Debunked! The Top 5 Cloud Hosting Myths Believed by Built Environment Businesses

While cloud hosting is becoming increasingly popular, there are still many misconceptions that create fear and skepticism and can make businesses delay or deter their decision in switching from on-premises hosting. It’s important for companies to understand the cloud and its functions so they can make informed decisions that will allow their business to flourish. In this article, we are going to debunk the top five cloud-hosting myths believed by built environment firms.

Myth #1: Cloud Hosting is Not Secure

When looking at the security of cloud hosting versus on-premises hosting, cloud hosting is actually much more secure. For example, when it comes to on-premises physical security, computers and servers may not have fire suppression or be in a controlled environment. This type of equipment is often located in less-than-ideal spaces such as an office closet. Without the proper security, there is a chance your hardware could be stolen. By taking advantage of cloud-hosting services, your information is stored in high-security, climate-controlled data centers that have a fire suppression system and staff on-site 24/7.

When it comes to cybersecurity, ransomware is the number one type of attack. These attacks happen to small businesses—not just big companies. In fact, the construction industry was ranked #2 and #3 across parts of Europe for the most amount of ransomware cases in 2022. If you ever do pay the ransom to get your data back, there is a stronger chance you will get hit again because the hackers know that you pay. With a cloud-based solution, your data is protected across multiple data centers so there are back-up copies in case anything does happen. You also get industry-leading security and anti-virus software, meaning you get the most up-to-date layers of security. The backup process in the cloud environment is automated, so possible human error is eliminated.

Myth #2: Cloud Hosting is Not Reliable

Our next myth looks at the reliability of the cloud. If you have your data on-premises and something out of your control happens, like a power outage, you have to stop working until the power is fixed. Even your remote workers on VPN are shut out of getting work done. If you are in the cloud, you can rely on the ability to get work done from any location. Also, when your on-premises system is hacked it is difficult and costly to replicate your data. With hosting your data in the cloud, you will have multiple copies of your data and not have the need to replicate it.

Myth #3: Cloud Hosting Reduces Control Over Your Own Data

While some feel comfortable knowing their data is physically down the hall, the cloud actually does not reduce your control over your data. If your data is on-premises and you’re having issues such as lack of hard drive space, you then have to call a consultant to fix it causing downtime. With the cloud, you can make your hard drive as big or small as needed with no downtime—which is especially beneficial in mergers and acquisitions. You can also download a copy of your data at any time—giving you total control.

Myth #4: Cloud Hosting Requires Additional Internet Capacity

With high-speed internet becoming widely available, this is more of a myth of the past. Not only is today’s business-class internet connectivity sufficient, but it is also a fraction of the cost of what it used to be 10-20 years ago. Also, if you are on the cloud and have remote workers, they are not consuming office bandwidth.

Myth #5: Cloud Hosting is Expensive

When thinking about cost, you need to consider both the hard and soft costs of hosting your data on-premises versus in the cloud. With on-premises you have to worry about how long your server will last and how much it will cost to support, along with regular software maintenance. You will also need to worry about hiring and retaining qualified IT staff, and understand how much of their time is consumed with handling the servers. And if anything happens to the IT person for one reason or another, what impact will that have on your business? By moving to the cloud, you don’t have to worry about the upfront costs of on-premises solutions or dealing with acquiring new hardware as you grow.

With state-of-the-art cloud hosting, your business will never miss a beat—guaranteeing your financial and project data is always accessible, backed up, tested and secure.