Risks & Myths of cloud computing
Despite the rapid adoption of cloud computing and its positive impact on business, there are still some myths and risks, concerns and misinformation around deploying and running applications in the cloud.
In this article we will be going to discuss the myths and the risks and provide the correct information and make you take an informed decision for your business or organization.
MYTH: EVERYTHING WORKS BETTER IN THE CLOUD
Cloud computing has its place in every business and organization, from multi-national corporations and financial institutions to online businesses and start-ups. The common profits of the cloud are faster time to market and streamlined processes and flexible infrastructure costs which are difficult to ignore. But just because the cloud has its place in every business, does not mean it is right for every task.
The public cloud might be best for some actions, private cloud for others, and dedicated hosting for legacy applications. Getting the right overall solution often requires a combination public, private, and dedicated infrastructure.
RISK: SECURITY RISKS AT THE VENDOR
When a cloud service vendor provides a critical service for your business and stores critical data – such as customer payment data and the mailing lists then you are placing the life of your business in the vendor’s hands.
Many small businesses know almost nothing about the people and technology behind the cloud services they use.
When the person is depending on a cloud service for their business-critical task, then they put the trust of their business into the hands of other people and the quality of their work.
The reputation is no longer depends on the integrity of only their business – now it also depends on the integrity of the vendor’s business. And that’s a cloud computing risk.
MYTH: DATA IS NOT AS SECURE IN THE CLOUD
A security breach could bring down your site and may cause the users to lose their valuable revenue. Therefore, it is not surprising that security concerns are one of the largest hurdles for many businesses considering the cloud. However, security is also one of the easiest cloud myths to debunk.
In reality, security risks in the cloud are the same as those faced by traditional IT solutions, but with one main difference: When operating in the cloud, security no longer rests on your shoulders alone. Instead, security is a shared responsibility with the cloud hosting provider.
RISK: RISKS RELATED TO LACK OF CONTROL
When the user host and maintain a service on a local network, then the user has complete control over the features he/she choose to use. However, when the user uses a cloud service provider, the vendor will have the control. The user has no guarantee that the features using today will be provided for the same price tomorrow or not. The vendor can double its price, and if the clients are depending on that service, then the user might be forced to pay. Also, who controls access to the user’s data in a cloud service? What happens if the user is not able to make payment?
If the user gets behind on their bill, then the user may be surprised to find their data is held hostage by the vendor. The user cannot access the service and export the data until he/she pay up.
MYTH: IT IS ALWAYS CHEAPER TO RUN IN THE CLOUD
It is not always cheaper to run in the cloud, but it can often be more cost effective. If you need all your servers running 24x7x365, it is likely you can get the same compute power for less cost using a dedicated server.
Cloud works best for variable demands and workloads, where you have higher demand at certain times and lower demand at others. The cloud allows to switch servers off during periods of lower demand to improve cost efficiency by more closely matching the cost pattern to the user’s revenue/demand pattern.
RISK: AVAILABILITY RISKS
No service can guarantee 100% uptime. When you rely on a cloud service for a business-critical task, then you are putting the feasibility of the business in the hands of two services: the cloud vendor and ISP.
If the user’s internet access goes down, then it will also take your vendor’s cloud service with it.
MYTH: CLOUD TECHNOLOGY IS STILL IN ITS INFANCY
A latest ISACA study revealed that cloud computing is fast approaching, within the next few years, you can expect to see constant innovation at an ever-increasing pace. Constant refinement will help to ensure that cloud computing meets the needs of every size and type of business. Those who harness the cloud now will be the first to reap its long-term rewards.