breaches actually take place in on-premise data centers.
That said, while companies do certainly need to consider the security of their information when deciding on a data storage solution, it’s not valid to assume that the cloud is less secure than on-site solutions. Good cloud providers offer a whole host of protective measures designed to keep your data from prying eyes.
Myth #3: The cloud’s mission is to do away with data centers
Truth: The grand majority of companies that move to cloud-based storage systems are not aiming to destroy their data centers in the process. While cloud computing is ideal for outsourcing and modernizing data centers and creating a more cohesive, streamlined data center strategy, these things are not mutually exclusive with data center shutdowns. Instead, companies who want to use the cloud should evaluate cloud-based solutions on a per-workload basis, rather than in an “all or nothing” fashion.
Myth #4: Cloud migration supports all applications seamlessly
Truth: Unfortunately, it doesn’t. If you want to use the cloud to host applications, you also need to move each of the application’s supporting elements over to the cloud. While doing this correctly often results in increases in collaboration, an interruption in cloud access can spell disaster for productivity.
Myth #5: “I don’t need the cloud. My computer systems work just fine.”
Truth: Often spoken by companies that are hesitant to undergo a cloud migration, this statement is off base and may, in fact, be costing the company in question serious profits. As a general rule, network servers can be local or cloud based. Cloud-based systems offer a higher level of collaboration and productivity than local servers as well as more secure data storage and the possibility of remote access.
Because the cloud offers more seamless operation and a potential for greater access, it can provide a marked bottom-line boost for companies who use it. While local computer systems can be advanced and collaborative, moving to the cloud has the potential to increase both function and collaboration potential, which is good for companies across the board.
Conclusion
As cloud-based solutions continue to boom in popularity, it’s important for interested parties to debunk the myths that surround the cloud and seek, instead, to understand the system in all of its various functions. This provides a more informed decision-making process and ensures that companies who choose to use the cloud are getting access to the systems and platforms they need to make their businesses succeed. By doing away with the misinformation, consumers can help create a more intelligent cloud that meets or exceeds all business needs. To learn more about the cloud and how you can incorporate cloud-based solutions into your business, contact Allied Telecom today.
