Today, cloud computing has now established itself as a must-have backup, protecting businesses against data losses. It is indeed a valuable resource, and as it becomes widespread, so do the myths surrounding it. Lack of understanding and confusion regarding security and reliability are getting in the way of businesses making the most of this resource. For business leaders, entrusting sensitive information to a third party can be a big step, especially if they are concerned about cost, backup reliability and security.
Let’s break down some of the most common cloud computing myths, so that you can be more confident in the benefits of cloud technology.
1. Insecurity of the cloud
Security issues are seen as the main hurdle to cloud adoption. CDW Report on Cloud Computing 2013 says that 46% of IT leaders rated issues about the security as the top barrier to adopting cloud technology.
The biggest myth that revolves around cloud is that it is insecure. After all, we have heard of cloud being hacked,resulting in information being leaked. However, in reality, your data is secure as cloud providers ensure know every detail about securing everything from intrusion detection and encryption tools to analysis of strange files on the network. Cloud providers ensure that users are protected by multiple stage login systems. To minimize risks, businesses can add levels of security, protect data with powerful passwords and accessibility controls and also develop applications with security concerns.
While on-site storage is also important, using reputed cloud providers for redundancy and backup is the best path to ultimate data security.
2. Cloud providers won’t respect privacy
Business leaders are concerned about other people accessing their data. Gmail, Google’s Cloud-based email service serves as a right example. It is quite well known that Google sells advertising based on keywords found in users’ emails and companies are concerned about this.
However, there is a world of difference between business centric services and those aimed at the public. For businesses, cloud providers follow a completely different approach. Your entire content-emails and files are owned by you. In addition to this, you have total control over your own security and accessibility to your data and will be able to make sure everything is protected with encryption and even restricted to use on specific IP ranges and computers in your business.
3. Cloud computing is for big businesses
The cloud is the great equalizer for today’s start-ups and SMEs. It is one of the few areas where SMEs can access the same resources as large corporations.
A flexible cloud solution can benefit small companies in the exact same way it can a global conglomerate; perhaps even more so. Small businesses have limited resources and low infrastructure budget. For them, cloud server and virtualization technology opens the door to an IT solution that meets their needs and helps them grow their business. Thescalability of the cloud,it’s cost-effectiveness makes the real difference for this smaller business set-ups.
Big business might have a larger budget but the strength of the cloud comes from its ability to be moulded to suit need, rather than forcing the same solution on everybody.
4. Shifting to cloud is a complex process
It is natural to think that moving to cloud involves levels of complexities just as the process of rolling out any propriety software or a new system would entail. It is actually a very straightforward process.The majority of standard productivity applications are already available on the cloud. Moving applications into the cloud is just a matter of signing up, and the installation time is low to almost zero as are improvements.
5. Cloud computing is cost-driven
Cost is one of the main drivers of adoption, and has made cloud computing accessible to businesses of all sizes. However, it isn’t the most important factor. Being able to grow your business flexibly, securing a scalable solution to meet what your business needs and focusing on resources that differentiate your businesses are much stronger benefits of adopting cloud technology.
Overall, myths on cloud computing involves around psychology of people and fear of change. Ten years ago, people would never think of divulging their credit card information online. We have come a long way since then and are seeing a great momentum. Cloud computing is gaining attention among many entrepreneurs and large businesses alike. However, it is essential for businesses to do all their preparation and comprehend all choices on how each will affect the organization. By making up-to-date choices, cloud computing can provide value and versatility to businesses. It is this basic ethos that has made thecloud popular and is at the heart of it appeal.
The writer is CEO & co-Founder, Solutions Infini