Debunking the Top 5 Cloud Computing Fears
Cloud computing is a highly scalable and cost-effective solution for businesses. Yet, there’s high levels of resistance and many companies are holding back from making the switch.
(If you think we’re talking about the white fluffy things in the sky, check out this article before reading on for everything you need to know about the cloud.)
Here are the Five Most Common Cloud Computing Fears:
1. Fear of Losing Control
“I want full responsibility for my IT.” Moving to the public cloud means partnering with a vendor. Some of your existing technology can move as is, whereas other tools your people rely on may need replacement or redesign.
One solution is to migrate to a private cloud. This allows you to continue to control the data environment but will be a more costly solution than a public alternative. When partnering with a public cloud service provider, establish clear responsibilities. Ensure you’re both on the same page about who is accountable for what.
2. Fear of Change
“If it ain’t broke, why fix it,” especially when it comes to business computing, right? Transitioning from one datacenter to another requires preparation and effort.
Yet the resulting greater flexibility makes the work worthwhile.
Cloud migration is appealing because the technology offers the following benefits:
- scalability
- increased effectiveness
- faster implementation
- mobility
- disaster recovery
The cloud allows you to store data, run applications, deliver content, and more – all online. Your business doesn’t have to invest in the hardware or networking tech on-site.
3. Fear for Data Security
Any downtime from a data breach can cost business revenue, brand reputation, and productivity loss. And that’s only the beginning. So, you don’t want to move to a solution that expands your vulnerability to attack.
There are two ways to get attacked: digital or physical. Working with a cloud provider, you gain a partner focused on security. They know the mitigations and countermeasures for specific cloud computing capabilities. They know the frameworks, architectures, and approaches to best protect against digital attack. Microsoft spends $1 billion annually safeguarding Azure, its cloud offering, from cyberattack. Can your IT budget compete?
As for physical security, cloud data centers are secure facilities: we’re talking guards with keycards, fenced perimeters, power backups, and server redundancy. They have the works. Your office is probably less secure.
4. Fear for Interoperability Challenges
We’re always told to play nicely with others, but what if existing business technology doesn’t play well with the cloud? Business leaders may fear they’ll be stuck having to reinvent the wheel.
The good news? There have been great strides in interoperability. Many application programming interfaces are available to help. Cloud providers want your business systems to exchange and use information seamlessly.
5. Fear of Cost Increases
Before giving in to cost concerns, take stock of your current IT operating budget. The time and money you could save may surprise you. For example, the software provider takes charge of updates, patching, and new capabilities, which alone can increase IT’s productivity in other areas.
The scalability of cloud solutions also counterbalances cost concerns. With cloud technology, you know your tools are always evolving. Plus, you can quickly add or reduce licenses and data storage size as needed since there’s no waiting for hardware to arrive.
Conclusion
With cloud migration, you also avoid training employees to support the technology. Plus, you’re not paying to use office space, power, and cooling to house the equipment. The cloud also provides end users with immediate access from almost any device.
The one challenge is migrating to the cloud securely. Partner with a Managed Service Provider to get you migrated swiftly and ensure you’re using cloud computing safely.
STG IT Consulting Group would love to show you all we can offer as your Managed Service Provider.
Click here to schedule a free 15-minute meeting with Stan Kats, Client Engagement Specialist and Senior Technologist.
We proudly serve the Los Angeles and West Hollywood area for all of your IT needs. We look forward to meeting with you!
