Over the last decade, businesses of all shapes and sizes have been moving much of their technology to the cloud. And while the mainstream media may make it seem like everyone has made the switch to the cloud, this is not true. There are still many organizations delaying their move to the cloud. The reasons for this delay vary as widely as the businesses themselves. However, a few common ones include budgetary concerns, lack of IT expertise and misconceptions about cloud computing and its benefits. Today, I want to look at some of the most commonly held cloud myths to which many SMB’s are still hanging on.
Common cloud myths #1: If we put our data in the cloud, we will no longer have control over it, or our technology.
When you move to the cloud, you still have control over your technology. But your IT department won’t have to worry about maintaining your systems. Because cloud providers handle much of the hardware maintenance and software upgrade legwork for you, moving to the cloud means your IT staff can finally become much more than a repair service. With more free time, they can think strategically, finding ways technology can help you reach your business goals.
Common cloud myths #2: Keeping data on premise is safer than storing them in the cloud.
Although many studies have shown the opposite to be the case, some people still assume storing data inside their office walls will keep it safe. But the scary truth is many businesses of all sizes are hacked without knowing it.
Most businesses, even large ones, don’t have the resources to assemble a security team as large or as knowledgeable as those well-known cloud providers employ. Because cloud providers know their success hinges on keeping their customers’ data safe, they spend a great deal of time, money and effort to do so. Even if you already have your own security measures in place, think of the security offered by the cloud as an extra layer of support you did not have before.
Common cloud myths #3: Moving to the cloud is an all-or-nothing game.
In the early days of the cloud, some experts recommended that people move their entire organization to the cloud, all at once. However, this is unnecessary and is no longer how most people handle their cloud migration. These days, many organizations take a stepped approach to moving to the cloud, meaning they start with one workload, like email. And, only after that’s done, do they move something else like their accounting or customer relationship management software. The best starting point depends on your unique needs and goals, there is no one-size-fits-all approach.
Cloud myths #4: Moving to the cloud is too complex for my small business.
When you consider the volume of data most companies own, it is easy to see why many worry they are not up to moving to the cloud. While we won’t tell you moving to the cloud is easy, we have the tools and expertise needed to get you there successfully, no matter how big or small your business. Our team has over 30 years’ experience helping businesses of all shapes and sizes make sense of technology. When you work with us, you get a partner who will take the time to understand your needs, recommend the best solutions and be there for you with the knowledge to keep everything running smoothly.
When you’re ready to take your first step towards the cloud, contact us! We’re here to help.
Not ready to make the switch? No problem. Explore a variety of popular cloud solutions designed with the needs of SMB’s in mind.