7 Common IT and Cloud Computing Myths
1. Cloud computing services are difficult to secure – or inherently insecure.
Any list of top cloud myths will include this at the top. Cloud security myths are particularly pervasive, in part because they are rooted in history. In the early days of the cloud, it could be difficult to secure because it was new and people didn’t really understand the overall exposure or attack surface. Cloud services could be attacked from anywhere, just as they could be accessed from anywhere. Today, the cloud is just as secure as you make it and often far more secure than on-premises solutions due to the billions of dollars Cloud Service Providers (CSPs) invest towards platform security each year — cloud services can use advanced security platforms backed by proven cloud performance.
2. Cloud computing services are “cutting-edge” technology.
Market intelligence shows us that cloud computing is now simply the standard. Of all cloud myths, this may be one of the most damaging; people assume that they can “wait” for the cloud because it’s still cutting-edge, new technology. The cloud has been an important technology for over a decade now. Not only is it not going away, but it’s becoming harder for organizations who haven’t adopted the cloud to remain competitive in the market. Cloud computing services are robust, standardized and often necessary. Transition from a capital expense computing model to an operational expense computing model is where companies are seeing the benefits of cloud computing. Add in the reduced time to market, data protection capabilities, and it’s driving better solutions for their customers and more profits for the business even during the pandemic.
3. Cloud services mean losing on-premises services.
Many companies today are using hybrid cloud models which integrate cloud services into their on-premises technology investments. It’s not necessarily true that you will lose your on-premises services. It’s an architectural decision based on several data points by experienced cloud architects. It’s not even true that you need to move all your services to a public CSP. If there are solutions that are working for your organization, they can remain. But it’s often beneficial to transition applications to cloud services if possible because otherwise, the technology can become antiquated long-term.
4. Cloud services are disruptive to deploy.
Any type of migration or net new technology deployment can be disruptive for an organization. But when handled the right way, a cloud service deployment can be no more disruptive than any other system-wide update. An experienced cloud solutions provider can create a roadmap for your organization that will deploy your systems in a phased approach incrementally or all at once in a well-managed way and avoid overly disrupting your organization. A switchover from on-premises to cloud can occur only when your organization is comfortable with your new infrastructure.
5. Cloud services can’t be managed by internal IT departments.
Some organizations hesitate because they don’t want to lose control over their services. But many internal IT departments are very well-versed in cloud services today. It’s not like the old days, where many internal IT departments didn’t understand how to work the cloud. Now, companies can choose exactly how much they take over internally and how much they push toward a cloud managed services provider. Removing routine manual tasks via automation in the cloud allows the IT staff to focus on higher value thinking around the company’s applications and data which is where the most impact is made with their customers.
6. Cloud computing is used primarily to reduce costs.
There’s often an emphasis on cost reduction with cloud computing. Cloud computing absolutely reduces capital expenses/costs, which is very appealing for the constrained IT budgets these days. But that’s not the only advantage. It’s not even the primary advantage. Today, most people switch to the cloud for productivity, efficiency, security, and access to finished services they often couldn’t afford to deploy on-premises. The cost is more a pleasing side benefit than the primary reason for switching to the cloud. The cloud will save you money, but it will also do a lot more than that; it can completely change the way an organization operates for the better.
7. Cloud computing can have unexpected costs.
This is somewhat true, but not always in the way people think. Yes, cloud computing can have unexpected costs if you aren’t taking cost optimization into account as part of your architecture. If you’re with Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure or other major cloud computing services, you’re charged by services you consume (useage). That can make your charges somewhat unpredictable if you aren’t following the CSP’s Well Architected Framework (WAF). But that’s more a problem of design and implementation. With the right cloud solutions provider, you can fine-tune your costs and ensure that they are at acceptable recurring price points which align with your business requirements that led you to move to the cloud. Many people find services from CSPs unintuitive in pricing — but that doesn’t have to be true if you consult with an experienced cloud solutions provider like Red River.
Those are some of the most pervasive IT and cloud computing myths we come across as we help customers in their journey to the cloud. But there are a lot of others, too. The best thing to do is to discuss things with a professional, as your situation is unique. Contact us today to find out more about how your IT strategy can be developed.
