Despite the ongoing and increasing cloud adoption rate, the path to cloud implementation is not without its challenges. As more IT executives consider their cloud options, many meet a common set of inhibitors with hesitation. Is it possible to work around these hurdles, and if so, how?
Top cloud inhibitors
IT executives spanning various industries share many common cloud adoption drivers. And while every company is unique, many business executives share common goals and desired results from implementing new cloud technologies. They often also face similar hesitations: Security, compliance, and privacy are top cloud deployment inhibitors. Many face confusion or uncertainty regarding:
- Who is responsible for cloud security, including data. Cloud adopters are storing more and more sensitive data in the cloud, putting pressure on business executives to ensure their information is safe. The problem is, many are unsure whether they are or could be fully protected. While some cloud providers clearly state they are responsible for the physical security of data center infrastructure and their customers are responsible for data and controls within the cloud, the delineation is not always so clean cut.
- How to handle security when employees use the cloud outside the IT department’s oversight. Business executives often entrust in-house IT teams with cloud operations, but what about employees in other departments who are using the cloud? According to a Gemalto and Ponemon Institute study that took into account over 3,400 IT professionals’ responses, IT department members neither manage nor control 47% of data in company clouds. Business executives can feel uneasy about non-IT personnel working in the cloud, potentially without proper knowledge pertaining to best practices and security measures.
- Whether Providers employ encryption, tokenization, and multi factor authentication for users. The cloud requires security considerations that differ from conventional security practices. According to the same study, 72% of respondents believe encryption and tokenization are key to securing sensitive data. Business executives should consider whether their service providers are using encryption for data in transit and data at rest as well as measures to assure username and password reliance as the only authentication method for cloud access.
- How to ensure Industry and Government regulatory compliance. Data residing outside traditional in-house data centers requires business executives to take certain measures to safeguard their systems, applications, and information. Compliance falls on cloud customers, and it is their job to ensure their service providers have controls in place and include this affirmation in their service level agreements (SLAs). Industry and government regulatory pressure can inhibit cloud deployment. IT decision-makers must work with their cloud providers to understand what their regulatory bodies expected and how to achieve it.
These cloud deployment inhibitors are not without reason; however, those interested in cloud adoption have several options to ensure they are making the best, smartest, and most secure cloud implementation decisions.
Overcoming inhibitors
One solution for those facing cloud deployment challenges is to partner and work closely with a cloud services provider (CSP). Many CSPs understand these inhibitors, are clear on compliance measures, and already have controls in place to help combat potential risks. However, it is essential to conduct due diligence when vetting potential CSPs. When seeking out a knowledgeable, experienced, and reliable partner, ask whether the cloud services provider has:
- Cloud security services
- Applicable certifications, including SSAE 16, HIPAA, FISMA, and PCI
- Management, monitoring, and networking support across hybrid, public, and private cloud setups
- The ability to support cloud services and storage in varying environment types
- Provisions of detailed computing assessments and workload analyses
- Support for cloud load balancers, auto-scaling, and application programming interfaces (APIs), among others
It’s important to understand what hesitations you may have so you can bring these concerns to both your cloud provider and your CSP. For a full, detailed list of criteria, click here.
Success starts with in-house efforts: Responsibilities for understanding what your company needs and implementing cloud services into your business operations do not fall solely on your cloud provider. Understand cloud challenges and then take proactive measures to overcome them. Train your in-house teams and vet your providers. Successful cloud deployment starts with due diligence and solid efforts for understanding service level requirements and risk mitigation. Cloud deployment inhibitors shouldn’t stop you from enjoying the benefits cloud adoption can offer. And partnering with a CSP can help you best achieve company goals.
When you partner with experienced and knowledgeable CSP experts, they can provide you with greater insights into your cloud strategies, including how to overcome inhibitors moving forward. Contact the experts at Synoptek to help you through the levels of IT maturity.
About the Author
Synoptek is an established firm that provides information systems consulting and IT management services. Synoptek and its predecessors have been providing these services for 23 years.