Enterprises: Top 5 Reasons not to use Cloud Computing

With the way conferences this year seems to be themed it would seem that everyone is jumping onboard the cloud computing bandwagon. And why wouldn’t they? The ability to have your data hosted from multiple points allows for the perfect fail safe. If one area dies another is there to pick up the slack, if one server farm gets attacked by hackers, relax there are many more.

(WebHost Blog) It would seem to be the ultimate answer to solving the enterprise question of stability and reliability. After all in an enterprise environment, any small amount of downtime can cause very big problems.

And on this note I am going to say the top 5 reasons for enterprises to not use cloud computing:

1.No Basic Standard
2.Application Migration Hassle
3.Managing Cloud Application Hassle
4.High Risk
5.Re-Education of the IT Staff
Sadly, there is no base standard for cloud computing. Heck, it would be hard to find a standard definition of cloud computing. Even the Cloud Manifesto that has come out recently doesn’t define cloud computing, merely its function.

Without a base standard for cloud computing, if you moved all of your functions to a provider and then ended up outgrowing that provider, moving to a new cloud host would require your company to re-migrate the applications and essentially start from scratch.

An enterprise cannot directly migrate current applications to cloud applications. It requires customization and time spent on moving valuable data to more cloud friendly applications.

Managing current cloud applications is not difficult. But it does require a change in company protocols (you no longer manage hardware, instead you manage software) and the use of multiple management tools.

Cloud computing is hosted so it requires the use of a firm Service Level Agreement that can guarantee the always on view of cloud computing. However, you would be very hard pressed for anyone to ever consider guaranteeing always on. Another issue is the case for core competencies. Sure Amazon understands managing huge server farms, but are they focused on the success of those endeavors? If their cloud computing side doesn’t make a large profit will it continue to support the technology or focus its efforts back to their main business of being an Internet superstore. Are the cloud computing companies capable of long range sustainability? The list of risk factors goes on.

As stated before, the emphasis in cloud computing is not on hardware, but on software. The IT department has to make the transition from monitoring hardware, being able to shut down systems for security purposes, etc. to being able to monitor software use, working with another company (heaven forbid) when it comes to troubleshooting problems, etc.

Personally, I like cloud computing and I believe every one of the above challenges can be overcome. However, I think companies should take realistic looks at the system before thinking it is right for them. And this goes not only for the optimistic views of cloud computing, but the pessimistic views as well.

About David Dunlap: Over the past ten years David has been a prolific author of hundreds of blogs, commentaries and reviews found here on WebHostBlog.com , as well as WebHostMagazine.com and other sites around the Internet. David manages the daily operations at both WebHostBlog and Web Host Magazine & Buyer's Guide, and as the head editor, David uses his unique analytical skills to ensure that both sites maintain their integrity and tough, but fair minded, reputations. Prior to his active career analyzing the Web Host industry, David specialized in networking and communications for the U.S. government. David's expertise in traditional marketing and Search Engine Marketing (SEM) has helped boost companies both inside and outside of the Web Host industry.