Debunking 3 Common Myths About Cloud Solutions

Ready to move your business into the cloud? If your company uses the internet in any capacity, then it's likely that you already have! "Cloud computing" can be a sometimes vague term, but its broadest definitions include everything from email services to website hosting. Most modern businesses use at least a handful of services that live "in the cloud."

Despite so many essential features of the business world following this new paradigm, there are still many common myths about the cloud. Although tackling every misconception would fill several books, this article will debunk a few of the most pervasive ones.

Myth 1. Cloud Services Are Less Secure

To understand why the cloud offers better security for your company, consider the concept of safe deposit boxes at your local bank. For example, if you have some treasured family heirlooms, would you prefer to keep them under your pillow, or in a deposit box at the bank? On-site (or under-pillow) storage might mean having them close at hand, but your house hardly has the same security as a bank vault.

Likewise, storing your data on-site means that you are responsible for its safety. When you use a cloud provider, you can rely on their security expertise to keep your data secure from cybersecurity threats. Not only does this mean enjoying potentially far greater security, but it also reduces the burden on your IT department.

Myth 2. You Lose Control of Your Data

While public, consumer-oriented cloud services may offer less control over how and where data is stored, business-oriented services can provide greater flexibility. Hybrid cloud solutions allow your business to utilize the benefits of cloud services without entirely ceding control over your data to a third-party provider.

These systems will typically allow your business to move less confidential data to a public cloud provider, where you'll have access to greater storage, speed, features, and even security. Meanwhile, you can continue to use private hardware to store sensitive data that you cannot move off-site, either due to laws or company policy.

Myth 3. You'll Pay More Money

Why pay someone else to do something you can do yourself? The answer is simple: it might be cheaper! Utilizing cloud services means paying a third party, but it also means that your company can offload some of its IT burdens. A less-overwhelmed IT department can accomplish more with fewer employees and may even help generate more revenue by focusing on your core business operations.

Moving to the cloud might seem like a scary or even arcane process, but it's a natural evolution for businesses in the internet age. By understanding the problems with many misconceptions surrounding these new technologies, you'll be better prepared to lead your company into a cloud-based future. For more information about cloud services, contact a local provider.