Tech Consultant Michael Rustom Explains Why Companies Might Want to Think Twice Before Going All-In on The Cloud

Sometimes business executives can be overly exuberant when it comes to adopting new technology. In the race to stay on top of the newest developments and keep their company ahead of the competition, decisions can be made that alter the fundamental infrastructure of a company without fully appreciating the full breadth of possible consequences.

Take, for instance, the rapid adoption of blockchain technology. Many companies rushed to integrate it into their systems, only to find that the technology wasn’t yet mature enough to do what they wanted and that the benefits were not as substantial as promised. Another example is the Internet of Things (IoT), where the excitement around interconnected devices led to security vulnerabilities and massive data breaches due to inadequate protection measures.

According to veteran independent IT consultant Michael Rustom, this may well also be the case with cloud computing, otherwise known simply as ‘the cloud’. “The cloud is still extremely new technology,” he says. “It shows some promise, but to me, it remains unproven. Until I’m shown more convincing evidence about some of its potential flaws, I think you could label me as a cloud skeptic.”

For those who are unfamiliar, the cloud is essentially a network of remote servers hosted on the internet to store, manage, and process data, rather than using a local server or a personal computer. Companies use the cloud to handle their data storage, software applications, and even computing power.

Rustom, based in Toronto, Ontario, with more than 30 years of industry experience to his credit, believes that companies need to consider several factors before fully committing to cloud services. “While cloud computing does offer flexibility and scalability, it can also introduce significant risks and unforeseen costs,” he explains.

One of the primary concerns is security. “Storing data in the cloud means relying on a third party to protect your most sensitive information,” says Rustom. “Even with strong security measures in place, cloud providers can still be vulnerable to cyberattacks. When you control your own servers, you have direct oversight of them and can implement whatever security measures you see fit.”

Another issue is cost. While cloud services are often marketed as cost-saving solutions, the reality can be quite different. “Companies may find that their cloud bills are much higher than expected, especially if they use a lot of data or require high levels of service uptime,” Rustom notes. “The pay-as-you-go model can quickly add up, and I’ve heard a few stories where companies encountered substantial amounts of unexpected fees.”

There is also the matter of downtime and reliability. “Cloud providers can experience outages, just like any other service,” says Rustom. “And when your business depends on cloud services, any downtime can be costly. With a more traditional IT infrastructure, you have more control over your systems and can mitigate these risks more effectively. For example, you can guard against the power going out in company headquarters by installing a backup generator ahead of time. But if the cloud suffers a crippling technical issue, there’s nothing you can do but wait and hope.”

Another critical aspect is data sovereignty and compliance. Different countries have varying laws regarding data storage and privacy. “When data is stored in the cloud, it might be housed in servers located in different countries, leading to compliance issues,” Rustom explains. “Companies have to be very cautious and ensure they understand where their data is stored and all the legal implications involved.”

On the flip side, cloud computing does offer benefits that cannot be ignored. It provides businesses with the ability to scale their operations quickly and efficiently, adapting to changing demands without the need for big upfront investments in hardware. Also, cloud services can greatly assist in collaboration and remote work, making it easier for teams to access and share information from anywhere in the world.

“It’s essential to conduct a thorough analysis of your specific business needs and determine whether or not cloud computing is the right fit. In some cases, a hybrid approach that combines both cloud and traditional IT infrastructure might be the best solution,” advises Rustom. “But companies need to be realistic about what the cloud can and can’t do. It’s not a magic bullet that will solve all your IT challenges.”

It’s clear that while cloud computing offers exciting possibilities, it is not without its issues. Businesses should think carefully before transitioning entirely to the cloud, weighing the risks against the benefits. As Rustom wisely puts it, “Sometimes, the old ways are the best ways. Traditional IT infrastructure might not be as glamorous as the cloud, but it provides a level of security, control, and cost predictability that’s hard to beat.”

Indeed, as recent history has taught us several times, in the realm of cutting-edge tech, that which is trendy may not always be reliable.