Cloud computing is a type of storage system. It allows people to use different computers to access the same information. You do this over a shared network or cloud.
Since its start, the cloud industry has evolved. Its continued transformation has increased usage. Everyone, including businesses, use cloud applications. Companies use cloud services to cut IT costs and allow employees to work from home. They also use it to gain a competitive edge because it changes how they do business.
But for as many different advantages as the cloud offers, there is one drawback of cloud computing. Security issues. But there are others, too. From connection problems to technical bugs. Read on to learn what are pitfalls concerning cloud application development. Some might surprise you.
5 Pitfalls Concerning Cloud Application Development
Let’s get down to the basics. What are the pitfalls concerning the cloud application development? Pitfalls vary by size and form. But even if they seem small, they shouldn’t be discounted. Here are five main drawbacks for cloud infrastructure and cloud services, and possible solutions.
False Promises and Business Failures
When searching for a cloud service provider, some business owners look for companies offering the most storage for the lowest price. But remember the old saying: You get what you pay for?
Companies that charge less for cloud services can have problems turning a profit. They outgrow their early business model and put your business at risk. The company you’ve signed up with can go under, and when it does, you may not get access to your stored data. The result? Lost data and lost money.
How to solve the issue
Look for a successful cloud service company with scalability. This means that as you grow, they grow. Cloud providers that won’t run out of storage meet your business needs for the long term.
Potential Security Issues
Cloud based computing is at risk of security issues. If an employee uses a shared computer at home, others in the home can access confidential information. Cloud based applications have improved over time. But potential security threats are a major problem for developers.
Shared networks also face security threats. For example, public WiFi signals in libraries and restaurants are not always safe. Anyone using the same network can gain access to the cloud. So, how do developers prevent security breaches?
How to solve the issue
Data should be encrypted. Strong encryption prevents data breaches. Make sure you use a reverse proxy or SSL to meet the security needs of your business or company. There are ways to encrypt your data. You just have to look for them.
Stopping Potential Hackers
Among all pitfalls associated with cloud based storage, hackers are the most dangerous threat. Hackers access data centers and wreak havoc on storage. They gain access to confidential information. We see this when companies report security breaches. Hackers steal:
- Bank information
- Client phone numbers
- Credit card information
- Personal addresses
- Social security numbers
They sell the personal information they steal to others. Good storage companies have strong security features, but some are not strong enough to stop all hackers.
How to solve the issue
Look for cloud vendors with strong cloud based security features. Cloud based features go along with the solution for preventing potential security threats. Encryption is key. Make sure your cloud service offers a way to encrypt the data you want protected.
Requires Constant Connection to the Internet
One benefit of working in a traditional office setting is that employees work face-to-face. They use a shared network to pass along documents and files. If the network goes down, they can make copies of information needed and distribute it in the office.
But times have changed. More people now work from home than ever. By the end of 2022, 25% of all professional jobs in the U.S. will be remote. According to Forbes, remote work is here to stay.
But with the shift in remote work comes disadvantages to the cloud computing system. Cloud based systems require constant connection to the internet. If a signal goes out due to a storm or technical problem, remote employees have a hard time accessing information.
If the signal goes out because of a storm or a technical problem, there is no way of accessing that information. Your cloud based system needs consistent internet connection.
How to solve the issue
Since employees can’t control Mother Nature, they should make backup copies on their hard drives. Back up or restore data with a portable device. This will help your cloud based system and cloud applications if there is a disruption.
Technical Bugs
Technical bugs are another possible pitfall of cloud storage. Employees working remotely can upload contaminated files to the cloud. Viruses on those files can spread to others. They can infect the computers of other workers.
Technical bugs can also include glitches in the file itself. This makes it hard for others to view the content. This happens when remote employees use different operating systems or programs at home. These programs or systems are not compatible with those used in the office.
How to solve the issue
Technical bugs cause performance issues. The best thing to do is research your cloud service provider’s infrastructure and reliability. Know which apps you should move to the cloud safely. Ask for a trial period where you can test reliability early.
Other Drawbacks of Cloud Computing
Now that you know the main ones, what are pitfalls concerning cloud application development? Here are a few more.
1. Interoperability
First of all, what is interoperability? In context of the cloud, this means the ability to build code that functions across different service providers. This ability is an important component of a cloud service.
You want different systems to talk to each other. Seems simple, right? It’s not. It’s one of the biggest challenges in moving to the cloud.
2. Performance Issues
Some companies have learned how to handle performance issues. Take Brainly, for instance. This company uses Google Cloud technology to provide access to education for students. But what are the cloud application security issues Brainly faces? Many of the same pitfalls listed above.
Brainly, like other companies, faces performance issues. But to combat them, they know their provider’s infrastructure. You have to, if you’re going to decrease performance issues and create a user-friendly environment.
