Businesses like to be different because being unique pays the bills. However, firms like yours always share similarities with the competition. One such similarity is the use of cloud computing. Since the arrival of the technology in the mid-2000s, almost every company on the planet uses it in some way. And, it isn’t hard to see why because it can improve communication, productivity, and save money. The benefits are great, and businesses should use them to their advantage whenever possible.
It is worth noting that, while the cloud can be positive, there are features that are negative. That isn’t being cynical; it’s truthful. The good news is that the dangerous parts don’t have to impact the firm as long as you deal with them before they escalate. To do that, you need to carry on reading to find out more.
Automatic Updates
The manufacturers will tell you that this is a good thing because it reduces the hassle for your firm. That might be true, but it is only true if you want the update in the first place. A scenario might be that you don’t want it to happen, yet it happens anyway. In this scenario, when you use the cloud after the upgrade, you might find that a feature or widget you relied on is no longer available. Not only does this not reduce the hassle, but it also makes the cloud harder to use, which negates the entire point of the software. For businesses that still want to use the technology, it’s vital that you contact them and get them to inform you about potential ‘improvements.’ Then, you can choose whether it will be a good fit. After all, you are the boss.
Price Rises
One of the main selling points of the cloud is that it is cheaper than in-house storage. While that might be true for small businesses, it isn’t true for bigger firms. As a company starts to grow, it is cheaper to take care of digital storage internally than it is to outsource. Even Google admit this is a problem that needs solving, quote ‘we realised that prices had to come down.’ A price hike is realistic because you will plan on growing. Let’s face it; no company starts off with the goal of going bust. So, when you do, you might have to pay more for the services which claim they reduce business costs. The only way to tackle this problem is to look out for specific services which factor in the rise. Now Google has spoken, companies are bound to be making changes.
Reliance On The Cloud
As internet connections are easy to find, it doesn’t seem likely that you’ll never be able to connect to the cloud. But, that’s what everyone thinks until the worst happens and they are stuck in the mud. The truth is that businesses are very reliant on the cloud, and that makes them vulnerable. Should the connection sever, employees can only sit and wait for the firm to come back online. Obviously, this is bad for productivity, which is bad for revenue and profit. To prevent this from happening, it’s imperative that you don’t put all of your eggs in one basket. Sure, upload everything to the cloud so that it’s available, but make it accessible offline too. To do that, you can download the files onto a computer so that no connection is needed. Then, you can pass them around to the people who need them most.
Reliance On Third Parties
What is even more frightening is how much companies start to rely on external companies. In the past, a business would take care of over three-quarter of its processes, but that isn’t the case any longer. And, even though it can be a good thing, it is also very dangerous. Reliance on other people to do your work means you are at their mercy as they hold all the cards. What will you do if you have a disagreement and they pull the plug? The only option is to pay off the contract and find another outsourcer, so the cycle continues. The lack of power is bad enough, but the effect it has the workforce is also hard to swallow. Regarding basic IT skills, most of your employees won’t have any. By relying on other people, the shortage of expertise in the industry gets worse as time passes. The result: you can’t lean on your team in your hour of need or hire great people.
Security Issues
There is no doubt that cyber security is a huge deal in the world of business in 2017. Due to the reliance on the web, almost every business uses the internet in some way, shape or form. Although it is mainly a positive experience, many security issues occur from the relationship. Hackers are everywhere, and they won’t think twice about targeting your most vulnerable areas for their benefit such as the cloud. Do you remember the celebrity photo hack, the intimate photos that hackers released to the world? Well, the leak occurred the protagonists didn’t realise their data wasn’t safe. They thought the cloud was safe and secure, but that isn’t always the case. It’s always a good idea to reinforce your digital storage options even if you think the cloud is secure. For the most part, the safety measures that come with it aren’t good enough to keep the bad guys at bay.
Low Standard Of Service
Everyone thinks that outsourcing is great because it raises the standard of the business and cuts cost. Although this can be true, it isn’t always the case. It is only the case when the outsourcer you use is as capable and reliable as you. Otherwise, there is no way the company will benefit from the deal. As you will look to outsource your cloud storage capabilities, this flaw is of particular importance. Thankfully, it’s easy to rectify if you know what to look for before you get into bed with a partner. Firstly, start with their experience because it’s a good indicator of their skill level. Then, focus on client and customer reviews. Unbiased reviews are one of the only ways of knowing whether a firm is as good as they make out, so you should find as many as possible. For the most part, forget the price. The cost is insignificant when you think of the damage it can cause. Price is a central feature, but there are more noteworthy issues when it comes to cloud computing.
No Room For Negotiation
Even though they are the ones that want your custom, they have all the leverage. Yep, they will court you like you are a damsel in distress and they want your hand in marriage, but it’s only a show. When it comes to signing on the line, they will tell you what they can provide in terms of services levels. If you want 90% uptime, say, they might only be willing to offer 75%. For obvious reasons, this isn’t a good deal, and you shouldn’t commit. What you should do is find a provider that is willing to meet your demands. It is hard work as providers like to get their way, but there are bespoke companies that tailor their services. They tend to cost a little more, but it is worth it in the end.
Cloud computing is an incredible asset if you know how to use it properly and avoid the bugs.
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Marshal Hubs
Priyanka Srivastava
John Stephen