Cloud – Xhimbapoku

How can businesses transition to the Cloud Services?

The cloud computing exhibits desirable features that businesses are findings attractive. For example, the providers of the cloud services can quickly deploy the technology, and businesses can benefit by saving on the costs of setting up an IT infrastructure, and by securing their data. While a business may move to the cloud platform in order to accrue the aforementioned benefits, there are various factors that may drive the business’ decision in this case. Examples of such factors include the need to scale up IT operations, and to distribute infrastructure. For a business that may want to transition to the cloud platform, the main concern can be transitioning smoothly without interrupting certain aspects of its operations.

A business seeking to transition may grapple with a wide range of concerns, ranging from employee resistance to the lack of compatibility of the apps. The main problem could be employees lacking knowledge or skills of using the new cloud system. Moving to the new cloud system without training employees can cause a loss of morale among workers. Additionally, an organization that is shifting to using the cloud services may have to make changes to the apps so that that they adapt to the cloud system. Still, come companies may struggle with finding the right cloud service provider because there are multiple companies that offer cloud computing solutions.

Therefore, a business that wants to transition to the cloud platform should adhere to the effective practices. Involving everyone when transitioning into the cloud is one way in which an organization can beat the resistance from various stakeholders including employees. This can take different forms including letting them share their thoughts on how to manage the movement towards the cloud platform. Conducting comprehensive research about the various cloud platforms that are available can help an organization resolve the problem involved in choosing the right provider. It is equally imperative that the organization identify the security issues that may arise when using the cloud services. The most important thing, however, is coming up with a concrete plan on how to implement the technology.

A business that wants to outsource its IT operations to the cloud company needs to understand the basics involved in moving into a new cloud infrastructure. It is equally important for the business to prepare by identifying the challenges involved, and coming up with a solid plan on how to navigate the challenges that might emerge as it transitions to the cloud operations.

New Trends in Cloud Computing Technology

Carl Robnett Licklider is individual behind the cloud technology, and since Licklider first developed the technology in the 1960s, new trends have emerged in the recent past. An example is the cloud cryptography which involves making the cloud data secure by encrypting it. As one of the emerging ideas, the cryptography generates a key that is essential when it comes to securing of the data. Having access to the cryptographic key is the only way one can access cryptographically stored data. However, uploading of the already encrypted data is also becoming a trend among firms that outsource their IT services to the cloud companies.

The multi-cloud is the other trend that is emerging from the cloud and with this concept, a business that uses more than a single cloud service chooses different cloud service providers to provide the cloud services they need. For their part, some cloud service providers seem to recognize this trend, and rather than brush it off, they have embraced it. This explains the reason for the increase in the popularity of the multi-cloud strategies because firms are shifting to outsourcing their IT operations to more than two cloud service providers. This trend is driving a healthy competition where players in the cloud sector are collaborating with each other to deliver services tailored to the specific customer needs. For example, Oracle and Microsoft linked their cloud operations so that their clients can be able to access certain services offered by the two companies.

We are in an era in which Artificial Intelligence (AI) is helping predict the behavior of online users. It is projected that the AI will significantly affect the cloud computing. As the data moves to the cloud, there is need to find a way to process massive amounts of data. This is where the AI comes in. In addition, the value of the AI in cloud technology is likely to be seen in scenarios where there is need to complete repetitive data processing tasks.

The era when people need servers for their PCs is likely to be behind us in the next five years. Thanks to new cutting edge technologies that allow organizations to perform certain IT operations without requiring the IT infrastructure. The companies that provide cloud services will play a vital role in helping businesses shift to this model of cloud technology. With these news technologies, there is a possibility that businesses’ workflow will tremendously improve. Businesses will also not have to worry about the loss of data because the cloud systems will integrate advanced security features.

Companies that provide Cloud services

Certain business operations including data storage are moving to the cloud. As businesses embrace the cloud technology to optimize operational efficiency, business owners who are considering using cloud services need to be aware of the companies that provide these services. There are various companies that provide cloud services with each offering unique cloud services, and charging differently for the different services they offer. When thinking of the best company to choose as the cloud service provider, one should identify the cost these firms charge, the quality of the services they provide, and security measures they have put in place to protect the cloud IT infrastructure.

