There is no cloud
The interesting thing about “cloud computing” is that when you strip away the hype, it’s really just a made up thing, an abstraction layer – it’s just an illusion. There is no cloud – it’s just someone else’s computer. When considering a “cloud” solution, keep in mind that it ultimately boils down to trust. If you trust yourself to provide and scale compute, network, storage, and security – you’ll likely purchase traditional on-premise equipment. If you trust someone else’s computers (or staff) more, then you’re prime to move to the “cloud,” even in a hybrid configuration. But where?
I’ve heard many customers say that they trust a local provider to host their data because they can walk over and “see the blinking light that is hosting their application.” Others have said that there is no way they would trust a small cloud player – it’s either Microsoft, Amazon, or Google.
Interesting that Microsoft has migrated 100% of their mission critical treasury applications (managing $300 billion in annual cash movement) to Azure. It makes sense I suppose, that they trust their computers.
I’ve read too many articles where those selling cloud solutions get caught up in “feeds and speeds.” It’s really a matter of trust… The good news is that regardless of where your data is located – we have a training solution to offer.
Good Morning Darrell, Your article is spot on for what I've experienced for over ten plus years. The "cloud" is indeed, just smoke and mirrors, but many perceive it as some distant, non-corporeal place. When I've asked people what they believe the "cloud" / cyberspace to be they waive their hands around and say "it's out there". Many look shocked when I explain what it really is and compare it to web site hosting. They almost always follow with questions such as; "Is my data safe?", or even "Why the cloud?". As you state in your article, it is all dependant on the provider, or the customer's local site and whether either has the needed skill-sets and resources to protect the data being hosted.
No cloud? That's like finding out the voice of Miss Piggy is a man. Seriously, I learned something from your post.