Although cloud computing has been around for years, some businesses are still getting used to the concept and its capabilities. Even though cloud computing has gained much attention since its first launch, many common misconceptions surround it.
As a result, these myths about cloud computing have prevented companies from using it and capturing its full benefits. One of the major reasons for these misconceptions is that some company leaders have encountered roadblocks in their path.
In turn, CEOs that have led the conversations of cloud management have revealed consistencies in these myths — slowing down adoption and progression. However, many companies have debunked these tales by successfully counteracting them and reaping the greatest benefits.
Here are the top misconceptions about cloud computing you’ll still see today.
1. Cloud Technology Is Less Secure
In the past, IT officers shrugged off cloud providers because they believed that suppliers could provide higher security. However, many business leaders are changing their mindset on this.
Cloud providers haven’t had any major security incidents in the past. In fact, some cloud solution companies are making their way into the security space, ensuring they’re complying with FedRAMP — a government-wide program that standardizes the approach to security for cloud technologies.
With these measures in place, company leaders can gain more confidence in cloud management.
One thing to remember, though, is that this doesn’t absolve you from your security responsibilities. While cloud providers have high-security standards, the data they help you manage is still your responsibility.
2. Cloud Management Is Expensive
Many companies believe cloud management services can be expensive. However, cloud computing providers can help you save money and increase your return on investment.
Suppose you’re investing in an on-premise system. This tends to be expensive, especially for non-profits, because you have to create your own IT infrastructure. This involves putting money into servers, routers, IT employees, software, licensing, etc.
Yet, you have no need for a costly internal infrastructure if you migrate to the cloud. When switching to the cloud, the provider takes care of all of those expenses for you. All you need to pay for is the amount of space utilized and you can always scale when required.
3. The Cloud Isn’t Reliable
You might feel that on-premise infrastructure is more reliable in backing up your data. Yet, your thoughts will change once you migrate to the cloud.
One thing that has remained a constant challenge for businesses is backing up their data correctly. With this struggle in mind, companies are constantly at risk of losing data. However, cloud management can provide you relief from this worry.
As you move to the cloud, highly trained security specialists give you constant monitoring and maintenance. If you struggle to maintain regular backups, a good cloud provider can automate these for you and ensure they can recover copies of your data.
4. Cloud Users Lose Control of Their Data
While it’s difficult to debunk this myth, all major cloud providers aren’t willing to risk their reputation by spying on customers. This can implicate more harm to their business than good.
In fact, cloud service providers have increased methods for seeing their activity. For example, Google’s Access Transparency service lets businesses know the vendor’s logs in real-time.
The same is true for where they store data in the cloud. Cloud customers often fail to realize that they have access to various configurations to restrict where their data resides. Therefore, you can reassure yourself that you are in control of your data, which should help alleviate some of your concerns.
5. Data In the Cloud Is Public
With cloud computing companies using the term “public,” various users have assumed that the data storage isn’t private. Therefore, they believe that it’s easy to access and steal it.
While it’s true, the data you store on free platforms uses them for marketing purposes. Yet, that doesn’t mean the cloud services you pay for are open to the public. Cloud service providers guarantee strong data protection and privacy as part of their business model.
You can rest assured knowing that it’s in the best interest of the cloud provider to make your data as secure as possible.
6. Using More Than One Cloud Provider Makes Things Complicated
Some companies have believed that if they use more than one cloud provider, they have to use each in the same way. Yet, the truth of this is quite the opposite.
When considering cloud management providers, they should choose the right ones based on the required solutions — rather than adopt multiple services that aren’t fit for the purpose of consistency.
You have various ways to establish systems that avoid vendor lock-in. If your organization needs a multi-cloud strategy, it is crucial to ensure they have consistent patterns.
7. Transformation Is Needed for Cloud Benefits
Many organizations believe they must completely transform their apps into a cloud-based model to reap the benefits. Although companies can receive more rewards by refactoring their apps for the cloud, this can greatly extend time — and cloud users don’t have all the time in the world to do this.
Once your business moves to the cloud, you don’t have to transform its apps immediately. In fact, you can instantly realize the benefits while executing your innovative plans.
Avoid Giving Into These Cloud Management Beliefs
Many beliefs you see today about cloud management come from stories of migrations gone wrong or concerns about making a change. However, believing these misconceptions get in the way of true understanding of the cloud.
In actuality, cloud service providers can positively impact businesses, operations and economics. When you adopt cloud management, you enable your company to capture the full value of its solutions.
Eleanor is editor of Designerly Magazine. Eleanor was the creative director and occasional blog writer at a prominent digital marketing agency before becoming her own boss in 2018. She lives in Philadelphia with her husband and dog, Bear.
