Despite the fact that many businesses have now either migrated to the cloud or are preparing to do so, you might still harbor reservations about doing so.
This might be down to a lack of understanding about how the cloud works, or it may be that you have misconceptions about it. Here’s what you need to know to overcome your concerns about the cloud.
Security: A Big Concern for Businesses
One of the biggest concerns for businesses is the security of their data. The cloud seems to imply a lack of control over business data. After all, it is stored on a server a long way from you rather than on your premises.
But the truth is that the cloud actually has a lot of security benefits for businesses.
The Cloud Is Secure
By storing your business data off-site, you are actually helping to keep it secure. If you choose a provider that takes security seriously, they will probably have very secure servers that are fully protected—and this could be more secure than storing data on your premises.
There is no need to worry about hardware, including the costs of buying it and also the risk of it becoming damaged. If your on-site server is damaged by fire or storm, this could cause a huge blow to your company.
Cloud providers need to ensure security, and their reputations rely on it. There is a lot of competition, and a cloud provider that gets known for weak security will not be around for long.
This means they often focus strongly on security, and they may use enhanced encryption and secure servers like IBM’s iSeries.
How to Overcome Your Other Concerns
As well as security concerns, you may have other misgivings about the cloud. Perhaps you are worried about the lack of control of your IT infrastructure, but the truth is you may get a lot more flexibility by letting a specialist cloud provider take over the costs of maintenance.
You might worry about losing data as well. But of you choose a good provider, you will always have access to your data whenever you need it.
You may be worried about your business growth, and perhaps a cloud provider is not able to keep up. But the cloud is highly scalable, and you just need to make sure you choose a provider that can grow alongside your business.
Disruption is also a concern. Yes, there may be some disruption during the move, but you can minimize this through proper planning, and you can also sell the benefits to your employees. You will probably find that one of the main benefits of the cloud is that it can help you to increase productivity.
Research Cloud Providers
Always carefully research cloud providers and look for good customer reviews and a great reputation. You will also want to choose one that offers excellent customer service, as well as a provider that will be around for a long time to come so that they become a trusted partner.
Ask any questions you are unsure about. Some providers will be very helpful, while others might not be, and you can use this to help you make your decision.
Enjoy the Benefits of the Cloud
Don’t miss out on the benefits of moving to the cloud because of misunderstandings or a lack of planning. Research the solutions available and talk to cloud providers. Find out about how your business can benefit, and then plan for a successful move.
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