Myth #1 – I heard my data isn’t safe in the cloud.
If the cloud allows my employees to access company files at home, in the airport or at trade shows, then what’s stopping anyone else from accessing my company’s sensitive information? It’s all there for the taking.
Reality #1 – Accessing data on the cloud is strictly permission-based. Given the robust, stringent, meticulous benchmarks in place at top data centers, data is more secure with the cloud services provider than on the in-office network. With cloud computing, you enjoy three types of security: physical (armed guards), logical (firewalls, virus protection, etc.) and methodological (knowing who is an approved user before data transmission). Properly securing data is the cloud services provider’s expertise.
Myth #2 – Why should I give up control? I can rest easier knowing my data is stored on my on-site server. Allowing outsiders to take an active role in storing my company’s information makes me feel as if I’m signing part of my company away.
Reality #2 – Data transmitted from a computer terminal to a cloud server is securely routed. It doesn’t make a detour to go on Spring Break on its way to the cloud. Your data is your data regardless of the physical location of a server. In fact, with strict access user controls and confidentiality certifications, such as SOC2 or HIPAA, cloud servers are formidably controlled. Cloud computing provides the lock and the safe, but you always retain the key.
Myth #3 – People say the cloud is expensive. If I migrate to the cloud, wouldn’t it cost more? At the moment, one of my staff members manages my data on an on-site server. In this case my employee’s salary is accounted for —at least a few months in advance—in my budget.
Reality #3 – Cloud computing is a service provided for your business. It’s also a long-term solution investment. The cost of maintaining and upgrading hardware and software, along with employing IT support, is figured into the cloud solution you choose. Customized cloud solutions ensure you pay only for services you want or need.
Myth #4 – I’m sure the cloud is designed for large companies. For a small to medium-sized business, the amount of data I would store is probably similar to storing a penny where the United States government stores gold at Fort Knox. For my business needs, the cloud is a luxury.
Reality #4 – A company’s size doesn’t dictate importance of data. Nor does it determine how you should be able to run your business. Large companies may have taken advantage of the convenience, redundancies and safety of cloud computing to reach their size, but SMBs also need to adapt and do business smarter in order to thrive. And, a small to medium-sized business cannot afford to lose connection to its data and applications. The cloud services provider removes this concern from the equation, enabling the business to pay only for what it needs – scaling its solution as the company grows.
Myth #5 – For support, wouldn’t I have to go through the typical escalation process to get help? Whenever there is an issue with my company’s on-site server, I can address it immediately without dialing an 800 number and enduring the normal support escalation process. From my experience, a support hotline can be a disappointment when staff members are unfamiliar with the basics of my business. By contrast, I receive hands-on support anytime I take my server to a national electronics chain.
Reality #5 – A cloud services provider that takes its business and its clients’ businesses seriously will not subject a customer to a service escalation process. The benefit of cloud computing is the anytime, anywhere access it delivers, so if there is a reason a client isn’t experiencing just that, the provider should rectify it immediately. That entails having knowledgeable, well- trained Level 3 engineers manning the help desk 24x7x365 to diagnose the issue and swiftly implement the right solution. There are many more myths that exist; we hear them from prospects at trade shows frequently. Is there a myth or story you’ve heard about cloud computing not addressed here? Please complete the Contact Us form and we will get in touch with you promptly.