According to a survey sponsored by Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC), nearly one-third of the respondents’ organizations haven’t used cloud architecture because of worries about data protection and data loss. But as more cloud computing services and apps come into the mainstream, it’s harder to do business without adapting to the cloud.

That doesn’t mean you need to throw caution to the wind. It’s wise to approach any big decision affecting your data and security with caution. However, many cloud computing fears are largely unfounded or are dated concerns. Here are some common worries about cloud computing and how they impact your business.

Security

Doomsday headlines dominate the media about corporations getting hacked and losing consumer trust and their quarterly revenue along with it. But that doesn’t necessarily mean the cloud is unsafe. Depending on your business, you’re likely to get better overall security, the latest data encryption technology and around-the-clock safety checks when using cloud applications. Meanwhile, relying on your own server can be a disaster waiting to happen.

Cloud companies, especially those built with enterprises in mind, are constantly upgrading their security and safety standards and will have your data accessible and ready to go even during a breach or system crash. Meanwhile, your company’s server could go down because of human error, a natural disaster or a malicious hack and you could lose everything. Asking for referrals or checking online reviews is one of the fastest ways to assess how safe a cloud provider is.

Costs

Cloud storage and computing were once cutting-edge technologies with skyrocketing price tags to match. Today, working in the cloud is the mainstream norm with costs ranging from free to a few thousand dollars depending on the size of your company. For example, many cloud providers like Dropbox offer a freemium version with robust storage and some features like sharing and collaborating. A premium enterprise version offers advanced security and support with businesses in mind. Many cloud storage providers also cross over into collaboration features.

Are you overwhelmed by the idea of starting a blog? Let us help you. Check out our website design and blogging packages to see how easy and affordable it can be!

Public Access

Just because you can easily onboard anyone into your cloud provider and offer up access doesn’t mean you should. Cloud providers of all sizes provide a customized approach to access. That means you don’t need to hand over the keys to everyone. Instead, you can systematically pick and choose which projects your employees or clients can access in the cloud with something as simple as a generated link.

Cloud providers also simplify the process to revoke access as needed and close off any vulnerabilities, like when an employee quits or is fired. TechRadar recently reported on businesses being incredibly lax about restricting ex-employee access. Unfortunately, that access oversight is often what leads to vulnerabilities and data breaches, not the cloud itself.

Transparency

Fearing your cloud provider is hiding performance problems is a common fear among consumers and executives alike. And because you’re not typically working with your provider in person, it’s difficult to hand over complete trust without really knowing who is working behind the scenes. Asking industry peers for a recommendation is one way to set your mind at ease.

But you can also take control of the situation by asking your cloud provider about their hiring practices, who is working on your account and how they handle client issues. The more you ask for information and stay firm on your quest for answers, the more likely you are to find a company that respects your business and earns your trust.

If you enjoyed this post, you may also want to check out these others:

Search Engine Optimization: It Still Works
Five Tips to Get More Visitors to Your Website Through Your Blog
Successful Startup Strategies New Companies Can Copy
5 Types of Clients You Should Fire Immediately
4 Social Media Goals That Can Supercharge Your Business
How to Target Large Clients with Little to No Money
15 Website Mistakes You Should Avoid (Part 1)
Is There Still Gold in Cold Calling?

This article is published by Will Sherwood | The Sherwood Group |Website Design | Graphic Design | Marketing Communications: The Sherwood Group has over 30 years of experience working with all sorts of companies, small and large. Our clients range from entrepreneurs to Fortune 500 firms, in nearly every business sector, from across the street to around the world (and yes, even Europe, China, and South America). Our goal is to create advertising,  graphic design, website design, and marketing communication that still looks fresh and relevant 10-15 years later. Our mission is to stir your imagination and leave your competition shaken and wondering,  Now what do we do?”  We are located in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Do you need help growing your business? Click here to check out the social media marketing and website design packages from The Sherwood Group. We’ll help you capture new business and achieve your goals.

“Like” us and/or “Follow” us at these social media sites and we’ll return the favor:

LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter

Please comment. We’d like to know if you found this article informative or helpful?