5 Cloud Computing Disadvantages

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You’ve probably heard about the advantages of Hosted Services, but have you taken the time to explore cloud computing disadvantages? As an educated consumer, you know that you have to weigh both the pros and cons of cloud computing prior to making a purchase decision because, like all great technology, cloud services comes with a few downsides. Specifically, this article will address the cloud computing disadvantages inherent in Software-as-a-Service, or SaaS, offerings.

Quick Overview of Hosted Services Advantages

“The Cloud,” refers to data that you can send and access from a remote server. In other words, your data and applications are being “hosted” on someone else’s server, not exclusively on your own hard drive. Hosted Services, a specific type of cloud computing technology, provides several key benefits, including:

• Flexibility
• Cost-efficiency
• Ease of use
• Backup and recovery
• Off-site access

A good Hosted Services provider also offers another benefit: unconditional 24/7 support. Consequently Hosted Services is an excellent choice for companies want to leverage the capabilities of an entire IT department without having one in-house.

Cloud Computing Disadvantages: The Run Down

Your business may already be using SaaS programs, like Dropbox. While these programs can be beneficial and can help make your employees’ lives easier, can you depend on these programs to keep your information secure? What measures do the providers take to ensure the availability of your data? Does the provider have terms that will support your business in the event of downtime?

Here are some key disadvantages to consider:

1. Network Connection Dependency

In order to reap the benefits of cloud computing, your business must always have an internet connection. Unfortunately, there is no way to get around this fact. You need a network in order to send files to the cloud and retrieve them.

You need a network to be able to use your virtual machines even if you opt for an IaaS, Infrastructure-as-a-Service. If you lose your network connection because of a storm or an outage, you may experience some downtime. However, a good Hosted Services provider will help you develop a business continuity plan, as well as the promise to deliver an SLA of more than 95% uptime.

2. Limited Features

Not all cloud providers are created equally. When you use cloud computing for storage and backup, you should ideally be working with a provider who offers the value of unlimited bandwidth. You may also experience limited storage space or accessibility. SaaS offerings may usually begin with a free package, but you will be charged for premium offerings and extra space. Can your business afford the costs as your business needs grow?

The answer to the concern of limited features is to partner with a Hosted Services provider who can meet your cloud storage, virtualization, and backup needs both now and in the future when your business grows. Ideally, you will want to work with a provider who will offer you a Hosted Services package at the highest value for the features and space your business needs.

3. Loss of Control

You are, essentially, trusting another party to take care of your data. You are trusting that they will maintain their data centers and servers with the same care as you would, if not more. You have to trust that your provider’s data centers are compliant and secured both physically and online. Some find the lack of in-house control of the server unnerving.

If this is one of your concerns, work with a partner with local contacts. Speak one-on-one with a representative who can address your access concerns, and learn about the measures that the Hosted Services company takes to ensure the integrity and safety of their cloud servers.

4. Security

Cloud hacking cases as recent as the past few months have shown that not all cloud providers are as secure as they claim to be. As a business, you can’t afford to have sensitive information about your company or your clients fall victim to hackers. One of cloud computing’s greatest disadvantages is that you don’t always know which providers you can trust.

This cloud computing disadvantage is more prevalent in SaaS providers than with Hosted providers. Because of the popularity of SaaS providers, they get targeted more frequently, and more easily, than a Hosted provider.

5. Technical Issues

If you experience any technical issues, you have no choice but to call your hosted provider’s technical support for help. You cannot fix your cloud computing problems in-house, and some providers do not offer around-the-clock technical support.

There is an easy fix to remediate this concern: pick a Hosted Services provider who offers 24/7 support to their clients.

Cloud Computing Disadvantages Sound Bad… What Now?

Cloud computing is a powerful tool, but you may still find yourself trapped with certain limitations like speed, space, and availability. In the end, the benefits of cloud computing technology come down to who you chose to provide it.

Choose a hosted service provider who can be an extension of your business’s team, so you never lose control of your data. Your Hosted Services provider should have an ongoing record of providing security to their clients, as well as 24/7 customer service when technical issues arise.

The disadvantages may be daunting, but that’s why you shouldn’t just select any Hosted Services provider. Pick a cloud computing solutions partner. For more information on how we turn cloud computing disadvantages into opportunities, contact Centre Technologies today.