Although the cloud has been around for a while, many businesses still consider this disruptive technology an unnecessary risk and a potential source of problems. Their concerns are frequently based on misconceptions around new technology. Here are 7 major cloud myths… busted!

1. The cloud is not safe

This is perhaps the biggest concern about the cloud. Many businesses claim they don’t want sensitive information to be stored on the internet, on shared hardware and accessible by anyone from regular users to spies.

The truth is most cloud providers generally boast more security protocols than any business could ever get their hands on in their private, non-cloud data servers. Cloud providers can and do experience downtime but businesses can efficiently avoid them by placing their data in several locations and developing a backup strategy. For further information about securing your business data, read our Data Security blog.

2. The cloud is expensive

While the cloud may involve some considerable upfront costs, it will be cheaper in the long run. IT management tasks are outsourced and their cost reduced. Additionally, businesses can save up to 50% of normal costs related to operation, system updates and maintenance.

Opting for the cloud, businesses can reduce their investment in hardware equipment and/or human resources, and radically limit space usually used for information infrastructure and management. For further information about cost-effective cloud software (read Zoho Productivity Suite).

3. The cloud is unconvincing

Some businesses consider the cloud as just another technology fad that will pass. Perhaps they think businesses who choose this solution are experimenting to see whether it brings any benefits. And, that may be true to some extent.

However, a study conducted by Cloud Connect in partnership with Everest Group demonstrated what’s happening isn’t experimentation but serious investment. Almost two-thirds of examined businesses are spending more than 10% of their annual IT budgets on cloud services.

4. The cloud offers few benefits

Wrong. Cloud computing is a major technological development that makes IT resources and applications easily accessible through the internet. Increased data availability is just one important aspect of the cloud. Another is the fact it can easily adapt to the needs and habits of any sized business. Businesses choosing the cloud often enjoy an improved system performance and on-demand scalability. For further information, read Cloud Software.

5. Lack of control over cloud data

This concern is closely tied to cloud safety. Businesses may think relying on outsourced IT infrastructure means they might lose control over it. This simply isn’t true. By delegating the task of managing a company’s data infrastructure, businesses can benefit from the expertise of data specialists at the cloud provider. A business owns all their own data and should be able to download all data at any time (particularly useful when switching providers).

When choosing cloud software and infrastructure, the business retains full control over its data. However, the efficiency of their IT infrastructure is under the care of data experts, minimising problem-solving issues and/or troubleshooting, effectively giving your business more time to focus on other projects (read Data Security).

6. Scaling in the cloud is automatic

The cloud doesn’t guarantee the possibility of scaling-up each and every aspect of a business’ operations. Whilst computing power can often be scaled-up, not all cloud applications offer this service (although this is unlikely given the nature of the cloud). Businesses that expect to grow should ensure they choose applications developed to allow scalability in the cloud.

Again, you can read more about a suite of productivity software that allows scalability in our Zoho Productivity Suite blog.

7. The cloud is just about technology

Finally, some businesses may believe the cloud is purely a technology solution. The truth, however, is many businesses consider the cloud to serve as a strategic business differentiator that accelerates innovation and promotes operational excellence. From creating animated marketing videos, streamlining business processes to save time for both businesses and customers alike (eSignatures & Staff Leave Planner), and other software to make running your business easier (Cloud Software).

To conclude, the cloud is a solution that brings tangible benefits to any business deciding to outsource its IT infrastructure. Just look at how many people are using cloud services such as Facebook, Dropbox, Gmail, Amazon, eBay, and Spotify. Business cloud software, such as Microsoft 365, is becoming more widely adopted and it’s only a matter of time before utilising the cloud becomes a normal standard business practice.