When "the cloud" first entered into widespread personal and corporate use, it was still a fairly mysterious technology. This ultimately led to a proliferation of myths and misconceptions regarding what the technology is, what it is capable of, and what potential downsides it could have. Here are a few of the most common myths about cloud computing—and the truth behind them.
3 Myths About Cloud Computing – Debunked
The Cloud Hurts the Environment
Data centers tend to consume energy and put out heat—and this has led to the popular belief that cloud technology is hurting the environment. But the reverse is actually true. On-premise servers tend to utilize more resources because they are not designed for efficiency; multiply this throughout millions of offices worldwide, and there is a significant loss of energy. Comparatively, cloud hosting providers are able to create the most efficient and greenest data centers possible. In other words, the cloud actually helps the environment significantly.
The Cloud Is Inherently Less Secure
One of the most common myths about cloud computing is that the technology is inherently less secure than on-premise servers and other more traditional computing solutions. This is not true; there is nothing inherently less secure about the technology. Cloud security may be a challenge due to its high level of accessibility, but there are still many options for organizations that need to keep their data protected. Private cloud solutions and hybrid cloud solutions have been able to bridge the gap between on-premise security and cloud-based accessibility, offering companies solutions that deliver the best of both worlds.
The Cloud Is a New Technology
Some organizations have hesitated to adopt a cloud infrastructure because they believe that it may be nothing more than a passing trend. The cloud, however, is not a new technology. Cloud computing was first developed in the mid-1970s and has been in widespread usage among scientific and corporate endeavors since the early 2000s. Prior to Microsoft's cloud-based initiatives, "the cloud" was often referenced as distributed computing or virtual machine networks, but the major premise was the same. Cloud computing is now a technology that is entering into maturity and widespread adoption, and there is no reason to believe that it won't continue to be an attractive infrastructure model for many decades to come.
With the above myths about cloud computing dispelled, it's easy to see why cloud computing is so popular. Cloud computing allows for the distribution of resources throughout a collection of machines rather than a single device; it is as versatile, scalable, efficient, and secured as it is designed. Contact us today if you're interested in more information about cloud technologies and the platforms that are able to leverage its benefits.
