Should Everyone Be Afraid of Cloud Services?

This is a great article because it shows more of an "end-user" perspective of cloud and managed services. While many of the points raised are legitimate, there are many safeguards for end-users when it comes to buying cloud or managed services that I believe the benefits outweigh the risks at this stage of the game. 

Here is a partial list of security measures end-users have at their disposal to protect themselves from sub-par or bad service providers: 

- Not all MSPs/Cloud providers are the same. This is obviously true. However, being able to spot the good ones from the bad isn't always easy. Many of the bad ones pretend to be good. Businesses need to have a list of questions to ask of their provider to ensure that they are dealing with the real thing. Check out the MSPAlliance Consumer's Bill of Rights. 

- Accountability:  Having some form of recourse against a provider can mean all the difference in the world for a client. Just knowing that they are protected can tip the scales in favor of doing business with a services provider. Make sure your MSP/cloud provider abides by a code of conduct that protects the end-user, not just the MSP's industry. 

- Credentials: In a world where it is easier to become a MSP than it is to cut hair, end-users tend to feel a little wary when it comes to putting their faith and trust into a MSP's hands. You can't blame them, especially when the idea of managed services is so compelling in today's economy. Make sure your MSP/cloud provider has both business and technical credentials. Technical knowledge is important, but ultimately useless unless the hand that wields it is guided by a code of conduct that serves the greater good. 

- Competition: Unlike 10 years ago, there are many qualified MSPs today. If you find a suspicious or bad MSP, go on the to next one. There are plenty of options for businesses of all sizes; finding the right MSP may take some time but they do exist!

Every profession has their bad apples but every good profession has a method to deal with those professionals that cross the line.  Managed and cloud service providers are not new, even though the technology may be cutting edge. MSPs are serious about what they do and about the level of care they provide to their clients. In my opinion, there is less to be afraid of today than where we started many year ago.