With the launch of the Google Cloud Platform (GCP) in 2008, businesses had more options in terms of the cloud service provider they could choose. This platform is ideal for the customers who might be worried about their data being breached because it has advanced security technology. The GCP employs data encryption and other security features so that it is able to shield clients’ IT infrastructure and applications. In addition to guaranteeing security, the platform provides advanced data analytics features, that businesses can use to optimize decision-making.

Oracle ventured into the cloud industry in 2016, and despite coming late to the party, it has aggressively worked towards improving the quality of the services it provides. It has leveraged the power of the technology to create a cloud database platform. Organizations that want database services can contract the company to provide it with such services. The fact that Oracle specializes in offering database-based operations means it is an ideal provider for clients who are only interested in database services.

In 2006, the Amazon Web Services (AWS) was unveiled, and given the history of this platform and its mother company of constant innovation, the AWS has foothold on the cloud industry. Compared to the other cloud providers, the AWS is at the top tier level in terms of revenue and the quality of the services it offers. The platform is not only ideal for the developers but for businesses that may want to store data. Amazon S3 is one of AWS’ services, and the advantage it has is that it offers data storage scalability feature.

Since the cloud service providers offer various types of services, the IT needs a business might have should inform the business’ decisions when it comes to selecting the ideal cloud service provider. If a business wants a platform with advanced security features, for instance, it can choose the GCP.

Cyber Security in Cloud and Malware

Although the Cloud service providers employ comprehensive cyber-security measures, hackers may still exploit the vulnerabilities within the Cloud system to hack into it. If hackers get their hands on the sensitive information, this can have far reaching implications on the company that offer cloud-based IT solutions, and their clients. In case a major security breach was to occur, businesses that have contracted the cloud company may terminate their contract, causing the company to lose clients. Conversely, customers may file lawsuit against businesses if they lose money as a result of the breach.

Cloud malware is emerging as a security concern to the companies that deal with the delivery of the cloud services. Evasive malware increases the vulnerability of the cloud systems, despite these systems having advanced security features. Initially, hackers used malware to hack into websites and then access the cloud systems. Recently, the cloud apps have become the hackers’ door inside the cloud-based platforms. When hackers want to access these systems, they first trick the people using certain apps or websites to install an application. When one installs the app, it becomes easier for the hacker to bypass the security of the cloud.

Malware is not the only threat to the cloud companies because there are other numerous security issues that can jeopardize the safety of the cloud systems. The insider threat, for example, is a security risk that can easily give hackers the leeway into the cloud infrastructure. With this kind of threat, an employee at the cloud company or the business that has contracted the cloud service provider may share password or other security information with hackers. This kind of security issue is common with business or companies that have ineffective internal operations.

Insufficient identity is the other concern that may pose a security threat to the cloud. This is seen where employees do not use strong passwords to access email accounts or other apps that might be vulnerable to the security threats. This problem is also seen in organizations with inadequate security measures.

The cloud company and the customer both have the responsibility to secure the cloud system. Considering that the former can lose much if a breach happens, cloud service providers need to lead efforts focused on securing their cloud systems. One approach they can use is to review the security measures their clients have put in place to reduce the security threats. On their part, the clients or businesses should comply with the security measures recommended by the cloud companies.

Cloud Computing

In Cloud Computing services, trust is the main thing that should be gained by customers. Clients should always be clear about what they want and what is offered to them in the contract. They need to know everything about the services they receive, about the security of their software and data, about the payments, about the obligations they have, about the conditions around the termination of the contract, etc. These things are very important and directly affect the trust of customers. Trust nowadays is very difficult to gain as the security in Cloud Computing in most cases is high but it is never maximum as every software has many coding lines. Security for most customers is most important and has the greatest impact on whether or not they trust Cloud Computing. It is more difficult for businesses and companies to gain trust because the data they store in Cloud Computing is more valuable than the data of individuals. Issues that reduce customer security, so in this case also reduce trust are:

– Data integrity

This is a major security risk in which data may be damaged during various operations.

– Data interference

It is the most essential and every Cloud Computing provider tries to avoid or minimize it. Data intrusion occurs when another party gains access to someone’s account. In this case if another party manages to find someone’s password, then it can perform whatever action it wishes.

– Validity of online service

The validity of the online service is an issue still unresolved by Cloud Computing providers. In some case Cloud Computing providers say the service is not available for unforeseen reasons. This brings great concern to the client because he may want the service in those moments. The client also needs to know if his data is secure or not.