With many definitions of what it means to adopt cloud computing, it is clear that there is still a huge amount of fear, uncertainty and doubt. The truth is that cloud technology is harnessed daily in both work and personal settings. So, what does hold many companies back from the idea of the public cloud? Here are a few of the issues Jeff discusses in the first in a series of Tech Talks from Big Green IT. Jeff’s presentation is also available for download.
Some of the biggest concerns simply surround a fear of the unknown. Technology can be daunting. Hand in hand with this is the idea of security, latency and the storage of big data sets. Of course, compliance will always be a huge issue for industries such as healthcare and banking, but companies like Microsoft really do have offerings that can help assuage the uncertainty and doubt.
With all of the concerns, multitudes of business consumers are migrating to the cloud and demanding new features. It seems that if it is possible to overcome the initial hurdle and jump in, the benefits are tangible. These include:
- Current applications with automatic updates
- Predictable costs
- Affordable DR
- Same day service
- Accessibility from any branch/office or home
It is really about a critical list that reflects how cloud computing is valuable to individual companies. If benefits and the time saving can be grasped, it begins to all make sense. Questions like ‘What can I do now that I was not able to do before?’ It is always hard to let go of the belief everything can be accomplished better on premise. There is a freedom in the action of letting go. It is worth noting that the public cloud may well provide a level of security that is more resilient than many on premise environments, and site redundancy is a huge benefit.
Jeff talks with animation about low hanging clouds! There is much to understand when it comes to getting a better product in the cloud, from tools to backups. It is quite possible that companies are running versions of software that are no longer supported. It helps to be always current. How about automatic patching? Wouldn’t it be nice to need no downtime for patching but have it happen automatically and to know someone is always watching? Think of the cloud as a utility that is scalable both up and down. With Office 365 it is simple to add and remove licenses, and this provides a predictable linear cost. DR is so much more affordable too!
Big Green IT preaches the importance of assessments. Assessing current systems enables companies to consider what it is that they may be missing in order to function more productively. Harnessing the cloud can provide some positive outcomes.
Consider giving Jeff a call at 916 787 3223, or drop him an email at jeffr@biggreenit.com and find out where you go from here. You may find out that the things you were worried about six months ago are no longer a worry.