Businesses have found a new top challenge of cloud, cloud problems and computing issues. According to the RightScale 2016, State of the Cloud Report, security reigned as the most demanding threat over the last few years as businesses questioned the ability of cloud providers to uphold their security standards. A “lack of resources and expertise is the new top cloud challenge that displaced security this year.” This is good news for professionals who would like to access more workloads and applications in the cloud. However, it comes with many challenges. More professionals are using the cloud, yet there is a shortage of cloud experts. In addition to the top two, the report highlights the eight challenges below and as seen in this infographic about the top cloud challenges of 2016.
What does a lack of resources mean for your business? It means that it’s not only difficult to find, but costly to hire in-house expertise to manage your own cloud. Even the big players find it challenging to recruit talented experts – when salary costs aren’t as big of a challenge as it is for smaller businesses. This is bringing about a, “What do we do now scenario?” where organizations are purchasing cloud services, getting setup, but don’t know how to get started. Imagine the problems that arise with stakeholders when you can’t optimize your large technology investment.
How can you leverage technology to displace this challenge? It is currently difficult to find technology that takes the place of a cloud expert. However, by leveraging a company like Rackspace that emphasizes managed and professional services, that just so happens to be goodat cloud services – you’ve hedged your bet that you’ll get the resources you need to successfully manage cloud computing implementations, issues, etc. You’ll want to find a provider that will consult and educate you on your “cloud journey.” They should provide you with the resources to optimize your cloud investment and walk you through the next steps. Also, look for cloud management platforms that focus on making it simple and easy for the end user. Many of them offer free trials. Test both their technology and professional services during the trial to see if they meet your standards.
Top Cloud Challenges
- Lack of resources and expertise
- Security
- Cloud cost management
- Compliance
- Managing multiple cloud services
- Complexity of building a private cloud
- Governance / control
- Performance