The Darkness Behind the Cloud
There’s no doubt in my mind that cloud computing is reshaping the IT world and that more and more companies are convinced of its efficiencies and cost-savings. For example, with the cloud, there’s no need to manage complex systems underlying apps and databases, and you only pay for what you use.
Nevertheless, it’s worth remaining cautious before jumping on the cloud bandwagon, as there are no established standards yet. Here are a few points to consider:
- Security – Make sure your provider is registered as a data processor under the Data Protection Act (EU equivalent or US Safe Harbour) because you want to be able to trust whether that company is safely handling your customer files and other sensitive data. Check into their policies and procedures on transferring, protecting and recovering data, as well as how they keep it confidential.
- Service – Get a service-level agreement. This will concretely define your expectations on minimum levels of service provided as well as compensation should your provider fail to keep their end of the bargain – for example, failed access to your data or apps.
- Speed – Consider whether your internet bandwidth can handle the increase in volume once you switch to cloud services. If not, you may want to consider alternate or multiple services.
- Cost – Ask how much it’ll cost you to get off the cloud (if you must), for example, if you want to switch to another provider. And will you be able to get your data back? These are important factors to consider.
Once we see more standards established in cloud computing, these issues will become less important. But it’s a good idea to be prepared and cautious when considering a move to the cloud.
The U.K.’s Telegraph has more to say on cloud computing risk. Check it out.