There are numerous articles on the web covering the myths of cloud computing. For enterprises considering a switch to the cloud – be it the use of cloud-based software, hosting their website in the cloud, or using the cloud in any number of other ways – it is important to understand the impact it will have on their business. I have put together what I think are some of the more basic cloud computing myths.
The benefit of cloud computing is the cost savings
The potential for costs savings is often described as the main benefit of cloud computing. While in many instances there are cost savings to be had, it shouldn’t be the only reason for switching to the cloud. It is important to establish how cloud computing will impact different aspect of a business, with reliability and scalability being some of the other key benefits. If you are making a decision based purely on costs it won’t lead to choosing the best overall service.
Cloud computing is unreliable
The unreliability of cloud computing is often named as one of the failures and this understandably put many off. In reality, though, reliability issues are often over reported giving the false impression of it being a reason to avoid cloud computing altogether. There are some reliability benefits, especially where data storage is concerned. Where data is stored on a laptop and the laptop is lost or damaged then that data is lost. If stored in the cloud data will remain accessible from another device. With reputable companies reliability is rarely an issue, due to the right measures and protocols being in place.
Businesses can run more smoothly by operating a BYOD policy
BYOD (bring your own device) is becoming more common throughout business. Employees love it as they can use a device they feel comfortable with, thus increasing productivity in many cases. BYOD is often made possible because of cloud computing. It it important to have clear policies though, something that needs to be fully supported. Allowing employees to use their own devices in the right way can be beneficial but there are potential problems that need to be protected against, with security being one of these.
Cloud computing damages the environment
Computing systems can be resource heavy and this leads some to accuse cloud computing of damaging the environment. If everyone was to switch to the cloud, though, if would be a lot greener than every business operating their own onsite configurations.
Cloud computing will lead to major job losses
As technology progresses, it is often mentioned that it can lead to job losses. Of course there are times when technology means certain roles are no longer required, and in some instances this is true of cloud computing. Like other technologies, though, it also leads to the creation of new jobs. It is estimated that by 2015 there will be 13 million jobs related to cloud computing.
Using cloud computing services will cost more in the long run
It is often claimed that while cloud services and cloud systems lead to short-term savings, there is a loss over a longer period. The theory here is that onsite infrastructure carries initial costs that aren’t required with cloud, but these costs will be reclaimed over time. In most cases this simply isn’t true though. Onsite hardware will require further investment or updating at a later date, meaning the difference in cost will usually not balance itself out.
IT is no longer a concern
IT professionals are less in demand when cloud computing systems are implemented. That doesn’t mean businesses can just forget about IT altogether. Internal network infrastructure will need to be maintained and a good internet connections becomes crucial.
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