Uniting Big Data with the Cloud

Combining big data with the cloud seems like the perfect technology unity. Despite the many advantages that the cloud offers, many corporations have been slow to make this transition. In fact, according to a Gartner survey from 2014, less than half of all major corporations with big data programs confirm that they’re using the cloud.

Why aren’t more enterprises using the cloud for their data processing needs? The answer is that this type of transition is complex. It requires time, money and motivation. Since the cloud appears to be here to stay, let’s take a look at three challenges that are holding companies back from transferring big data to the cloud and ways to conquer them.

Too Many Differences

Premise-based data centers and the cloud are two entirely different entities. This is a challenge that many companies fail to realize. Cloud computing is set up, priced and configured differently than a data center’s basic servers. Once companies enter the cloud realm, they must budget and oversee costs differently than their current model. In addition, selecting and adjusting cloud infrastructure for big data necessitates new skills that employees must learn or obtain. To be successful, companies need to focus on organizing micro-batch updates, streaming and data pipelines.

Standardizing Issues

Because the cloud remains an emerging market, the industry is creating models with different capabilities and pricing structures. In particular, data processing in the cloud is experiencing trouble with standardizing. While shopping for cloud service, buyers must dive into the policy agreements of providers to understand the differences between the included services at a comprehensive level. Some cloud providers charge a flat rate while others use a pay-as-you-go pricing model.

Finding a cloud provider that works with your existing processes is one of the biggest challenges to transitioning big data to the cloud. Keep in mind that once you do switch, it will make all of your processes easier. You’ll be able to download data faster with 4G broadband on your work phone. The cloud will also give you access to your company’s data on your wireless devices from any location.

Security Problems

One of the reasons that organizations have delayed transitioning to the cloud has been security concerns, but industry experts are confirming that cloud providers have increased their security features and are now more secure than they have ever been. When problems arise, it is often because of inconsistencies or poorly explained cloud policies, which cause human error.

According to Gartner, through the year 2020, 95 percent of all failures in regards to cloud security will be the fault of the client. There is no need for you to be afraid of this statistic. When you do shift operations to the cloud, be sure to learn about your provider’s security features.

Choosing a Service Provider

A number of companies provide cloud service. Be sure to consider your organization’s current technology provider before choosing one for the cloud. Also, select a provider that is setup to work with your current system and within your existing policies. Keep in mind that sites like UnlockBoot are an excellent source of information for iCloud and downloading tips. If you’ve made the decision to move your company’s big data processing to the cloud, these implementation recommendations will help make the shift easier.