Top Cloud Computing Challenges And Their Solutions
Companies are shifting to cloud computing platforms from on-premise systems due to amazing scalability, security, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. So, even small and medium companies can leverage platforms like DropBox for storing their data and having a stable IT infrastructure.
Some organizations are facing certain challenges like data privacy, migration and data governance when opting for cloud technologies.
These are hampering their organizational processes and overall performance. However, training employees and defining better protocols can help tackle these issues. This post will talk about the various cloud computing challenges and the ways to overcome them.
Migrating to the Cloud
Companies are shifting to cloud computing platforms from on-premise systems due to amazing scalability, security, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. So, even small and medium companies can leverage platforms like DropBox for storing their data and having a stable IT infrastructure.
Some organizations are facing certain challenges like data privacy, migration and data governance when opting for cloud technologies.
These are hampering their organizational processes and overall performance. However, training employees and defining better protocols can help tackle these issues. This post will talk about the various cloud computing challenges and the ways to overcome them.
Solution
The only way to tackle this issue is to conduct extensive pre-migration testing for all your requirements. You also have to consider the project deadlines and budget too. The test must cover all application and framework migrations as well.
You can also get in touch with cloud migration experts for making the process smooth.
Shifting Back Office and Data
Although there might be problems initially, the development team will handle the migration eventually. What about the other departments such as accounts and your back office? These executives might not be well-equipped to adapt to these technological changes.
As a result, the shift might be uncomfortable and result in loss of data too.
Solution
You can handle the situation in the following ways –
- Assign tech employees to assist back office executives in properly shifting their data and apps to the cloud
- Maintain a backup of essential accounting and back-office data before the cloud transition
- Move the data at the earlier stages of the shifting instead of later on to avoid confusions
When it comes to handling back-office and accounting data, organize your project schedules, so you have more time to do it well.
Vendor Lock-in
Sometimes companies get locked into a particular cloud service after incorporating it into their business. In such a situation, they can’t simply transition to another cloud system in the future.
If they do, they might have to bear implementation costs, technical issues and even legal constraints.
Such issues make a firm too dependent on a cloud provider and not enjoy the flexibility. So, if the company decides to move data to another cloud platform, it might have to reformat the data.
Also, vendor lock-in makes companies miss out on facilities provided by other providers.
Solution
To avoid this situation, companies must get all details about compatibility and interoperability while choosing a cloud provider. They also have to ensure that the services are compatible with other platforms/providers. Moreover, opting out of service must be smooth without hassles.
Companies must also make smart efforts to make their data portable. This is possible by defining the data models properly and keeping the formats usable across different cloud platforms. Also, these formats need to be easily compatible too.
Data Security
Although cloud providers offer excellent security features, security issues have become prevalent. In the last one and half years, almost 79% of companies using cloud technologies have reported a data breach case.
It’s actually not a drawback of the cloud provider but a lack of proper security measures on the company’s behalf.
Another reason for these security breaches is the worldwide pandemic. The situation forced thousands of companies to adopt cloud technologies to support their employees working from home.
So, the rush for shifting applications not meant for the cloud created security loopholes. Many companies failed to strengthen their security policies and became dependent on cloud providers. That’s how hackers entered and stole valuable information.
Solution
Maintaining data on the cloud is the responsibility of the provider and the organization. This is how the security can be kept in check –
- Using the best antivirus applications, anti-malware tools, secured file systems, and data loss applications
- Upgrading the security protocols according to the latest data threats and malicious attacks
- Hiring skilled cyber security staff and training existing employees to protect sensitive information on the cloud
- Ensure that the cloud provider offers maximum security against modern threats and beaches
Handling Cloud Expenses
Although cloud computing helps many companies strengthen their IT infrastructure, handling the expenses might not be easy.
It’s because many companies are unsure about their cloud requirements. In addition, the on-demand and scalable features of cloud platforms might force companies to exceed their budget. As a result, they are unable to control the expenses and face financial losses.
These cloud budget issues can hamper both successful corporates and small companies.
Solution
Companies need to properly assess the requirements before opting for a cloud vendor to handle cloud budget issues. Then, they have to create a detailed budget based on this assessment.
Financial analysts and cloud specialists can be of great help during this budgeting process.
Other ways to optimize cloud expenses include –
- Analyzing various cloud pricing plans before selecting one
- Instead of using yearly or monthly plans, look for vendors offering a pay-as-you-go model. It can be ideal for small and medium companies
- Companies can analyze areas where they might be spending more than required and use it for cloud technologies
If you own a company, assigning a special team to handle the entire budgeting process can help cut down costs.
The Bottom Line
As cloud technologies continue evolving and more applications are introduced, companies need to be prepared to handle possible complications. It’s important to remember that no cloud solution is full proof, and there may be flaws.
So, successful cloud integration is only possible when companies stabilise their infrastructure and optimise their policies. In addition, conducting special training on cloud computing technologies can bring a world of difference in their business operations.