Five Myths on Cloud Computing

Wading through the hype surrounding cloud computing and cloud professional services can be daunting. The challenge is to decide if cloud computing is right for your company and if, so, which applications are the best fit for “the cloud.”

One place to begin is by evaluating some common myths about cloud computing:

1. Cloud Computing will save you money in all cases
   While a savings in both capital expenditures (CapEx) and overall operating expenditures (OpEx) cost are a common occurrence in effective cloud projects, one of the true, main drivers for migrating an application into the cloud is that it enables increased business nimbleness. By using the engineering resources of a cloud vendor to manage server infrastructure scaling, a company is able to focus their internal resources more squarely on engineering efforts that differentiate them from their competitors.
2. Cloud Computing necessitates a compromise in security and reliability
   Networks long ago ceased to be physically isolated structures. Interconnectivity with other companies and to the Internet guaranteed that even private networks became connected with public infrastructure. The resulting need for the measures required to maintain packet security including firewalls, encryption, Multi‐protocol Label Switching (MPLS) remain consistent within leading Cloud vendors. Additionally, by sharing the costs entailed by providing increased physical security measures such as stringent access control, guard stations, monitored security cameras, alarms, cages, and strictly audited procedures and processes, smaller companies may actually enjoy enhanced security using a reputable cloud vendor. The cloud can increase cost‐effective reliability as well by providing built‐in redundancy that scales along with the application and requires no additional capital expenditure. As a company’s server space needs scale in the cloud, their back up scales with them. When servers are shed, the requirement for effective back up can also be downsized. This “pay for only what you need” approach helps ensure that companies do not incur a lag in reliability from the process of scaling their servers. In fact, once an application is successfully ported to the cloud and integrated with legacy internal systems, the headcount required to maintain that application should significantly decrease, allowing IT asset reallocation to line‐of‐business projects. Many companies find that eliminating additional initial deployment headcount can be achieved through partnership with a seasoned professional services firm.
3. Cloud Computing requires a increased headcount and extensive retraining
   In fact, once an application is successfully ported to the cloud and integrated with legacy internal systems, the headcount required to maintain that application should significantly decrease, allowing IT asset reallocation to line‐of‐business projects. Many companies find that eliminating additional initial deployment headcount can be achieved through partnership with a seasoned professional services firm.
4. Every application should reside in “the Cloud”
   While many applications are a good fit for cloud, in general, it is a good fit for applications with a fairly standard and flexible configuration. Those relying on clustered servers, for example, aren't good fits for cloud environments where they share resources with other customers. Because a clustered server group requires identical configuration of each server and large dedicated bandwidth among servers, a cloud vendor may not be able to guarantee that specialized configuration as they manage the server loads. Evaluating your business applications up front to choose those that are right for the cloud and those that should remain in house is key to creating a successful cloud migration.
5. The biggest cloud vendors are the right cloud vendors
   Of course, the best vendor for almost any solution is one that is established and well‐tested. However, “cloud” is a hot field. Innovation can come from both the largest vendors or from well‐funded and reputable start‐ups. A more logical approach is to evaluate the right solutions based on your individual business needs and goals. The solution that works best for the manufacturing firm across the street may not be right for you. Choosing the correct solution in a “vendor‐neutral” way can be the key to really maximizing your return on investment.

The decision on how to best implement cloud computing is an individual one. By spending the time up front on evaluating your company’s business goals and how cloud can help you meet them, your company will be better equipped to avoid the pitfalls and reap the benefits that cloud can offer.

About The Armada Group:
The Armada Group is a premier Silicon Valley‐based professional services firm that helps companies implement their next generation technology strategy. Armada is focused on helping you determine the potential strategic impact of cloud computing on your business and explore options for current or future shifts in your technology architecture. As an independent, trusted advisor, Armada helps you cut through the hype and confusion surrounding cloud computing and helps create strategize, plan and implement cloud technologies in a way that ensures wise investments with measurable ROI. For more information, please visit us at www.thearmadagroup.com or contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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