Is the cloud safe? Myths and facts.

Cloud technologies have been embedded in businesses for years now. However, many managers are still reluctant to make the leap. As the pandemic increases reliance on remote work, the benefits of a cloud computing platform are undeniable: data is accessible anytime, anywhere.But what about the disadvantages? What about data security in the cloud? What are the pros and cons of sticking to on-premise solutions? Despite the ubiquity of cloud computing, several myths remain. Let’s dispel these misconceptions.

Is the cloud less secure?

In fact, data theft can occur in both on-premise and cloud computing environments. In other words, storing your data does not guarantee your security either by using your own server or by using Microsoft's servers. Then again, Microsoft is an IT giant with the resources to guarantee a very high level of server security. Indeed, Microsoft has several departments that ensure the security of its Microsoft Azure cloud servers.So, unless you have the resources of an IT giant, it will be unlikely that you can make your servers more secure on your own.

Why do some businesses prefer on-premise solutions?

Large companies, like banks, often want to keep their data on their own computers. After all, their operations involve confidential and sensitive information; they will often opt to take their security in their own hands.However, smaller organizations do not necessarily have strong enough server systems to host this data on the cloud. By partnering with Microsoft, you don’t need to have your own servers. In addition, Microsoft provides functionalities that would not be available otherwise. For example, if you need to change the number of users, the change will be made automatically..

The cloud in numbers:

• Between February and April 2020, 68% more organizations considered cloud computing to be essential to their business.
• Cloud spending will continue to increase due to the current situation.

Cloud vs. on-premise: How frequent are the updates?

Updates are regular on the cloud. For a management platform such as Dynamics 365 Online, weekly updates are performed automatically by Microsoft. These cover performance improvements and new features . In addition, two major updates are released each year, which can be viewed in non-production environments. For on-premise solutions, new versions are released only once every two years.

What security measures are required for on-premise solutions?

With an on-premise solution, you will not only be responsible for adding licences, but will also need to set up your own security system. This is a lot of work. The question is: Can you defend your data better than a business that is specialized in the field? Besides, you will need to perform the necessary operations to adjust the amount of memory (RAM) on your servers. And to do so, it requires an internal IT team capable of carrying this out. Otherwise, you will not have a system aligned to your needs. In short, many organizations want to keep an on-premise solution to ensure their security. However, they are depriving themselves of new features that would help them stand out. For example, functions that harness artificial intelligence are only available on cloud computing platforms.

Here are the pros and cons of cloud and on-premise solutions:

Interested in learning more about the technologies to leverage your business? Looking for trainings and coaching opportunities for your team? Talk to one of our experts, who will give you personalized advice.

Follow us on LinkedIn and Youtube!

This article was made possible thanks to the commitment of our expert Nicolas Bastien.