The cloud represents one of the most significant advancements in computing history. Storage, virtual security, general processing — it's all made easier through on-demand remote servers. Cloud computing is diverse in its application, useful for both private and enterprise applications. Whether you're looking to store documents or migrate your company's entire operational infrastructure, cloud computing works to keep your data safe and accessible.
The ability to pool processes and resources together in one convenient place — where they can be accessed by anyone — is a major step forward toward virtual data storage, database use and secure networking.
To take full advantage of on-demand cloud computing, IT teams, cloud managers and individual users will need to overcome a few challenges. Consult the strategies below to determine how you can identify, and mitigate, cloud adoption challenges through dedicated cloud training.
1. Upgrading to a cloud-first culture
Transitioning to a cloud-first network structure can be difficult for some. Moving to a cloud-first model means adopting a single, seemingly inadequate machine with the entirety of the storage base absent. Some customers are confused by the visual absence of large storage units. Others face a steep learning curve when it comes to learning an entirely different document storage platform.
A change in operational models can also prove a major cloud computing challenge. Though 88% of companies have already adopted cloud-based operations, a cloud-oriented infrastructure is sometimes an unwelcome change for employees already accustomed to a more traditional computing system. These employees will likely need to participate in digital cloud training to overcome performance challenges in cloud computing.
2. Back-office systems transition
Transitioning a cloud computing platform often happens in stages. Even if your technology and development teams have completely migrated to the cloud, processes like billing may still exist on an older network. If your company uses a program for customer acquisition, data management, finance, or other back-office processes, you may need to move each piece in stages.
you might also find it more difficult to migrate back-office systems to the cloud. Traditionally, internal data center systems operate on more of a subscription-based model, making storage of their data on the cloud sometimes more difficult to achieve. Cloud computing platforms are not always fully compatible with third-party programs, though both cloud providers and back-office systems are making strides to improve compatibility.
Migration to a cloud platform can also make employee compensation an issue. Without internal datacenters to store employee attendance and performance data, ongoing employee evaluation processes will need to take place in the cloud.
3. Reliability and downtime issues
Cloud technologies are more advanced than ever and service delivery is not a problem for a major cloud service provider. However, not all enterprises have equal access to these major providers, due either to cost-related issues or system incompatibility. If your company relies on a budget or niche cloud computing option, you may face consistency, downtime or connectivity issues.
Downtime is not limited to smaller scale cloud providers. Even major cloud companies can face service interruptions during a subscription cycle. Despite the reliability cloud computing platforms can offer, they are not immune to downtime or other reliability challenges.
4. Lack of multi-cloud solutions
Cloud platforms can help your business streamline communication, improve data security, scale business, and collaborate more efficiently with other team members. However, not all cloud providers offer all of these solutions as a single platform. The lack of multi-cloud solutions can be a major issue for customers looking for a single cloud solution. For best results, many companies seek a cloud platform that packages services into a subscription-based model.
Ideally, businesses can take advantage of a multi-cloud environment to ease customer-end processes. While cloud computing platforms are working toward an all-in-one solution, the ability to provide said platform has not yet been fully developed. Currently, cloud service providers have underlying infrastructure with seamless hardware to app functionality in multi-cloud environments.
5. Cost analysis and budgetary fluctuation
The operation costs for cloud services can vary. Unlike the static budget you might allocate for a traditional CMS or data service, your budget for cloud-based operations may fluctuate over time. The financial aspect of cloud computing is one of the biggest challenges for cloud adoption and operation at the grassroots level.
Given that many cloud computing platforms are still in development, or are relatively new, the cost to onboard a cloud program can be expensive. Cloud providers need to actively troubleshoot new issues as they arise, while funding the expansion of current platforming. These processes require capital, which can sometimes result in highly expensive per-month subscription rates. Almost all cloud solutions cost a significant amount for a small company to operate on the enterprise level. Combine this with the amount of usage said service will encompass, and you have costs that will frequently run over budget.
Overcoming cloud computing challenges through expert cloud training
Any company that adopts cloud computing will face challenges. From higher costs to the lack of a comprehensive multi-cloud solution, you'll face challenges during and after cloud integration. Still, the benefits of cloud computing can easily outweigh the challenges for any company willing to invest in cloud training.
Consistent, ongoing cloud training can help you and your team easily overcome the learning curve that a new cloud computing platform represents. Learn to optimize cloud integration on both the developer and operations end, while streamlining back-office systems for maximum functionality. Regardless of the size of your business, your team should be trained to take full advantage of the cloud computing platform you onboard.
No matter the scale of your company or forecasted growth, you can overcome cloud computing challenges through a combination of digital cloud training and ongoing security updates. Overcome cloud computing challenges, reduce workplace costs, keep data secure and enhance your own productivity — all while accelerating your transition to cloud computing by up to 35%.