More Cloud Myths Debunked

Anything that has the potential to be misunderstood also has the potential to be surrounded by many misconceptions.  As we have already discussed in an article posted in a few months ago, Is Your Head in the Clouds, there are a lot of myths surrounding cloud computing.  We shared an article, Common Myths Surrounding the Cloud, in early October that discussed some of the most popular cloud myths including ideas such as data in the cloud is not secure, cloud applications are not customizable, or cloud computing is not suited for mission critical activities.  Today we would like to delve into a few more pervasive myths related to cloud computing. 

Cloud Computing is Just a Trend

Due to the fact that the word “cloud” as it relates to technology is relatively new, some people may understandably presume that cloud computing is just another fad.  However, this couldn’t be further from the truth.  Cloud computing is experience tremendous growth and investment with organization adoption rates exceeding most predictions and expectations.  Research from Gartner Inc. (a renowned information technology research and advisory organization) predicts that by 2012, 80% of Fortune 1000 enterprises will be paying for some form of cloud computing services.  Take a look at our article, The Cloud is Here to Stay, for more in depth discussion about the longevity of cloud computing.

Cloud Computing is More Costly

The cost of cloud computing is a topic that has raised much debate due to the fact that initial costs and return on investment are a huge sticking point for most operations but also because calculating the cost of cloud computing can be rather complex.  Since this is included in our list of myths, we obviously believe that cloud computing is a cost effective business solution, but we urge each organization to do its own cost analysis research.  Just make sure you are taking all aspects into account when trying to determine the true costs of the cloud: configuring, deploying, monitoring, updating, upgrading, and so forth.  We believe you will find that cloud computing is more cost effective than traditional in house services.

Cloud Data Centers are Bad for the Environment

There has been some discussion around the carbon dioxide production and environmental degradation caused by cloud computing data centers and concerns have been raised about the effect this is having on the environment.  However, studies have found that cloud computing allows more computing to be done using less power.  In a recent Information Week article, Charles Babcock has this to say about the environmental effect of cloud computing, “A full energy audit might find that cloud computing is more energy efficient than predecessor platforms, and many of its activities replace more material- and energy-consuming ones in the physical world.”

Cloud Computing is Too Complex

The idea that cloud computing is complex essentially stems from not knowing enough about cloud computing.  Business leaders may mistakenly assume that a cloud platform will add a layer of complexity regarding how users access applications, store data, or interact with various business processes.  The truth is cloud computing could actually simplify processes with its built in uniformity.  Once thoroughly researched, the idea that cloud computing is complex is easily refuted. 

Do you have any thoughts regarding some of the myths surrounding cloud computing? Share your thoughts in a comment below.