Five common misconceptions held by small and medium businesses about cloud computing...

1. Cloud Computing:
5 Myths
COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS FOR THE SMALL-MEDIUM BUSINESS

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1: You’ve never used the cloud
Many businesses are already using the cloud and don’t even realise it. Here are some of
the services you use that already benefit from the cloud:
 Email
 Social Media (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter etc.)
 Skype
 Online Storage/Backup (Dropbox, Google Drive etc.)
Remember: If a business service you are using is provided from a server that is not yours,
you’re benefiting from cloud computing.

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2: Security is the biggest risk
Security concerns are the main barrier to cloud adoption, but in most cases, cloud-based
assets are much better protected than local computers, networks and servers.
Remember: major cloud service providers can invest a far greater amount than the
average business.

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3: The cloud is only relevant for
technology needs
The majority of enterprises now consider cloud to be a key strategic business advantage
that enables business process streamlining – allowing for operational excellence and
increased innovation.
Remember: Cloud computing solution vendors provide you with the use of the highest
quality servers, programs and technologies, whilst having the skilled manpower and IT
resources to efficiently handle any issues that may arise.

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4: Cloud computing is a fad
A common thought amongst businesses is that the cloud is simply a technology ‘phase’,
however, the idea dates back to the 1960’s, but wasn’t a practical vision until the internet
had matured, with the beginnings of cloud computing arising in 1999.
Remember: The cloud is here to stay and Gartner predict that companies will spend
around $790 billion on public cloud services over the next four years.

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5: The cloud is too complex and is hard
to integrate with existing systems
There are varying levels of complexity depending on the different cloud service provider
you choose, however many clouds actually simplify technology management. Most
applications are also stand-alone, and can be moved independent of existing systems,
meaning integration is relatively simple.
Remember: Service Orientated Applications provide a simple integration, and for non-
Service Orientated Applications, hybrid solutions are designed to make the process just
as simple.