Despite the alleged disadvantages of a Cloud Computing implementation, it’s still a really smart move, here’s why…
It has been said that you cannot do or produce anything without also creating detractors and critics. We certainly see evidence of this phenomenon in technical circles; where every new release is met with disdain from a select few who simply cannot be pleased or contented. Likewise, cloud computing is certainly not immune from critical backlash. Since its formal inception, cloud computing has certainly had its run-ins with critics and curmudgeons; yet despite any backlash toward the technology, it has prevailed. Even today, when more and more of the world’s infrastructure is turning to cloud computing for solutions, there are those who seem intent on characterizing it as a lackluster technology. Nothing could be further from the truth. The truth is, despite whatever it is you might have heard about cloud computing, implementing it into your business is still one of the smartest moves you can make (as an owner or manager).
Fully-managed and reliable security
One of the main arguments against implementing cloud computing is built from a perceived weakness in terms of enterprise security. While it is true that there are slight security risks in cloud computing, the exact same thing can be said about any other IT infrastructure. There is no such thing as a perfectly incorruptible system. Sure, some infrastructures are sounder than others, but this isn’t an issue that’s related to choice in terms of design (it’s more a function of ethics and individual abilities). In all actuality, cloud computing is bringing enhanced security, detection, and forensic tools with it. It’s actually becoming easier to keep data safe and intruders out. In fact, thanks to cloud computing, most businesses can simply rely on the top-notch security that’s supplied to them by their provider. This brings us to a very important point about cloud security as it relates to cloud providers. The main source of disdain or distrust of cloud providers comes from the fact that they have control and access over your data. But is it a good idea to live in fear and distrust of cloud providers because you think they might do something unethical? The simplest and best solution for this moral dilemma is to seek out only the most reputable and visible organizations to deliver your cloud computing services. In other words, the bigger they are the better.
Your existing infrastructure components (enterprise/legacy) can be migrated
Another issue which often prevents businesses from exploring their cloud options is the fear of losing or disrupting the effectiveness of their critical components. The truth is that all of the mission-critical elements of your infrastructure can be painlessly deployed into a cloud setup, often without any type of service disruption to ongoing work. Another thing that makes cloud computing so flexible, elastic and powerful is its ability to assimilate virtually anything and everything in terms of software, hardware, and infrastructure. So, those elements which your business requires and relies on for daily production won’t be affected at all by a cloud transition in terms of their function or effectiveness.
Reduced energy consumption costs
Cloud computing’s ability to trim energy consumption is among one of its biggest selling points. In the same way that a cloud is able to scale to a network/user in terms of processing power, energy usage is also extremely “elastic”. If for example, your cloud service is metered (you only pay for what you use), it could be said that it is much more efficient than a system where costs remain the same regardless of usage. This exact same scenario applies to energy consumption as well; individual nodes or terminals are only powered on, for instance, when they are actually needed or in-use.
Reduced personnel costs
Given that most of your IT services will be covered by your cloud service provider, you can expand your IT operation without having to add extra personnel. The beauty of paying for a managed service is the ability to shift focus away from maintenance-relate issues. Does this mean you can do away with on-site IT altogether? No. It would be a mistake to simply eliminate your IT department and relegate all of your IT duties to your service provider. Additionally, it is highly recommended that you require all of your current IT personnel (and incoming) to complete an affordable, informative, and internet-based cloud computing certification program, or foundation training course.
IT / hardware assets are more fully exploited
Another one of the great benefits of cloud-based technology is that it is able to more fully utilize any on-site or remotely located hardware assets more efficiently. In other words, all of your available IT assets are going to be leveraged in ways that not only add real value to the work you do, but do it in the most powerful and competent manner possible.
If you or your organization is “on the fence” about transitioning to cloud computing you should organize some meetings and go over a complete list of benefits with your IT personnel. Moreover, some larger cloud providers might be able to send representatives who will be able to address all of your specific concerns and even quell some any nagging fears that might be lingering.