MythBuster: 5 Myths About Cloud Hosting That You Have (Probably) Paid A High Price For

It’s common and almost natural to try and resist any change to a status quo. Especially for business, change can bring a lot of apprehensions; and new technology can meet a lot of resistance because it’s an unknown factor and most likely not completely understood by many. Cloud hosting is one such technology.

First off, the phrase Cloud hosting has given way to several vague definitions, which contributes to the confusion. In truth, cloud hosting is a type of web hosting that’s just as reliable (some swear it’s more stable and dependable) as other web hosting systems. If we want to oversimplify technology, cloud hosting can be defined as a technology mechanism that connects a large number of servers, along with their infrastructure, platforms and applications through a remote, high speed network to create a large-scale, virtualized off-site field of servers, where companies can store their applications and data over a secure IP connection.

Unfortunately, some analysts and industry observers see cloud hosting as a disruptive technology; while others see it as a welcome change that is destined to modify the way people think and work, and the way business transactions are done. So that in spite of the escalating number of companies that are carrying out a trial run of this low-cost, no-nonsense and straightforward method to store data, so do the misconceptions and bewildered questions rise.

With such a vital technology, it is essential to stay on top of these wrong notions. Here’s some information to dispel five common misconceptions surrounding cloud hosting.

Myth #1: Data Is Not Secured With Cloud Hosting

Data is not secure. Companies are used to having direct physical access to both equipment and data and, understandably, this is equated to security. What you don’t realize is that stored data at your office is more exposed to high risks. Someone could break in and steal you equipment; or an employee could tamper with it once everybody’s out. How about fire and other disasters, which are not under your control? Being able to see and touch your data doesn’t make it safe. The fact is in-house security systems are often patterned from untested home-grown security models, which may render them less secure. Cloud hosting comes with applications and platforms that use a collective benchmark security model to provide supplementary security from top to bottom; paying more attention to such issues as temperature control, around-the-clock monitoring, controlled and restricted access to files, virus protection and firewall security.

Myth #2: You Lose Data Control In The Cloud

You lose control of your data. Most of this mistaken notion stems from the fear that you won’t be able to access your data whenever you need them just because you don’t have the physical equipment at your office or place of work. The truth is with cloud hosting, you can maximize access to your data; thus allow you better data control and management through the web-based control panel. You can then focus on data management of the more important aspects of your business and quit worrying about day-to-day maintenance, which you can leave to the hands of the cloud hosting provider.

Myth #3: Restriction In Accessing The Data

Your data becomes a hostage. Some companies hold the misconception that providers can somehow dictate when and where you can access your data as a way of locking you into using their cloud hosting services. No reputable cloud hosting provider would ever do that and you have, in fact, complete control of your data whenever and wherever you want or need it. A cloud hosting provider with good reputation will never deny you access to your own information and should even have a provision in place to transfer your data if you ever decide to switch providers. So, accessing your data is literally at your fingertips and available on demand anytime, anywhere.

Myth #4: Downtime Risk With The Cloud

Cloud hosting increases downtime risks. So you have this theory that because there are so many businesses or professionals operating on a single machine, the Cloud may not be as stable as it should be and becomes unreliable at a certain point. Your apprehension may not be totally unfounded but you can junk the theory – completely. The great thing about cloud hosting is that if any one of the servers crashes, your data can easily be redeployed to other servers, so you won’t experience any downtime. The “move” is so speedy (it only takes a few minutes), you won’t even notice any difference. Now if your business experiences a sudden spike in traffic, you need not worry either. Available resources within the cloud network will temporarily be afforded to you and when everything slows down, the bandwidth is simply reallocated elsewhere.

Myth #5: Cloud Hosting Is Flawless

Cloud hosting as the cure-all. The flawless web hosting provider is non-existent. No single web hosting system or provider is impeccably perfect. And cloud hosting is not an exception, no matter what marketers would have you believe. Cloud hosting cannot absolutely solve all your server headaches and storage issues. Cloud hosting providers cannot and do not provide total assurances, thus service-level provisions in the agreement are practically non-existent. Realistically speaking, cloud hosting still comes with its fair share of downtime and is definitely not for the faint-hearted.

While it is true that converting your traditional web hosting to cloud hosting can be a little intimidating, you should take heart and treat the experience just like any new technology. Assess the benefits and risks, segregating the fact from illogical trepidations. In the long haul you may discover that cloud hosting just might be the reliable friend that can help you with your hosting needs. Don’t let the misconceptions deter you from exploring the possibilities. You could save yourself a lot of time and huge cost.

About Author: Garen Arnold

Garen Arnold is a graphic designer out of Kansas City, Missouri. Garen provides people with the Best Web Hosting Service by using his expertise to help people choose the best web hosting service for their business.