14 Common Misconceptions About Cloud Computing
As Cloud technology evolves and becomes more mainstream, a lot of misconceptions have formed around this popular tech. We’ve compiled a list of 14 common misconceptions about cloud computing that many people believe to be true.
For each misconception, we’ll tell you why it isn’t true and give some helpful insights about cloud computing.
Ready? Let's go...
14 Common Misconceptions About Cloud Computing:
1. The Cloud is Not Secure
This misconception is the most common, and it's also the most easily refuted.
The truth is that the cloud is more secure than a traditional data center because it uses newer technologies that offer more protection for your data and network.
As an example, when an employee accesses your company's information on a traditional server in-house, they can physically see all of your sensitive data—and anyone else could as well if they were able to get into that room or building where it’s stored (which may be impossible if you have multiple layers of security). In addition to this physical vulnerability, there are other potential issues with storing sensitive information on-site: If that server fails or gets hacked by cybercriminals looking to steal valuable data like credit card numbers or social security numbers (SSNs), then everyone who works at your business would potentially be affected by such a breach.
In contrast, when an employee accesses information through the cloud using Internet-based software accessed via any device with an Internet connection (a laptop computer at home; mobile phone while commuting), none of these things are possible because no one needs to access physical servers! This means no one will ever know what kind of information you store in the Cloud unless you choose to share that information with them directly from within your application(s) running atop those servers (which isn't likely since very few people actually do so).
2. The Cloud Only Works for Startups
Cloud computing is not just for startups.
In fact, more than half of large organizations are using cloud computing to support their business. Cloud computing can help you grow your business by making it easier to manage resources and applications, which lets you focus on what’s important: growing your company.
In addition, the Cloud is scalable and flexible—it can be used by companies with a single location or multiple locations around the world—making it ideal for small businesses that are just starting out as well as large enterprises with multiple offices around the world.
3. Digital Transformation Isn’t Really a Thing
The notion that the cloud is a fad, or that digital transformation isn’t really a thing, can be dispelled by looking at how corporations are changing their business models.
The cloud is not just about storing data in some remote location—it’s about fundamentally changing how companies operate, interact with customers and partners, and collaborate internally.
Digital transformation means businesses must rethink every aspect of the way they do things to stay competitive in an increasingly crowded market. The cost savings from moving to the cloud are just one part of this shift; it also involves adopting new technologies and processes that allow them to evolve at an accelerated pace compared with before.
4. You Cannot Control Your Data
Many companies have been reluctant to move their IT to the cloud because they're afraid of losing control over their data, or that they won't be able to meet compliance requirements.
However, this isn't an issue when you use Amazon Web Services (AWS) for your public cloud needs.
AWS offers a wide variety of services that allow users to keep their systems behind their company's firewall while moving certain workloads to AWS—making it easy for admins to run applications across multiple clouds while still maintaining complete visibility and control over them at all times.
As AWS partners, Sitech can help you set up, maintain, and optimize your cloud infrastructure correctly from day one. Contact us today for a free consultation.
5. If Your Systems Are Failing, It’s Time to Upgrade Hardware
This is not to say that cloud computing isn’t about hardware upgrades. It just means that the type of hardware is different.
If you have an old server with a lot of RAM and it’s running slowly, then upgrading to a new server with less RAM but a faster CPU will make your applications run faster. In this case, you aren’t upgrading your hardware: you are simply changing it by getting rid of some parts of the old system and adding new ones in their place.
The same applies if we talk about upgrading from Windows Server 2003 or even Windows XP!
6. Cloud Computing Is Just Like Virtualization
You may have heard of the term "cloud computing" and thought it was just another name for virtualization.
While they are related, they are not the same thing.
Cloud computing is a broad term that can mean many different things depending on who you ask—it might refer to any technology where your data is stored remotely on servers that you don't control. For example, some people refer to Google Docs as cloud computing because it's a web-based application that lets users access their data from any computer with an internet connection.
Another type of cloud computing is Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), which provides companies with access to virtualized servers they can use or rent out to other customers through an online marketplace.
This type of service has become very popular among large organizations because IaaS enables them to meet their growing needs for IT capacity without having to build out new hardware every time demand increases; instead, they simply lease additional resources from one vendor or another.
7. You Can Do Everything Manually in the Cloud
Cloud computing is not just a way to use software. It's a new way of thinking about what you can do with technology.
