5 misconceptions about the cloud

1. The cloud is insecure

Companies often tend to use their own systems for core or confidential data. But is this truly safer than in the cloud? A cloud provider can exploit economies of scale to guarantee more cost-effective protection. It also has staff that are entirely dedicated to security. So in practice it will be challenging to match the level of service given by a cloud provider.

2. The cloud is not suited to a company's core systems 

There is absolutely no reason not to put your company's core systems, such as the ERP or accounting system, in the cloud. Choose the right provider and your applications will be more reliable, more secure and will perform better than if you do things yourself. The cloud relieves you of all the hard work that is unrelated to your core business.

3. Everything works better in the cloud

Not all applications are equally suited to the cloud. Sometimes there is simply no business case for the cloud. An old and static application with no particular demands may well be best left operating on your own servers. Technical restrictions may also be an obstacle to cloud migration. For example, the normal delay in internet connection generally makes applications such as virtual desktops too slow in the cloud.

4. The cloud is always better value 

With the pay-per-use model it does generally work out cheaper, particularly if you use the service on a flexible or occasional basis. If, however, you do not make the most of the flexibility on offer, then you will be paying more for a feature that you do not require. So, is the cloud then cheaper? It all depends on how you use it.

5. The IT department will be put out of a job

Many people believe that migrating to the cloud means that IT staff will no longer be required. Nothing could be further from the truth. It simply changes the job content: IT staff are relieved of basic administrative work (which is always carried out by the cloud service provider), giving them time to focus on jobs that add value. The role of the CIO changes as well, as this person becomes a critical factor in the success of cloud adoption.