Three Reasons You Should Not be Apprehensive About the Cloud

Many businesses have yet to embrace cloud computing due to skepticism regarding cybersecurity and cost effectiveness. But these concerns should largely be alleviated by developments that have sought to purge the cloud of its initial detriments.

1. Security issues are exaggerated

West IP Communications conducted a study in which the opinions of 300 IT managers were garnered. One of the most frequently addressed issues was cloud security—55% of respondents indicated that they were apprehensive about it. Because of this, 87% indicated that if they were to implement cloud services, of which 55% would choose a private format and 32% a hybrid platform.

However, the source asserted, the cloud is actually more secure than hosting an on-premise server. Contrary to popular belief, the risk of a data breach occurring is not eliminated, or even lessened, when employing an in-office infrastructure.

In fact, the cloud—even of the public variety—has added protection in the form of security checks from the provider. And as the preeminent growing industry within IT, professionals are taking more initiatives than ever to counter potential data thefts. Your important files and information are quite safe when stored in the cloud.

2. Hybrid cloud developments cater to individual demands

While concerns mount regarding security in the public cloud arena, ITProPortal said that the advancements in hybrid technology have allowed for higher levels of customization, and therefore, heightened protection from cyberattacks.

Using a hybrid infrastructure, which captures the best aspects of public and private clouds, can help businesses optimize their usage and cut expenses. Instead of paying for a broad system that does not meet all of your needs, you can personalize one that fits all of your requirements, not to mention your budget.

The key, ITProPortal noted, is to analyze specific aspects of the services you desire—document management, data storage, and so on. Each company has different circumstances, so moving a particular platform to the cloud will work better for some than others.

This is where hybrid cloud becomes optimal, as you can appropriately assign business functions to cloud or on-premise servers as you see fit.

3. Return on investment is better than most think

Many companies are concerned about cloud’s potential ROI, or lack thereof. West IP Communications found that IT managers were split almost down the middle on the issue; 54% said they expected to recoup the entire price tag in savings, while 46% did not share such an optimistic viewpoint about the financial prospects.

But the fact of the matter is that those who actually use cloud services are very confident in its ROI potential. The source said that 74% of users expected to realize savings as a direct result of employing cloud computing.

Overall, 93% were enthusiastic that the initial cost of implementing such software would be reclaimed within five years, with 21% indicating it would even happen within a year, and a further 31% saying it would happen in under two.