There are too many fairy tales and falsehoods about the cloud
Learn to separate fact from fiction so you can make informed decisions about digital transformation in your organisation.
Have you ever noticed what happens when you mention the cloud during a conversation? The volume tends to rise. Because the technology has passionate supporters. And fierce critics. Cloud computing has evolved rapidly in the past decade, but there’s a lot of misinformation in the public domain. Here, we tackle three prevailing myths about the cloud.
Misconception #1 | Cloud technology is too young to be trusted. It’s all hype and no heart!
The reality… Cloud computing continues to evolve from a concept to transform the way computing resources are managed to a proven solution that delivers benefits for businesses of all sizes, according to the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA).
ISACA’s own study with the Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) found that cloud computing is no longer an emerging technology, but it’s not yet a fully mature technology, either. Cloud computing is still in the growth stage, with significant adoption and innovation across global markets.
In South Africa, cloud adoption has soared since 2013. More than 80% of the companies surveyed this year plan to increase their cloud spending. And some forecasts suggest that worldwide public cloud revenue will grow 17% in 2019. Microsoft’s recent earnings report revealed its notable success in the cloud market, and the company continues to invest in research and development initiatives to further cloud technology in every sphere of business.
Cloud-based computational power is being harnessed to address human challenges like food production and healthcare provision. Corporate decision-makers are leveraging the cloud to develop new business models and improve customer relationships. And advancements in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and the Internet of Things are being enabled by the intelligent cloud. In its infancy, cloud computing was a much-hyped phenomenon. But now, we’re seeing real opportunities for creativity, productivity, and innovation with this technology.
Misconception #2 | The cloud is not secure
The reality… Cloud providers have to function according to the laws of the regions in which they operate. There are often industry-specific standards of practice or compliance regulations to adhere to as well. Physical security measures – like perimeter fences and CCTV cameras – are necessary to protect brick-and-mortar sites. And cyber security measures – like firewalls – are necessary to protect digital environments. Responsible cloud providers make every effort to ensure that the cloud is meticulously updated and constantly monitored. Do your on-premises servers receive the same care?
On-site servers require regular maintenance to perform at their peak. If a technician fails to carry out a recommended update, forgets to install a security patch, or misconfigures a firewall, then the organisation’s overall cybersecurity could be at risk.
Recent headline-making data breaches have shown us the importance of user access control and real-time threat detection. The cloud’s substantial array of cyber security tools makes it possible for technical teams to conduct continuous surveillance of machines and networks – and to respond immediately if a problem is found.
Misconception #3 | Cloud migration is difficult, finicky, or just plain painful
The reality… Anything that is worth doing is worth doing well. You’ve heard that idiom before, right? Successful cloud migration depends as much on the planning as it does on the execution. And, we have to admit, there’s always a lot of planning involved!
From readiness assessments and architecture evaluations, to compliance requirements and security conditions, cloud specialists have to examine organisational culture, systemic anatomy, and technical design in order to understand the migration parameters. It’s an intensive, step-by-step process designed to cover all necessary ground – but it’s not difficult. Comprehensive? Yes. Rigorous? Indeed. Detailed? Absolutely.
But when you have an experienced team to address your concerns and guide your journey, the actual process of cloud migration is relatively simple, with minimal disruption to your organisation. We’ve found that the recipe for success is a combination of expertise and strategic preparation. Click here to read more about the all-in-one Azure cloud solution we implemented for a leading financial services company. And watch this video trilogy to see how the cloud can help your business:
As cloud experts, we’re huge fans of the technology! We use it here at BUI. We deploy it for our customers. We’re excited about its broad applications for the business world. But we also know that choosing a cloud solution for your enterprise is a big decision. If you’ve got questions, we’re here to answer them. Get in touch with our team today.
