Like any new technology or technologic solution, cloud computing has been equally hyped and reviled, to the point where a novice to the field, seeking to find accurate information on the cloud’s benefits and disadvantages, will have a very hard time making sense of the information.
Obviously, the cloud is not something that can be simplified into one-line assertions. It is a complex system, prepared to respond to specific IT infrastructure and general business needs.
Like all systems, it, too, is fallible and will continue to evolve. Issues which have been addressed thus far, like security, reliance and cost, will continue to be explored and developed upon, to the point where they become less problematic than they are at the moment.
However, let us explore the top five myths about the cloud, and see which ones are true, and which ones less so.
1. The Best Thing About Cloud Computing is the Fact That It’s Cheap
Obviously, there is no denying the fact that cloud computing will take a significantly smaller tool on your company’s budget. However, there are other factors you need to take into account, when deciding whether or not to implement a cloud system.
Beyond low costs, there are also issues about agility, scalability, the time span required to reach your market and the quick access to a good infrastructure system. One of the best, if not the top thing about the cloud is how quickly you can get a business off the ground thanks to it.
The scale computing power offered by the cloud, able to handle peak loads with precision and speed, is something many organizations could not otherwise afford—and that is perhaps the main advantage about the cloud.
2. The Cloud Is not Safe
Public cloud computing systems are usually large entities, with complex economics at work behind them, which automatically renders them multi-tenant. In turn, this causes security to be a common concern. However, consider your traditional network, most often secured by a firewall.
The cloud is protected by a security perimeter which both hypervises and underlies the applications running on the cloud system. No major issues have been reported on a global scale thus far, although it is true that cloud systems need to be well designed and rigorous in their prioritization of security, in order to work.
When in doubt, the best tip would be to consult with your providers about technical, operational and control security issues, and clarify any concerns you have. If a public cloud doesn’t sound like a secure enough solution, implement the alternative: an on-premise cloud, a virtual private cloud, or a hybrid cloud system.
3. The Cloud Is the Most Simple System Available
In truth, cloud computing is still computing. And what this entails is a virtualization and overall implementation process of moving data and systems from in-house servers to the cloud.
Bear in mind that this process cannot be “turnkey”, as some solution providers will rush to assure you. It does entail a period of moving, customization and testing (usually followed by troubleshooting) which can last for months. Another issue here is that of subsequent changes in configuration and customization.
Cloud systems can be delicate, and later changes will likely cause issues and stress and thats why you should be careful when looking for cloud computing services.
Tags: Cloud Computing, Myths, The Cloud
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on December 30, 2011 at 8:24 am
I am trying pogoplug free cloud computing account as a member of cnet. seems pretty good although a little slow at the moment, Even so with two laptops burnt out this year it gives you some piece of mind that your media is stored some where safe..
Twitter: stugod
on January 1, 2012 at 8:09 am
I’ve been using cloud services that Apple supply as part of iOS 5 for backups etc. I’ve also just starting using their iMatch service (which is a separate solution to their iCloud offering). It is an odd thing to get your head around, disk space has become cheap, getting more disk space in the cloud isn’t cheap (at least not Apple’s solution) Apple give you 5GB free, which you’ll use quite quickly, then if you want 70GB it’s 70 GBP a year. I can buy a 500GB disk for that.
Cloud services are viable for a business, I’m not convinced in the retail market, at least the model Apple are using is going to be a great success, although Apple are pinning their hopes on it to get buyers “locked in”. Companies will have to start adding their own value add, and not just disk space…Mind you, I wouldn’t argue with Apple on their business model!
Graham
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on January 1, 2012 at 7:38 pm
I have heard that the Cloud is not safe due to the attacks from the hackers, anyway thanks for clearing this.
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on January 2, 2012 at 11:56 am
I haven’t heard of any real issues with the cloud, and I’m sure if there is a major attack it will quickly become news. I have used the cloud for years and haven’t run into any problems.
on January 2, 2012 at 12:27 am
I agree that this is really cheap..Thanks for the information…
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on January 2, 2012 at 3:41 am
Great article on cloud computing, the cloud is revolutionizing the IT sphere and businesses are still confused with what the cloud really offers.Due diligence prior to adoption of the cloud is critical to successful cloud adoption.Just viewed an informative video presentation Adoption Roadmap of cloud computing focusing on adoption strategies @http://bitly.com/uMMik3
on January 2, 2012 at 11:58 am
While it is revolutionizing IT,many business are still wary of storing information outside of their servers – mainly for privacy/security reasons. Having control over security for client’s data should be extremely important for all companies.
on January 2, 2012 at 1:46 pm
Hi Paul. Thanks for the interesting discussion of the three myths associated with Cloud Computing. As you delineate, there are both positive and negative aspects to Cloud Computing. In the final analysis, it really still must come down to a value judgement of the user regarding the worth of Cloud Computing. Personally I am sold on the concept as it suits my needs.
Ellie
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on January 3, 2012 at 2:10 pm
I agree, Ellie. The end decision of whether to use cloud computing comes down to the judgement of the user. If someone doesn’t feel comfortable with cloud computer, they shouldn’t use it. I have been using it in different capacities for years and am fairly comfortable with cloud computing.
on January 2, 2012 at 9:51 pm
This is one of the nice posts i have to share to my friends…This is helpful…Thanks a lot!!
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on January 5, 2012 at 12:13 pm
This is a big help to all people…Thanks for the great job then!!
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on January 5, 2012 at 7:38 pm
Hi Paul..This is very helpful to all of us and I have to tell you that you did a great job here!!Congratulations!!
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on January 10, 2012 at 1:07 am
Thanks for the very informative post here…This can help, for sure…
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on January 12, 2012 at 1:44 pm
This is actually big help for me…Thanks for the information stated in this post…
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on March 28, 2012 at 5:25 pm
Privately or for small business it may be a hard or costly decision to go to a private cloud, but for most larger organisations, especially in financial or healthcare lines of business, it’s definitely an option to look into.
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on May 11, 2012 at 8:48 am
I haven’t found the could to be cheaper. For small scale projects it may be, but once you’re scaling up to a larger scale operation I’ve found the cloud actually becomes a bigger financial burden than it is worse. It’s simply not designed to big enterprises at the moment.