Cloud computing is a relatively well-known technology used for data storage, networking, security, and many other functions. As of today, Malaysia is still in the process of empowering its many industries with cloud technology adoptions through the MyDIGITAL initiative from former Prime Minister, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. The cloud adoption rate in Malaysia is still relatively low in comparison to the West, but with the MyDIGITAL initiative, the Malaysian government is expected to reach 80% cloud adoption rate by 2022.
Although the cloud computing technology is well-known for its advantages and benefits in the IT industry, the cloud is still shrouded in mysteries and myths surrounding its functions and security. Consumers, business owners, and organization leaders, put their trust in their Cloud Service Providers and Managed Service Providers without addressing the unspoken mysteries surrounding the cloud.
Here are four myths surrounding cloud technology:
Cloud is a one-time thing
The most common misconception about cloud technology is that most consider its adoption or migration as a one-time thing. Users generally assume that transitioning to cloud is a one-time event which can be done just once which is not the case with cloud adoption.
Transitioning to cloud is a lifetime journey. As cloud users, business owners, or organization leaders may find themselves needing to reassess their cloud usage or include a different security measure for their cloud system. It is extremely important for cloud users to annually assess their cloud subscriptions to ensure that they match their companies’ usages. This is why cloud services are always offered as a pay-per-use service where users can upgrade or downgrade their packages whenever necessary.
Switching to cloud is a one-click process
The second most common misconception about cloud technology is that many consider switching to cloud is as simple as a click. However, cloud adoption is a meticulous process that requires planning and proper execution to ensure that all of the company or organisation’s data are accessible and usable.
To ensure a smooth transition to cloud, business owners and organization leaders must have transparent discussion with their CSPs or MSPs on the steps to migrate to cloud. Application dependency maps need to be made to ensure that nothing is left behind and applications or data can be migrated in groups. A step-by-step plan is important for the company or organisation’s data well-being.
Cloud is a playground for hackers
One of the most famous myths surrounding cloud technology is that many assume the cloud is extremely vulnerable to cyberattacks. Cyber threats are unwanted and dangerous in the IT industry regardless of one’s technology, but it can be avoided with several precautionary steps which includes equipping users’ cloud systems with fool proof securities and disaster recovery plans.
Potential cyberattacks can be monitored by controlling users’ accessibility to company’s data while simultaneously providing visibility for employers to check on what data their employees are accessing. The cloud makes it easier for employers to monitor possible data leakage and easily curb the issue.
Cloud is cheap
Cloud users generally assume that cloud services are cheap because it does not require any typical on-premise infrastructure but the cloud can actually be costly if users are not well-informed of their company’s cloud usage.
The cloud system is scalable to company’s usage but it requires the company to actually be in tuned with what the company is or is not using. If company owners or organization leaders can be aware of their consumption use, and cut down unnecessary extension to their cloud packages, they may be able to achieve greater cost benefits.
In conclusion, cloud computing technology can truly be profitable for companies or organisations that know how to use the technology to their advantages. Although the cloud comes with its own mysteries and myths, it should not deter potential users from using the cloud as long as consumers are able to make well-informed decisions.