Decoding the Most Prevalent Cloud Computing Myths

The benefits of cloud computing are appreciated everywhere as it ensures provisioning and scaling of IT resources, quick deployment, lowers the cost which means that the companies can develop and reach desired goals more easily. Since cloud computing allows organizations to store, access, backup and retrieve data, all type of businesses are finding cloud computing very useful and relevant. But in spite of its high popularity, many companies are still hesitating in moving their data and applications to the cloud. The reason is that they do not trust the cloud and have security concerns. There are a vast number of misconceptions which are surrounding cloud computing since its very introduction in the market. Such myths not only slow down the implementation process of cloud computing but also reduce the potential of the cloud and keeps a new businessman away from its vast uses and benefits.

Let us highlight some of the most common myths:

Myths about Cloud Computing

Cloud computing requires high expense- Yes, cloud computing does require some expense, but it is any day cheaper than the physical hardware and software setup which it replaces. Cloud computing is the best way of storing data and saving money at the same time. Not only purchasing the cloud suits your pocket but also maintaining the cloud is pocket-friendly as most of the cloud vendors offer free maintenance support.
You Have to Be Cloud to Be Good- Some vendors deceptively and purposefully try to rebrand an old product or service by associating the word “cloud” with it. However there are many situations where due to certain confusions and sometimes even accidentally, lot of IT organizations use the term cloud in order to benefit out of it and to gain funds while trying futile attempts in meeting imprecise strategies and demands.
The cloud is not secure- Security concerns have always been associated with the cloud and is one of the major barriers which stop the businesses to adopt cloud computing. Hacking is common these days but when it comes to cloud computing your data is completely secure. To provide complete security, the security system of the cloud is equipped with firewalls, data encryption, proxies etc. These systems go beyond to provide you with the best level of protection.

The cloud server is fully loaded with data so in case the hacker manages to get through the security, it will get difficult for them to get to the particular company’s file and cause any harm. It is only possible for a company’s employees to get into the company’s server because he will be well aware of what he is looking for.

If you think that that data stored in the hard-copy files is secure, you might be wrong as hackers can easily break in to your business and can hack your email or the local server through which you are managing data. You cannot even guard your data all the time in this case. But in cloud computing the IT experts are keeping an eye on your data 24/7.

Cloud is the safest way to secure your business data, you just need to select the cloud solutions provider carefully.

Cloud is harmful to the environment- If you think that cloud computing is harmful to the environment then you are completely wrong as cloud is environment-friendly and is a power efficient technology. Many cloud providers have low voltage processors that consume less power.
Cloud computing is only for large companies- This myth is something which stops small businesses from adopting cloud and enjoying its benefits. Cloud computing is made for every size and type of business and any organization can be benefitted from the cloud. Cloud application is affordable and easy to access and even small organizations should use it for deriving better and faster results.
Only tech experts can use the cloud effectively- Cloud computing is easy to handle and you don’t need to be a technology expert to manage the cloud on daily basis. Even if you have a little or no knowledge of the technology then also you can easily work on the cloud and you will be surprised to know that even the social media websites are an example of the cloud-based.
Cloud service providers own your data- You think that the cloud service providers have the access to all your data? No, as it may be a possibility that some of the service providers claim ownership to some of your files but they would definitely be in the minority for business applications. Many cloud providers producing technology for enterprises need to maintain ownership of their property.

If you have any doubts regarding file ownership, proprietary data or about confidentiality then make sure you go through all the clauses before signing up for any cloud service and you should clear all your doubts if you have any before the final commitment. This way you will be able to choose the service provider wisely.

The cloud is only for storage- Many people have this misconception that cloud is only for storing the data, but cloud computing has a lot more to offer. It also enables the users to access information and communication technology (ICT) applications through a mobile app or a web browser. With the availability of cloud the user no longer needs to buy, construct or handle any other software or hardware.

Cloud computing services also includes Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems to manage customer interactions, sales and orders, document collaboration tools and applications and HR, payrolls and accounting services.

The cloud cannot be accessed anywhere on any device- These days many of the senior employees in an organization are more comfortable in working on their personal devices instead of using the company’s laptops which brings the concept of Bring Your Own Device(BYOD) into light. This concept which is trending these days allows the employees to connect their personal devices like phones, laptops, tablets to the corporate wireless network offering many advantages like increase job satisfaction and improve productivity.

But many people believe that carrying the BYOD culture in their company can be expensive. But this is not the case if you are using the cloud as the cloud allows you to access the data anywhere and anytime on any advice and you don’t even need to construct the infrastructure to support this process.

