A Cloud Computing Warning Label

When properly managed, cloud computing has become an even more powerful business tool. Unmanaged clouds that a lot of vendors are currently selling come with a down side that most companies do not know about.

Cloud Computing Warning Labels

Below are some warning signs that you should be aware of before you commit everything to the cloud:

YOU ARE ON YOUR OWN. If you buy into the unmanaged cloud computing idea, it would be similar to renting an apartment where the landlord makes you fix something when it breaks. Some vendors that are renting raw infrastructure, makes you manage not only the hardware and software but they may also make you manage the complex tools and applications that are associated with your rented cloud computing.

With local web, you are not on your own. The professionals at Local Web will be with you every step of the way and will take care of all hardware and software issues that arise.

HIRE A LOT OF EXPERTS. Large, multi-tenant clouds usually operate a do-it-yourself principle. Some cloud computing vendors say they will provide support, and then they will not answer your calls, emails or texts. They will also not log into your servers and help you fix any mistakes that arise. These types of cloud vendors will burden you with managing the cloud yourself. So, in order to keep your business up and running, you must hire experts in cloud computing and infrastructure.

Local web will be there for you. We will manage the cloud for you and be there for you with assistance when you call. You will not be alone in your move to the cloud.

TOTAL COST. Big, impersonal cloud vendors many tout their costs as low or falling prices. This is likely just a ploy to get you to buy into their services. If these vendors are never available for assistance, make you manage your own infrastructure and continually raise costs, then this is not a cost effective solution for you company.

Local Web will be up front and will not hide any fees and cost associated with moving your data and managing your infrastructure.

BE WARY OF NOISY NEIGHBORS. Those cloud vendors that sell only multi-tenant clouds will argue that they are a one size fits all company. Smart business owners like you know better. High volume workloads, modern databases, achieving higher performance standards and the cost efficiency of a single tenant server will work best. Those businesses that decide to go with into a multi-tenant cloud will have to compete for resources with your neighbors. You could end up with lower and less consistent performances and end up paying more than if you had a custom made hybrid cloud.

The professionals at Local Web will set you up with the right cloud set up. You will not have to worry about ill fitting applications, infrastructure and low performance levels.

ANY DOWN TIME WILL BE YOUR FAULT. A lot of multi-tenant clouds are typically built on cheap and unreliable infrastructure. These vendors will refuse to guarantee how much uptime you will get. They state that redundancy is your responsibility.

DO NOT FORGET OPPORTUNITY COSTS. If you are using an unmanaged cloud, you may end up not being focused on your core business. You may end up more concerned about the IT maintenance and planning part of the business. And you may have to get more help from experts when things get complicated. Your customers may suffer from lack of support from you and your company. As a result, you will likely miss many business opportunities.

Cloud Computing

Nearly three-fourths of all computing is still conducted in house. But, a new wave of cloud computing adoption is building. These new kinds of customers are smart. They are able to handle more of the technical side of managing any workload that they choose.

If you are currently in the cloud now or are part of the new wave of customers that are descending upon the cloud, call Local Web today. If you are ready to focus on your business instead of the complex and always changing technologies, then Local Web is for you.

To understand what the cloud is and to better understand cloud computing, visit Cloud Computing on nist.gov.