Key Barriers to Cloud Adoption
Traditionally, information technology resources such as processing and file storage are implemented locally. "Cloud computing" refers to systems which handle these IT resources remotely over the Internet. While switching from conventional IT models to cloud computing has several advantages, there are also significant concerns and challenges. These include potential data loss, information security, legal considerations and connectivity issues.
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Data Security and Privacy
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Security concerns can represent a major barrier to cloud adoption. With information stored on remote servers, companies and individuals may find themselves relying on security systems they have no control over. Hacking and cybercrime represent real threats; additionally, users have no control over factors such as the personnel employed by cloud service providers. This represents a major concern for those wishing to store sensitive data on the cloud. For private individuals, risks include the possibility that stolen personal information might be used to commit identity theft; for companies, data theft and even industrial espionage can be a concern. Possible remedies include data encryption by the user, so even if cloud security fails, the encrypted data is of no use to hackers.
Data Loss
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As well as the possibility of data theft, concerns over the loss of data represent a further barrier to cloud adoption. Data can potentially be deleted by mistake. Physical storage systems can break down, erasing information. Cloud hosting companies can go out of business suddenly, leaving users with a limited amount of time in which to retrieve data and arrange alternative storage.
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Reliability
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Reliability can be a major barrier to cloud adoption, especially for businesses looking to utilize cloud resources to provide services for their clients. A break in service for them could result in poor service, potentially driving away their clients. Cloud resources need to be at least as reliable as a company's own existing IT systems, with providers able to demonstrate they have reliable systems with fail-safes in place, and remedies offered in the event of a loss of service.
Cost
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Cloud services potentially offer a reduction in costs for users. Hardware costs are passed on to the cloud provider, as are the costs associated with software licenses. Businesses can theoretically function with smaller premises and fewer staff. Cloud systems also offer greater flexibility for users whose IT needs vary. Hidden costs can soon mount up, however. Major changes in the way a business operates can incur costs associated with new equipment or a change of location, for example; personnel may need to be replaced or retrained, necessitating up-front expenditure. For individual users, going over an agreed bandwidth cap is one way an unexpected extra cost can be incurred. A careful exploration of possible costs as compared to eventual benefits is one way this barrier can be overcome.
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