Many organizations are utilizing the cloud computing technology in order to foster a more productive, cost effective and efficient activities in their company. Cloud computing is the utilization of hardware or software as a form of computing resource that is delivered through a network, most commonly the internet.
While there are many benefits from the use of cloud computing technology, there remain many skeptical views regarding its use. In order to help its users to fully appreciate and understand the benefits and limitations of cloud computing, it helps to uncover the myths surrounding its use and purpose.
1. Security standard for cloud computing
– Do not assume that all cloud computing services have the same level of standards for the security of their system. It is also worth pointing out that any business should be concerned about the security breach issues, therefore they should not completely rely on their providers to give them the kind of security they need to protect their data system.
It is best to discuss with your provider the extent of the security standard they provide for their service and communicate your needs in order to help them find a better solution to address the level of security needed to protect your business.
2. Your data are not safe in the cloud
– Legitimate and reputed cloud computing service providers consider the security of their system a high priority. Any issues on security breaches will not be good for their business. While there are different level of standards observed in terms of security measures used in cloud computing, the consumers should always examine the SLA and the contract with their provider to ensure that it can meet their control, data management and security requirements. You can arrange to give more stringent encryption security on sensitive data with them.
3. Cloud computing is without downtime
– Most providers will always market their system as reliable with no downtime. This is something you should not believe as technology can never be perfect, including cloud computing. Do not rely on this myth about cloud computing being a perfect technology and secure a service level agreement in order to provide solutions in case of the occurrence of downtime.
4. Complexity issues of cloud computing
– People think that cloud computing is quite confusing and involves a complex process. However, it is worth noting that it is not wise to generalize and apply with uniformity this kind of concept to all cloud computing services. Because there are different types of systems used, each involves a variable level of complexities.
One may be more simplified while others may be complex in terms of its structural architecture but gives better control to its users. Hence, exercise your options which system will work best for your organization.
5. Cloud computing is always less expensive
– Many organizations use cloud computing because of this popular myth. The system actually involves different levels of operation with different features and fees. While your main objective is primarily to cut costs for data management system to use in your company, cheap cloud computing service may not address your company needs that will likely prompt you to add more data management system.
You might end up spending more. As far as costs are concerned there are variable factors that may affect your utilization of a cloud computing system including the bandwidth requirement, speed, applications and the number of users that affect the costs you will incur.
6. The main purpose is virtualization
– Many believe that the main purpose for using cloud computing is mainly for virtualization but there are other benefits and purpose when using the system. This includes reducing the overhead costs, better data management and automation of workflows, and improving the accomplishment of tasks.
7. Cloud computing is mainly for small and medium businesses
– This concept is not true. Even big enterprises are using cloud computing system in order to improve their customer services and optimize their web based businesses.
The system is able to work with significant benefits in media processing and in developing employee collaboration in bigger enterprises as much as it offers the same benefit to small and medium scale businesses.
8. No need to use IT organization
– Just because everything is stored and processed over the cloud does not mean there is no longer need for IT organization. Of course the deploying, configuring, managing and integrating the cloud based application to the organization’s own data server needs some intervention in order to help streamline the system to automate the process of its operation. But with the use of management tools the process is usually straightforward and easy to meet the company’s requirements.
9. Ownership issues with cloud base data
– Many are quite reluctant about using a cloud computing system because of fear that they could not retain ownership of their cloud base data. This actually depends upon your contract with your provider which makes reading and understanding your contract agreement valuable in this respect.
When you use the services of an infrastructure provider they usually provide terms and conditions regarding data ownership when using their service. Social network sites however most often involve data ownership issues, therefore make sure to be selective in your choice of cloud computing services and aim for the one that will better address your needs.
10. What is cloud computing?
– When you think you are not familiar with a cloud computing system, then you have been believing a myth all these times. You may have been using the technology already when you have an email account and use it to exchange information using the internet or when you use Dropbox, Facebook and LinkedIn.
Now you know what a cloud computing is!
Image Credit: Melinwonderland
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