3 Dangerous Steps When Moving to a Cloud Computing Provider
In the business world, working in ‘The Cloud’ has become common terminology. Cloud computing providers offer the possibility for shared data access, resources and software without the supposed hassle of having to understand the entire network itself.
Unfortunately, when it comes to cloud computing services, too many businesses start out with great intentions, and falter when they fail to approach the system in a strategic way. Below are three dangerous factors when dealing with cloud computing services, and steps to avoid making the mistakes that could keep your business from moving forward.
1. Keep your finger on the pulse of your data
Cloud computing services can be fantastically easy to use. Your company’s information can be analyzed, stored and evaluated at the click of someone else’s button. Since these services ultimately do the work for you, it’s easy to sit back and let the system take over entirely, but for the informed business man or woman, the key is always knowing what is going on with your data.
Much like the mythical Wizard of Oz, people can take for granted who or what is behind the scenes of the cloud. Fight the urge to turn a blissfully blind eye and take time to keep a copy of important files on hand. Get to know your cloud computing provider. You would not give your CPA access to your financials and then never check in again, so do not do the same with your cloud computing.
2. Understand Control and Confidentiality Agreements
Another risk to having your data stored offsite, is the potential for shared server space. There are cloud computing service providers that may condense data into single servers which are based overseas. This means that your company’s information could be stored alongside your competitions’ data. The more accessible this information, the more vulnerable these systems are to hackers.
Be sure to fully understand your provider’s confidentiality agreement from the start. When you know how your information is protected, you will be better able to protect the future of your business. Additionally, be sure to ask how your provider handles threats of hacking when dealing with multiple companies being hosted on a single server.
3. Optimize Potential Transitions
A successful business runs on a system of flexibility. There may come a time when it will be necessary or more cost effective for your company to transition from one cloud computing service provider to another. Unfortunately, many businesses often assume this process will be easy. While cloud computing providers promote seamless network sharing for their clients, they do not necessary hold the same standard amongst themselves.
Before you settle on a provider, be sure to ask what their policy is on transitions, transfer costs and what other providers they may work most closely with. Verify that, should you leave, you will be able to retrieve your data and be clear about the format you will need it delivered in.
This post is an adapted excerpt from our free educational webinar, 4 Steps to Successful Cloud Computing Implementation. To learn more about cloud computing and how to avoid the common risks, register for the webinar here.
