The UnspokenRisks of the Cloud
Risks of the Cloud - Why You Should Think Twice
Introduction
The hype about the cloud is impossible to ignore. From small startups to large corporations - everyone is raving about the flexibility, scalability, and simplicity of the cloud. But just like Icarus burned himself when he flew too close to the sun, companies that move to the cloud without thinking could also experience dangerous pitfalls.
Costs and Transparency
The cloud world may appear attractive, but high costs often hide behind the shiny facade. Companies that switch to the cloud often notice too late how quickly the bills stack up. It is no coincidence that many companies that use AWS also lay off staff or freeze salaries. The flexibility of the cloud is often offset by the unpredictability of costs. That the cloud is very expensive should be clear and accepted.
Technology and Architecture
The extensive features of the cloud can seem like a dream, but they can also turn into a nightmare. The lack of standard protocols means that your systems cannot easily, if at all, communicate with external or standard technologies. In addition, infrastructure, architecture, and services often merge with each other, which means that adjustments are required at both levels - a recipe for complexity and headaches.
Security Risks and Transparency
While cloud providers offer extensive security mechanisms, the cloud remains an attractive target for cyber attacks. The question is not whether it is safer than an on-premise solution, but whether you want to take the risk of it. In addition, there is the problem of transparency: Without a clear view of usage and costs, meaningful budget planning is hardly possible. Due to many hidden costs, every cost planning should be multiplied by at least 2.
Long-term Strategy and Human Resources
The choice for the cloud should not be made in isolation, but as part of a broader, long-term business strategy. In addition, the choice of technology has a not to be underestimated influence on the type of professionals you have to recruit for your company.
Conclusion
The cloud is not the panacea it is often touted to be. It carries risks that should be seriously considered. From costs to security, from technological restriction to personnel planning, the decision for the cloud is complex and should not be taken lightly. It is worth considering alternatives like Kubernetes, which can offer flexibility, standardization, and transparency.