3. Query Oriented Programming
Cloud based applications are more user-friendly when they have a functional query-based style. This issue falls on the developers. They use SQL or XQuery-like operations to make the system query oriented.
What are pitfalls concerning cloud application development MCQ?
These multiple choice questions have to do with the benefits and drawbacks of cloud computing. We’ve answered most of these in the article above. But this one: What is the disadvantage of cloud computing MCQ pops up often. As do these:
- What are cloud application security issues?
- What to look for in a cloud service?
- Why are there many pitfalls when dealing with cloud storage?
As with most technology, there are pros and cons. This is also true of cloud based applications and storage. Storage offers tremendous benefits for companies of all sizes. These include:
- Allowing employees to work remotely
- Reducing the amount of saved files on computers
But there are pitfalls companies can’t ignore.
Some of the pitfalls of choosing cloud computing though can include technical bugs, security breaches and potential hacks that can damage a business in the long run.
How to Estimate Your Storage Needs
Small or mid-sized businesses should be aware of the possible pitfalls in cloud based storage. But if you’re ready to make the move, you can see benefits. These include:
- Cost savings
- Disaster recovery
- Improved accessibility
The next step is to know how much storage you need. But how do you estimate your storage requirements? Here are a few things to consider when estimating your needs.
Gather Data
When you estimate your storage needs, the first step is to collect data. You need to know how much storage you or your company uses. You can find cloud services tools to help you with this online. There are capacity calculators or other methods.
Some find that an Excel spreadsheet can give them a clear storage picture. Others find a spreadsheet cumbersome to use. But when you learn your data storage usage, it will help you come up with a baseline number.
Determine Your Growth Rate
Do you see your company growing over the next few years? If so, your storage needs to grow with you.
Once you have a baseline number of how much storage you use, determine your future needs. You can determine the rate on a monthly or annual basis. Look at your company’s history. Search log files and data reports. Try to estimate any increases based on your company’s growth over the last year.
It is important to understand that growth isn’t always linear. It is also difficult to predict. Here are a few tips to help you consider your growth rate before choosing a cloud service provider:
- Do you have plans to expand your company?
- Do you have plans to make IT upgrades over the next few years?
- Will you hire more employees in the near future? If so, how many and when?
Set Realistic Goals
Once you’ve gathered data and determined your future Cloud needs, it’s time to set goals. When looking at a service provider, look at a company’s policies and practices as much as you do the cost. Set realistic goals based on what the provider offers. But don’t settle. You need a cloud based company that will grow with you.
Top 5 Cloud Providers
Ready to take the plunge and improve your cloud infrastructure? Here are some of the top cloud services providers that can help your company with its cloud applications and storage.
- Amazon Web Services
- Microsoft Azure
- Google Cloud Platform
- Alibaba Cloud
- Oracle Cloud
Amazon Web Services
This is the cloud computing service of Amazon.com–the largest cloud provider in the world. AWS has 26 regions and 84 availability zones in operation. Regions span throughout the U.S. and into the Middle East and Africa.
AWS data centers provide 200 featured services. These include:
- Compute
- Database
- Storage
Microsoft Azure
Azure is the second largest cloud provider in the world. It has 60 regions and 116 availability zones in operation. It has zones in the Americas, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
The company offers many different features and benefits. These include:
- Artificial intelligence capabilities
- Developer productivity
- Hybrid cloud experience
- Security and compliance
Google Cloud Platform
Of all cloud vendors, Google Cloud Platform is the third largest. GCP has 34 regions and 103 availability zones in operation. Regions cover the United States, Americans, Europe, and Asia Pacific.
Developers like GCP because of the following features:
- AI capabilities
- Build and deploy cloud applications
- Scalable cloud infrastructure
- Security services
Alibaba Cloud
Alibaba Group offers a cloud computing unit known as Alibaba Cloud. It is the main cloud service in Asia Pacific. It has 27 regions and 84 availability zones in operation. It is the dominant cloud based provider in Mainland China. But it is also in other regions, such as Europe, Middle East, and the U.S.
Features businesses and companies enjoy outside of cloud capabilities include:
- Big data analytics
- Elastic computing
- Machine learning
- Management and application services
Oracle Cloud
Oracle Cloud is a major player when it comes to cloud computing and services. The company has 38 regions and 46 availability zones in operation. These areas include the United States, as well as Canada, Europe, and the Middle East.
Oracle Cloud delivers infrastructure technologies and services that include:
- Computing
- Networking
- Storage
Other Providers for Cloud Services to Consider
Here are five more respected providers for cloud based services.
- IBM Cloud
- Tencent Cloud
- OVHcloud
- DigitalOcean
- Linode
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