It wasn’t too long ago that cloud computing was still a relatively new model of operation. There were serious concerns at the time about the security, legal implications1 and performance2 of the technology, but things have come a long way since then. As time passed and the concerns were gradually addressed, the use of cloud computing spread. Today, it’s firmly established as a mainstream practice. The question is no longer whether utilizing the cloud is a good idea; it’s now a matter of how to best leverage the technology. The answer is simple: adopt a cloud-first approach.
Taking a cloud-first approach means adopting a mindset wherein the cloud will be your first and main consideration before turning to other alternatives for any emergent business requirements such as technological upgrades or workload and data migration.
Here are a few reasons why it’s time for you to take a cloud-first approach to business:
1. Cloud Cuts Cost
One of the first benefits associated with the adoption of cloud is cost saving. Provisioning and maintaining your own on-premise hardware is cumbersome, time-intensive and expensive; updating and repairing hardware, along with personnel costs, can quickly nibble away your budget. By opting to move to the cloud, you forgo these expenses in favor of a monthly or usage-based fee paid to your cloud provider, allowing you to enjoy all the benefits that cloud has to offer without worrying about any of the upkeep3.
2. Scalability is Critical to Success
There will come a time for any budding business when its internal infrastructure can no longer keep up with the increasingly demanding operational requirements. The ability of an organization to quickly adjust to shifting needs is critical to its long-term success. Whether scaling up or down, cloud gives you the flexibility to provision resources as needed. With a usage-based tariff, this allows you to always meet business requirements at minimal cost, keeping operations smooth and efficient3.
3. Security Issues Have Been Addressed
In its early days, apprehension about cloud computing was widespread and legitimate. The risks of adoption were high; security, in particular, was a big concern for early adopters looking to implement this practice 4. Now that the field has matured, many of the reservations initially held about cloud computing are no longer valid; in fact, security is one of the biggest strengths of the cloud. In fact, according to Gartner, through 2022, at least 95% of cloud security failures will be the customer’s fault. This indicates that the flaws lie not within the technology itself, but in the way it’s used5.
4. Future-Proofing Your Organization
The cloud has been a disruptive force over the last decade, and the field is set to be the area of focus for further advancement in the foreseeable future. Game-changing innovations that are yet to come will almost certainly be geared toward cloud computing. Taking a cloud-first approach now means that you’ll be perfectly situated to reap maximum benefit from said innovations when they arrive, at minimal cost and restructuring. This will translate to improved agility, streamlined operations and quicker time to market6.
5. Embracing Mobility
With today’s bring-your-own-device culture in the workplace, cloud adoption is an obvious choice. If an internet connection is available, your employees can work from any location on any device in real time. This level of flexibility means that productivity rarely suffers because of restrictive circumstances7.
6. Encouraging Innovation
The cloud environment grants you access to all the latest software releases virtually instantaneously, be it new technologies or updates. Such freedom encourages experimentation with little or no downside, which leads to innovation. Trying out new delivery models, leveraging big data, implementing artificial intelligence – the possibilities are limitless, and you might just stumble upon something that works for you and gives you an advantage over competitors8.
It’s clear that cloud computing is here to stay. Organizations that align themselves with the vision of a ‘cloud-first’ approach can expect to reap significant rewards in the not-so-distant future.
Embrace the Future with a Cloud-First Approach
Adopting a cloud-first approach can revolutionize your business, driving cost savings, scalability, security, and innovation. By prioritizing the cloud for your technological needs, you future-proof your organization, enabling flexibility and embracing mobility. The cloud allows for seamless updates and encourages experimentation, setting you up for long-term success. As cloud computing continues to evolve, businesses that embrace this approach will be well-positioned to reap substantial benefits and maintain a competitive edge in the ever-changing marketplace.
References:
http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.729.163&rep=rep1&type=pdf
https://ts.data61.csiro.au/publications/nicta_full_text/4387.pdf
https://nordic-backup.com/blog/benefits-of-cloud-first-strategy-for-business/
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-computing-cloud-survey/cloud-computing-disappoints-early-adopters-survey-idUSTRE7932G720111004
https://www.gartner.com/smarterwithgartner/is-the-cloud-secure/
https://www.securityroundtable.org/cloud-first-security-strategy/
http://www.inteqna.com/blog/4-benefits-of-a-cloud-first-business-strategy
https://www.ibm.com/blogs/watson/2017/04/beyond-cloud-businesses-need-truly-cloud-first-strategy/