Cloud security is completely the cloud provider’s responsibility- The cloud provider does look after the security of your data but it is not only his responsibility to ensure the security. Providing you with the tools to implement, create and enforce security measures for cloud workflows does not integrally defer the risk involved with the business.

Password policies, management of user roles, security training of staff, releasing management for software patches and data management policies are all responsibilities of the customers. It is your responsibility to implement a backup solution that backs up the data which is there on the cloud.

Now that all your misconceptions regarding the cloud computing are clear and you have planned to adopt the cloud for the betterment of your organization do take some essential security measures to safeguard the data that has been shifted to the cloud. You can easily do so with the help of a trusted cloud partner like INFINIT Consulting. Also, we will be bringing you some tips to ensure complete security of data in our next blog.

Let us highlight some of the most common myths:

Myths about Cloud Computing

<!–[if !supportLists]–>· <!–[endif]–>Cloud computing requires high expense- Yes, cloud computing does require some expense, but it is any day cheaper than the physical hardware and software setup which it replaces. Cloud computing is the best way of storing data and saving money at the same time. Not only purchasing the cloud suits your pocket but also maintaining the cloud is pocket-friendly as most of the cloud vendors offer free maintenance support.

<!–[if !supportLists]–>· <!–[endif]–>You Have to Be Cloud to Be Good- Some vendors deceptively and purposefully try to rebrand an old product or service by associating the word “cloud” with it. However there are many situations where due to certain confusions and sometimes even accidentally, lot of IT organizations use the term cloud in order to benefit out of it and to gain funds while trying futile attempts in meeting imprecise strategies and demands.

<!–[if !supportLists]–>· <!–[endif]–>The cloud is not secure- Security concerns have always been associated with the cloud and is one of the major barriers which stop the businesses to adopt cloud computing. Hacking is common these days but when it comes to cloud computing your data is completely secure. To provide complete security, the security system of the cloud is equipped with firewalls, data encryption, proxies etc. These systems go beyond to provide you with the best level of protection.

Cloud is the safest way to secure your business data, you just need to select the cloud solutions provider carefully.

<!–[if !supportLists]–>· <!–[endif]–>Cloud is harmful to the environment- If you think that cloud computing is harmful to the environment then you are completely wrong as cloud is environment-friendly and is a power efficient technology. Many cloud providers have low voltage processors that consume less power.

<!–[if !supportLists]–>· <!–[endif]–>Cloud computing is only for large companies- This myth is something which stops small businesses from adopting cloud and enjoying its benefits. Cloud computing is made for every size and type of business and any organization can be benefitted from the cloud. Cloud application is affordable and easy to access and even small organizations should use it for deriving better and faster results.

<!–[if !supportLists]–>· <!–[endif]–>Only tech experts can use the cloud effectively- Cloud computing is easy to handle and you don’t need to be a technology expert to manage the cloud on daily basis. Even if you have a little or no knowledge of the technology then also you can easily work on the cloud and you will be surprised to know that even the social media websites are an example of the cloud-based.

<!–[if !supportLists]–>· <!–[endif]–>Cloud service providers own your data- You think that the cloud service providers have the access to all your data? No, as it may be a possibility that some of the service providers claim ownership to some of your files but they would definitely be in the minority for business applications. Many cloud providers producing technology for enterprises need to maintain ownership of their property.

<!–[if !supportLists]–>· <!–[endif]–>The cloud is only for storage- Many people have this misconception that cloud is only for storing the data, but cloud computing has a lot more to offer. It also enables the users to access information and communication technology (ICT) applications through a mobile app or a web browser. With the availability of cloud the user no longer needs to buy, construct or handle any other software or hardware.

<!–[if !supportLists]–>· <!–[endif]–>The cloud cannot be accessed anywhere on any device- These days many of the senior employees in an organization are more comfortable in working on their personal devices instead of using the company’s laptops which brings the concept of Bring Your Own Device(BYOD) into light. This concept which is trending these days allows the employees to connect their personal devices like phones, laptops, tablets to the corporate wireless network offering many advantages like increase job satisfaction and improve productivity.

<!–[if !supportLists]–>· <!–[endif]–>Cloud security is completely the cloud provider’s responsibility- The cloud provider does look after the security of your data but it is not only his responsibility to ensure the security. Providing you with the tools to implement, create and enforce security measures for cloud workflows does not integrally defer the risk involved with the business.