Common Myths About Cloud Computing

Cloud computing is a network of remote servers on the Internet used to store and manage data. Imagine an invisible suitcase with unlimited space to store your data, floating around online, accessible to you at all times, as well as to those you choose to share with. The transition towards cloud computing has been rapidly escalating but many companies are still hesitant to make the leap.

As with anything, there are pros and cons to transitioning to the cloud, and it is important to weigh all sides before making a decision. It is a powerful tool for a lot of businesses but it might not be right for everyone. In making the decision to go with cloud-based computing, it is important to rely on solid and reliable information. There are a few misconceptions about cloud computing that seem to come up the most frequently.

Here are the 10 most common myths about cloud computing:

Myth 1: The Cloud is Secure

This is one of the most common myths surrounding cloud computing. Because the cloud essentially stores your data in an unseen, non-physical server, there is the perception that your information is secure. One of the challenges is that you don't have direct access to the systems you use. You can't turn on a feature that would make your server more secure. In reality in the context of cloud, the infrastructure is only as good as the people working on it. Because people are working on the commercial cloud all the time, data could be compromised via human error.

Myth 2: The Cloud Cuts Costs

The move to cloud computing can save money for many companies but this issue isn’t black and white. Whether or not switching to the cloud is the most cost effective solution for your business is based on a few variables including your usage and the size of your company. For a smaller business that operates with one or a few servers, it can cut costs. For a larger company running many servers day and night, it could actually be more expensive to transition to cloud computing. 

Myth 3: The Cloud is Self-Sustaining

While the infrastructure of the cloud and everything beyond that is self-sustaining, your own little slice of the cloud is up to you to maintain. It is important to have someone with knowledge of the cloud on your team in order to use the tools effectively.

Myth 4: You Don't Need to Have Your Own Servers with the Cloud

The best setup for any business is to have a combination of cloud and private servers. Again, this is where it is important to evaluate which areas of your workload are most effectively stored on the cloud, and which will benefit more from being maintained on-site. An IT services provider can help you make those decisions.

Myth 5: The Cloud is Still in Its Infancy

While it appears that cloud computing has been a fairly recent trend, it is actually nearing its maturity. This is thanks in large part to the technology industry’s booming growth as a whole. Don't wait to join the cloud out of a misguided apprehension that it has room to improve. There is more reward than risk in joining the cloud now.

Myth 6: The Cloud can Run All Applications Easily

One thing to take note of is that the cloud does work best with modern, heavily-used applications. If your company runs older applications or if your servers have a more dedicated setup, it may be more difficult to run them in the cloud. You may require expert help to migrate older applications there.

Myth 7: Cloud Computing Costs Jobs

Growing demand for cloud vendors and cloud-savvy tech experts has in fact added jobs in the IT field. The continued growth and development in cloud computing continues to require more expertise, and has helped spur a boom in demand for workers.

Myth 8: The Cloud is Harmful to the Environment

Businesses running their own data servers use far more energy than consolidated cloud centres. Moving to the cloud actually saves power and cuts down on pollution. Clouds in the sky might not be green but the cloud on the web certainly is.

Myth 9: The Cloud is Best Suited to Tech Companies

Smaller companies and businesses that don’t operate within the tech bubble often perceive the cloud to be too gimmicky and over-complicated. The cloud is viewed as trendy and most suited to businesses in the technology field. This is not the case, and as the business world moves towards innovation over stagnation, this outlook could be harmful to your business growth. In fact, all companies of all sizes can benefit from cloud computing.

Myth 10: All Cloud Providers do the Same Thing

Just like IT service providers, not all cloud providers are created equal. Especially as the market expands and the demand for cloud computing increases, there will be more cloud providers aiming to be competitive by offering deals and discounts. Do your research thoroughly to make sure you choose a reputable and secure provider that will ensure your transition to the cloud is seamless and safe.