Disadvantages of Cloud Computing

  1. Internet connection is required for Cloud Computing. You must have an Internet connection to access your data.
  2. Internet Connection Quality & Cloud Computing
    1. Low Bandwidth If you can only get low bandwidth Internet (like dial-up) then you should not consider using Cloud Computing. Bandwidth is commonly referred to as “how fast a connection is” or what the “speed” of your Internet is. The bandwidth to download data may not be the same as it is to send data.
    2. Unreliable Internet connection If you can get high-speed Internet but it is unreliable (meaning your connection drops frequently and/or it can be down for long periods at a time), Cloud Computing may not be for you. You may need to first look into a more reliable Internet connection first.
    3. The type of internet connection matters. Without getting into the technical details, as a general rule, Satellite connections (for your Internet) will result in poor performance even if it is high bandwidth. This due to the time it takes to send data from your computer/device to the satellite and then back to Earth. The term to describe this time in technical terms is “latency”. For Cloud Computing, just like with VoIP and online video conferencing, you want to have as little latency as possible. The less latency the more responsive the connection to the Cloud will appear (assuming you have adequate bandwidth). That said; just know that there are some satellite providers that specialize in low latency connections and regardless of what type of connection to the Internet you have, it is a factor. Elon Musk’s new company “Starlink” is an example of an ideal satellite internet connection.
    4. Cellular Internet connection – Understand it may not be ideal, but for the road warriors and travelers, yes it is possible and functional in many cases. Because there are a lot of variables in this scenario, the best suggestion is to have a test done with the company you choose to be your Cloud Computing Company. A perfect scenario is when we have our service reps, or delivery personnel going onsite and they need to type into the main system to track their status, etc. In the construction industry we see this used a lot for various project sites as well as getting another type of Internet connection in some areas and under given timelines would not be possible or practical.
    5. Internet Management The number of people using the internet connection at your office, combined with what they are doing on the Internet (listening to online radio, watching online videos, downloading or uploading (sending) large files to/from their local computer, gaming, printing from the Cloud, and so on) can impact the quality of the Cloud Computing connection. This needs to be considered and planned out prior using Cloud Computing for a significant part of your company’s operations.
  3. Cloud Computing Security Issues & Cloud Computing Security Risks The thought of having your company’s data outside of your building makes most people nervous (and with good reason). There are many security issues that must be addressed when looking at a cloud solution and Cloud Computing security should not be taken lightly. A business owner or manager should not plan on setting up Cloud Computing without technical assistance and advice as the results could be disastrous. Be sure you use a technology consulting firm with experience in this area.
  4. Cloud Computing Contracts & Agreements Have you looked through some of these yet?! It is critical to have a good agreement; most are not up for negotiation, though several large companies have been able to have them revised. If you are not happy with the service agreement the Cloud Computing Company you’re considering offers, then look for another company to do business with.
  5. Some industry-specific applications require a USB or hardware security device to be attached to the computer or server for the application to run. If you have such an application, Cloud Computing may not be a possibility. Your Cloud Computing Company should be able to work with your vendor to see if this is a possibility for your company.
  6. Your company will still need a Disaster Recovery Plan, and if you have one now, it will need to be revised to address the changes for when you are using Cloud Computing.
  7. Cloud Computing is not always more cost-effective, and the benefits and efficiencies that the Cloud can offer, may not benefit your company’s operation.

In summary, there are some compelling reasons to look into how Cloud Computing could impact your company. Companies with remote workers, branch locations, fluctuating employee levels, projects, collaboration needs, or a small business just starting out, often have the most compelling reasons to transition to the Cloud. These situations can often leverage the Cloud for strategic advantages, operational efficiencies, eliminate large capital outlays, yield higher ROI, and so on.

For a consultation to assess whether there are adequate benefits for your company to move to the Cloud, and what those Cloud Services may cost on a monthly basis, feel free to contact us.

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