Cloud myths debunked
Practically everyone in the West has heard of “the cloud,” but not everyone knows what it means. Even those who frequently use the cloud may have misconceptions about its risks and benefits. To put rumors to rest, here are some of the most widely circulated myths being floated about the cloud.
Myth #1: the cloud is cheap
Contrary to popular belief, it is not always cheaper to run a business on the cloud. Migrating a company to a cloud platform can help reduce the need for expensive proprietary hardware, but the shift requires its own financial front. Nevertheless, the savings attached to the technology in the long run can compensate for the initial investment. It also provides a great deal of flexibility once the transition is finished, resulting in better business performance, cost management and a host of other long-term benefits.
Myth #2: only one cloud exists
Although “the cloud” seemingly denotes an individual entity, there is no single, overarching cloud. Rather, cloud computing comes in three forms, including public clouds, private clouds and hybrid clouds. There are also different cloud service models, such as Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) and Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS).
Myth #3: everything in the cloud should be automated
The fact that everything in the cloud can be automated in the infrastructure layer does not mean everything should be automated. Automating everything requires specialized knowledge and acquaintance with various monitoring tools. A more effective game plan is to determine what areas within a cloud need to be automated and focus on those.
Myth #4: the cloud is not secure
Another common myth purported about the cloud is that it is not secure. Of course, no cybersecurity systems are without error. What matters is the relative risk. While it is true hackers target major cloud data centers, it is precisely because they are a bullseye for hackers that major cloud providers invest in advanced cybersecurity technologies that surpass those of smaller enterprises. In many instances, on-premises data center environments are less secure than public clouds.
Myth #5: the cloud is just another fad
The term “the cloud” has come to prominence in popular culture over the last decade or so, but it isn’t just another marketing buzzword. Cloud technology has actually been around for a while, with far too many companies and government sectors relying on it to be regarded as a short-lived fad. Nor is the cloud computing market expected to wane anytime soon. Research firm Forrester, for example, forecasts the public cloud market will grow to $236 billion in 2020.
