The Cloud

Cloud Myths: A Look at the Reality

 

Modern workplaces offer endless possibilities. The technological revolution has enabled us to reach levels of productivity we couldn’t have imagined a decade ago. Remote working is one of the most prominent changes we’ve implemented to boost team morale and allow businesses to grow even in the most challenging of times. 

As a result of the pandemic, remote working became the new big thing. It was inevitable, but the pandemic forced business owners to act quickly to keep their operations running.  

Remote working is made possible by the Cloud. We wouldn’t be surprised if it didn’t cause apprehension and anxiety at first; such a large change to the tools you use and the way you work is not easy to adjust to. In this article, we’ll debunk some of the myths surrounding Cloud computing. 

Cloud computing: what does it mean? 

The cloud is the future of computing. Cloud computing involves delivering IT services from a data centre provider over the internet, enabling businesses to outsource their IT services rather than purchase and maintain their own locally. 

Traditionally, business owners have purchased, supported, and managed their own IT hardware and software platforms from the beginning. The fact is, blackouts and problems are not an option for business owners, so they have to keep their hardware powered and cool to ensure it keeps working as it should – this can be expensive, very expensive, and not to mention how challenging and time consuming it can be for those with little technical prowess. It’s not easy to work, maintain, and get the most out of IT. 

There are a lot of myths surrounding the Cloud – most of which are simply false. 

 

The cloud myths debunked 

“Why bother with the Cloud when we won’t gain any additional value from it?”  

A common myth about the Cloud, and it is partially true – but only partially. You will find that many providers will get you on board and show great interest during your migration, but they won’t care about your ongoing support and development. Unfortunately, many people only want your name on the dotted line – they classify this as a done deal and move on to the next. 

Seeing value when you don’t know how to use something can be challenging – how can you possibly utilise something to its full potential when you don’t know how to use it? 

Microsoft’s Cloud platform is by far the most popular on the market. It is used by people all over the world for email and perhaps to store a few documents, but the capabilities of the Cloud extend much further.  

Your IT partner should assess your organisation individually. A technological landscape can only be effectively built, implemented, and managed if they do this. As a result, challenges you and your team face will be solved quickly, and production and efficiency will skyrocket. 

 

“Do I need to back-up my data if we work in the Cloud.” 

There is no way to guarantee the safety of your data anywhere in the world, it could be lost, stolen, or corrupted at any time. It is impossible to guarantee 100% safety, so any provider that claims they do is lying. 

Backing up data, email, and the system itself will always be necessary as long as humans use it. The mistakes of your users may result in the loss or theft of vital business data, completely unintentionally.  

Despite enterprise-grade cyber defences, the Cloud is not an impenetrable fortress on an infrastructure level. A tech tool’s quality is determined by its weakest link, and in most cases, that weakest link is the person using it, not the tool itself. 

If you’re concerned about the Cloud, you can backup your systems to another independent Cloud service. Having your data protected and accessible anywhere on the planet will allow you to feel safe, no matter what happens. Cloud backups are considerably cheaper than on-premise ones, so it’s a no-brainer. 

 

“I’m no longer in control of my data when it is on the Cloud” 

In the absence of tech proficiency, many people view their data the same way they view other valuables in their lives. However, there’s a crucial difference between the two. It doesn’t mean that your data is in your control is safest, and it certainly does not guarantee it. In fact, it is less safe than in a data centre. A data centre is designed with the sole purpose of keeping your data, as well as the data of other companies, as safe as possible. More than likely, they invested heavily in a security infrastructure and defences that are far superior to those you can produce yourself. 

 

“My data is missing, and I don’t know where it has gone” 

You must always remain in control! If you don’t know where your data is being stored, this could be disastrous in terms of theft and corruption, not to mention the legal consequences of not meeting your compliance obligations. 

Cloud computing allows you to maintain control. Ensure that you are complying with your compliance requirements by asking your provider where your data is kept. However, don’t be fooled – not all Cloud providers are interested in offering you value. Some simply want your money. Your contract agreement should be read thoroughly – some Cloud providers allow them to scan your emails and content for their own purposes. 

Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you’re looking for a capable Cloud provider who puts your business first. 

 

Choose an IT provider dedicated to helping you 

We’re in the business of helping businesses. We provide IT solutions and support to facilitate and encourage growth. Our team of experts offer effective comprehensive cyber solutions that protect your data. We centre our efforts around reducing the risks your business faces and offering improved levels of communication, collaboration, and productivity in your everyday business processes. If you and your team want to get the most possible from IT in the most secure way, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.