Enterprises are all unique, each with unique systems and unique issues in regards to cloud deployments. This means that the majority of enterprises will have to use a trial-and-error process when it comes to their first cloud deployment. Some issues that might arise when adopting the cloud for the first time include:
- Data integration
- Governance
- Poor design of applications
Fortunately, enterprises can quickly adapt, especially if they are aware of common issues before they deploy to the cloud.
Poor Performance
Cloud systems perform well when they are properly implemented and have well-designed applications. Businesses looking to deploy the cloud should first make sure that their application design is as efficient as it can be. This will reduce a number of issues that the cloud’s ability to auto-provision won’t capture.
Security Measures
Security should be the first thing an enterprise thinks about when adopting cloud deployment, but many businesses treat it as an afterthought. Adding security measures, governance, and compliance after the cloud has been deployed often does not work and, when it does, it does not offer the same protection. A business looking to move to the cloud should ensure that its security is built-in from the very start and that it applies to the entire system.
Vague Objectives
Each enterprise should consider its unique requirements and objectives before deploying the cloud. Many businesses think in terms of technology, rather than in terms of what their company actually needs, which is part of what leads to incompetent security measures. These businesses should instead think ahead about what they need in order to ensure continued success. A lack of attention to core business processes or data security will lead to an unsecured cloud (at best) and security breaches (at worst).
When a business is educated about common issues that lead to cloud failure, the business is more likely to succeed. Before even considering vendors, businesses should know their objectives for the cloud and ensure their applications are designed to take advantage of what the cloud offers. The planning stages should also be concerned with security measures, in order to ensure that the cloud will be secure from the moment it is deployed. By knowing these common mistakes, and taking them into consideration beforehand, businesses can look forward to a successful cloud deployment.
