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Top 10 Cloud Myths and How They will Impact Your Business

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Are you confused how the ‘Cloud’ can benefit your organization? If so, you’re among millions of senior executives who want to known the benefits of moving their IT networking to the Cloud.

A recent Gartner report reveals some of the worst misinformation surrounding Cloud computing, and this high-resolution Top 10 Cloud Myths Infographics will give you a great overview of it!

#10 – The Cloud Will Reduce Your Expenses 

This is not always true. In fact, in some cases, migrating your network over to the Cloud may involve costly integration. It’s wise to speak with authority cloud service providers Long-term, you can reduce your costs. However, it’s important you understand the initial set-up of your IT infrastructure will require a capital investment.

#9 – If You’re Not Using The Cloud You’re Missing Out 

Although the Cloud can enhance how your employees access company files and networks, there’s been enormous advertising efforts by CSPs to make you a convert. We recommend doing a network audit of your system before determining whether or not your company will benefit by migrating over to the Cloud.

#8 –  Is The Gartner Report Pro Cloud?

Yes and no. If you read the Gartner report, you’ll notice it does provide reasons why the Cloud is wise for SMBs. However, the report does advocate some of the challenges companies will need to consider such as mapping out your current business IT needs. Then evaluate if upgrading your resources to the Cloud will enhance employee access to your network.

#7 – Your Cloud Network Isn’t Secure

No network (wired or wireless) is secure unless your IT technicians have properly installed security encryption measures and protocols.

#6 – Security Is Limited With Cloud Networking

Although this has become a controversial issue, many CSPs report very few security breeches with Cloud networks. Despite 2014’s detrimental security breeches by large companies such as Target, Sony and Home Depot, most network infiltrations are still bypassed through poorly-designed firewalls and gateways.

#5 –  Cloud Integration Can Replace Data Centers

This is a widely-accepted misconception about the Cloud. Yes, you can enhance your network but the Cloud will not replace your data center.

#4 – Cloud Migration Will Resolve Expired Windows 2003 Support

This is an issue many companies are facing. According to Insight Enterprises, 24 million servers are still running the expired version of Windows 2003. In July of 2014, Microsoft discontinued support for Win 2003. Therefore, companies hoping an upgrade to the Cloud will resolve their expired Win 2003 OS version may be surprised to find out it’s not the case.

#3 – Outsourcing Your Cloud Migration Is Risky 

Not true. Although, it is vital you work with a trusted provider. Our infographic outlines what you need to know about Cloud management.

#2 – The Gartner Report Is Misleading

Although the Gartner report outlines many of the benefits using the Cloud, it’s important to note any IT upgrade your company considers should be approached with advanced research.

#1 – Get On The Cloud Or Be Left Behind

Some companies may not be ideal candidates to integrate their networks to the Cloud. We recommend analyzing your legacy servers and run a cost-benefit analysis report to determine if reduced expenses moving your network to the Cloud are viable.

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Top 10 Things to Consider When Moving to the Cloud and Choosing a Hosting Provider

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As businesses continue the global migration to cloud, veterans of the field are learning from past successes and failures. A new infographic from ComputerSupport.com aims to help businesses as they search for a cloud hosting provider. Here are the ten major things companies should keep in mind:

Moving to the Cloud

1. Are you looking to cut costs? A move to the cloud can be done with minimal start-up costs and predictable ongoing operating expenses.

2. What are your business needs? In an organization of any size, cloud solutions provide a benefit by allowing team members to collaborate on projects using any device, as well as working on files simultaneously.

3. Is your infrastructure aging? As an organization’s technology ages, using a cloud provider allows it to save money on equipment and software replacement.

4. Do you want to simplify your disaster recovery plan? A regularly updated disaster recovery plan is essential for any business. A cloud provider can take over some of the responsibility, using skilled, experienced technologists to keep an organization’s data safe.

5. How easy are your systems to manage? Instead of requiring installations on individual devices, cloud services put data on the web, where it can be used without installation.

Choosing a Cloud Provider

6. Does the provider have a positive track record? Careful research can reveal a provider’s reputation in the industry. Pay particular attention to the company’s after-sales support, customer service, management, and technical support.

7. What are the provider’s technology capabilities? A business that will be relying on a technology provider should be fully aware of the solutions that provider offers. What is the provider’s record for keeping up with market demands and business needs?

8. What is the provider resiliency? A provider’s uptime and outage history is essential, as is any availability guarantees. A provider should be willing to put these promises in writing as a Service-Level Agreement (SLA).

9. What are the provider’s security capabilities? Security is essential. Check the provider’s capabilities in protecting your organization against malware, as well as any encryption mechanisms, industry and governmental compliance, identity management, and data center security.

10. Are there any associated costs? Before seeking a cloud provider, determine your technology budget and seek a provider that offers solutions that align with your pricing goals, both long- and short-term.

 

Top 10 Questions Every CFO Must Ask Before Moving to the Cloud

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Recently, ComputerSupport.com hosted a webinar that addressed some of the many questions CFOs have in making the decision to move to the cloud. CFO Frank Armenio joined us to help answer some of the many questions CFOs have today about the cloud. Among the many highlights of the webinar, which is linked below, are answers to the following questions:

  • Is the cloud the right fit for my organization? In some situations, a move to the cloud might not be the best option for a business. We discuss these instances and point out some issues that might make a cloud move a bad idea at this time.
  • Is your cloud secure enough for my organization and what are the security parameters? Every CFO should ask this question before choosing a vendor. Armenio provides tips to help CFOs ensure their organizations remain secure.
  • What steps can/should we take to ensure we meet all security and compliance standards? We provide specific industry certifications that any cloud provider should have.
  • Is your cloud endorsed by any regulatory agencies/commissions? CFOs should make sure a cloud provider has endorsement from any regulatory agencies that apply to their organization.
  • Who owns my organization’s data? If an organization must move to a new cloud provider, who will own the data? What happens to the information if the cloud provider goes out of business? We discuss several important items a CFO should look for in a cloud service contract
  • Where is my data being stored? Some organizations require data remain in the U.S. We talk about the importance of understanding where data is located and what can be expected in the event of a disaster.
  • Is your cloud public, private, or hybrid? We discuss the difference between each type.
  • Will we experience downtime before moving to the cloud? Moving to the cloud can be a seamless experience. We talk about how businesses can ensure as little downtime as possible during the migration process.
  • What is your process to move into the cloud? Webinar listeners will learn about the various things they should look for when choosing a cloud partner.
  • How long does it take to move an organization of our type/size into the cloud? The webinar covers the importance of making sure the vendor has a full understanding of the scope of your organization before making the move.