Sure, you can use cloud services to access your favorite productivity apps or play games like Clash Royale on your phone—but it's also possible to automate tasks (like auto-scheduling maintenance) and gain insights (such as analyzing data in real time).
The next time someone tells you that "cloud computing" means using software via the Internet, correct them. That's only one part of the equation. In fact, cloud computing is all about more than just software: It's also hardware, services, data...and so much more!
8. Cloud Solutions Are Never Tailored for Individual Needs
The eighth misconception is that cloud solutions are never tailored to individual needs.
In fact, the opposite is true: many organizations find that they have a unique set of requirements, and these can be addressed through cloud solutions.
Cloud providers have built their infrastructure with flexibility and scalability in mind, allowing them to provide an array of features that meet your unique needs. For example, if you have sensitive data that requires extra security measures, or if you need a solution with a higher level of redundancy than others because your business can't afford downtime—cloud providers are happy to work with you on customizing their offerings so they're more suited for what your organization does best.
9. To Keep Up With the Competition, You Need to Be All Cloud, All the Time
You may have heard the phrase “the cloud is the future of technology.”
It's a catchy phrase and it can't be denied that most companies are moving toward cloud computing in one way or another. But just because something is popular doesn't mean it's right for you—or your company—and though cloud computing is a great fit for your business needs, it may also not be ideal.
We discussed the advantages and disadvantages of cloud computing in a previous article.
Don't let yourself get swept up by hype just because everyone else seems to be doing it!
Cloud computing is simply a tool: it has uses, but no single purpose fits every situation or organization perfectly. The important thing to remember is that whether you're going all-in on the cloud or keeping things on-premises (or somewhere in between), you should always make sure your strategy matches up with your goals and capabilities.
10. The Bigger the Company, the More Money You’ll Save with the Cloud
While the cloud is a shared resource, the cost can be affected by how many users are using it.
Cloud computing is the most cost-effective for smaller companies with fewer users and a high turnover rate. Additionally, large companies can save money on their IT costs by moving to the cloud because they have more resources and employees to support.
However, if you’re a small company with limited personnel and little turnover in your workforce (or no turnover at all), then you won’t need as much computing power—and therefore less bandwidth—as larger companies do.
11. The Cloud Is a Fixed Service That Never Changes
One of the biggest misconceptions about cloud computing is that it’s a fixed service that never changes.
In reality, cloud computing is a constantly evolving service. Because companies are always finding new ways to use it and new ways to enhance its benefits, there’s no such thing as a “one-size-fits-all” solution.
Every business has unique needs, so there isn't an ideal type of cloud computing for every company—you need to find which one works best for your specific needs and goals.
Need help choosing the ideal operations model for your infrastructure? Get a free consultation!
12. You Have to Migrate Everything at Once to Get Full Value From Your Cloud Solution
You don’t have to migrate everything at once.
Make sure that you are implementing cloud migrations best practices though, as it can easily end up costing you more money than you should have invested.
You can migrate incrementally, in steps, or in phases. You can even migrate in waves, tranches, chunks, or pieces. The key is that you’re moving your data and applications as quickly as possible so you can take advantage of the cloud solution sooner rather than later.
Related: 6 Ways Cloud Migration Costs You Money
13. Companies are Stuck Using Legacy Systems, So There’s No Point Moving to the Cloud
While it’s true that many companies have legacy systems, this is not a reason to avoid cloud computing.
If anything, it should be a reason to embrace the cloud and modernize those old systems. Moving your data center to the cloud can help you save money and innovate while also scaling up when you need additional resources. It can also be an effective way of creating a more secure environment.
14. Cloud Managed Services are Only Ideal for Startups
Why do most think that startups are the only businesses that partner with Cloud managed service providers?
The direct and indirect costs of infrastructure management are often expensive for small businesses - making Cloud MSPs a strategic partner for startups seeking to scale and grow at managed cost.
But it's not just about cost. It's about access to talent and expertise at all times.
Larger enterprises will need to always augment their staff and extend their expertise when needed. Cloud MSPs allow larger enterprises to become more flexible and allow them to respond to changes in the market faster.
Related: Why Should Startups Use Cloud Managed Services?
Managed Cloud Services with Sitech
If you’re ready to get started on your cloud journey, let us help you prove that some of the most common misconceptions are just that—misconceptions!
We take the time to sit down with our customers and develop a customized plan for their needs, not just try to fit them into whatever products we already have. Contact us today if you’re ready to learn more about how we can help you modernize your business with cloud computing.