According to Gartner, one of the leading research firms, cloud computing is distinctively vulnerable to the threats of myths surrounding this subject. Such myths slow down the progress, while inducing fear and impeding innovation at the same time, thus hindering the progress of an evolving technology. So, here’s a quick look at some of the most misleading and perilous cloud myths (courtesy Gartner) –
Myth 1: Cloud means money
Though prices for cloud services like Infrastructure as a service (IaaS) are coming down, it’s not the same case with other cloud services like Software as a Service (SaaS). If it is assumed that cloud helps in saving money, this can result in career-confining promises. Saving funds may put an end to one of the many benefits, though this shouldn’t be assumed to be true.
Myth 2: If you have to be good, you need to be in cloud arena!
This indicates extensive cloud washing. A part of cloud washing is due to justifiable confusion and unplanned migrations to the cloud, but the rest is due to the mistaken belief that unless and until it is cloud it cannot be good. IT companies are deceptively calling several things as clouds progressively as a part of their attempt to get VC funding. This has led to the false belief among people that something that is good has to be associated with cloud computing/hosting.
Myth 3: We require a single cloud vendor or strategy
It’s important to understand that cloud computing is not a single thing.
All cloud strategies need to depend on this verity. These services are extensive and cover various levels (SaaS, IaaS), models (cloud native, ‘lift and shift’), applications, and scope (external, internal). An optimum cloud strategy should depend on supporting business objective with potential gains.
Myth 4: “Doing Anything New as per the Company’s CEO” is a cloud strategy
Most companies don’t have a cloud strategy, and just do what their CEO wants, which is in no way, a cloud strategy. A proper cloud strategy starts by finding business objectives and planning potential cloud benefits to them, while reducing the potential downsides.
Myth 5: Cloud = Data Center
A majority of the cloud choices are not about fully closing down the data centers and shifting things to cloud. A cloud strategy should also not be thought of as being the same or equal as data center strategy. In short, data center modernization, data center strategies, and data center outsourcing are not the same as the cloud.
Myth 6: It is right to use cloud for everything
In association with Myth 2, this submits to the thought that the real features of the cloud are desirable for or applicable to everything. Evidently, there are few cases where it may be a good fit, though it cannot be used for all workloads and applications. It’s not recommended to shift a legacy app to the cloud unless cost savings are assured of.
Myth 7: Virtualization = Private Cloud
An often-employed enabling method for cloud computing is virtualization. Though, it’s not the one and only technology for cloud computing implementation. Even though virtualization is employed, it doesn’t lead to cloud computing. This is highly applicable in private cloud talks where it is common to see highly automated, virtualized environments. Regrettably, these are incorrectly referred to as ‘private cloud’.
Myth 8: Cloud isn’t meant for use on mission-critical systems
Cloud computing is nothing or not all. It’s being implemented in particular cases and in steps. So, there’s nothing to be surprised that early adoption cases are importantly not for mission-critical use. Though, several companies have gone ahead of early employment cases and experimentation.
Myth 9: Cloud is not as safe as on-premises systems
Cloud computing is wrongly believed to be less safe. In reality, there have been only few security infringements in the public cloud – a majority of the infringements still involve the on-premises systems.
Myth 10: Shifting to the cloud implies you get all cloud features automatically
Many people assume that they will get all cloud characteristics if they shift to the cloud. But, cloud characteristics aren’t transitive. Differentiate between apps hosted from the cloud services in the cloud.
Though cloud computing awareness has steadily increased among the business-class people, myths still exist and this can lead to many issues. So, it’s time to understand the reality to benefit the most from the cloud as a vendor as well as customer, and I hope you’d have enjoy reading these hilarious myths about cloud.