Close
  • Latest News
  • Big Data and Analytics
  • Cloud
  • Networking
  • Cybersecurity
  • Applications
  • IT Management
  • Storage
  • Sponsored
  • Mobile
  • Small Business
  • Development
  • Database
  • Servers
  • Android
  • Apple
  • Innovation
  • Blogs
  • PC Hardware
  • Reviews
  • Search Engines
  • Virtualization
Read Down
Sign in
Close
Welcome!Log into your account
Forgot your password?
Read Down
Password recovery
Recover your password
Close
Search
Logo
Logo
  • Latest News
  • Big Data and Analytics
  • Cloud
  • Networking
  • Cybersecurity
  • Applications
  • IT Management
  • Storage
  • Sponsored
  • Mobile
  • Small Business
  • Development
  • Database
  • Servers
  • Android
  • Apple
  • Innovation
  • Blogs
  • PC Hardware
  • Reviews
  • Search Engines
  • Virtualization
More
    Home Cloud
    • Cloud
    • IT Management
    • Networking
    • Small Business
    • Storage

    How to Select a Trustworthy Cloud Computing Vendor

    By
    David Barley
    -
    November 19, 2008
    Share
    Facebook
    Twitter
    Linkedin

      /images/stories/70×50/bug_knowledgecenter_70x70_%282%29.jpg

      Cloud computing may sound like a pie-in-the-sky phenomenon, but despite any initial impressions you may have about it, the technology is one phenomenon that has not only landed but has also firmly staked its claim in the future of computer technology. After all, what industry exists that does not employ some form of cloud computing-be it software-as-a-service applications, basic e-mail, or data storage and archiving services? Indeed, cloud computing is here to stay.

      Even so, some companies touting ownership of this technology are merely squatters in experts’ clothing, and consumers need be vigilant to avoid investing their trust-and resources-in a company that may wind up being gone with the wind. And perhaps nowhere does this ring truer than in the area of data backup.

      The Benefits of Cloud Computing

      From major corporations to small, independent consulting shops, successful companies understand the critical importance of securing and safeguarding their data against loss due to natural disaster or human error. No doubt we have all witnessed or heard of the tragedy of a computer crash, flood or fire destroying not only equipment but also an entire enterprise. Cloud computing allows companies to avoid such catastrophes by backing up and archiving their data online through a third-party provider.

      The benefits of this technology are numerous, ranging from business security and legal compliance to simple, yet priceless peace of mind. However, the technology can also be risky, since some providers jump on the cloud computing bandwagon without making proper preparations for long-term viability.

      Hard Lessons Learned

      Unfortunately, many companies recently learned this reality the hard way when their online storage provider simply shut down. The Linkup, a cloud computing data storage service, closed its virtual doors on Aug. 8, 2008, leaving as many as 20,000 paying subscribers with no access to the files they had paid the company to store and protect for them. While the company’s collapse began months before its final closure, many customers still found themselves stranded up the proverbial creek without a paddle.

      The reason, while difficult to swallow, is easy to understand. The Linkup may have provided backup services, but it failed to back up its own backup. Indeed, while claiming to protect customer data, the company failed to protect itself. That’s the bad news. And, unfortunately for The Linkup’s subscribers, they will now have to attempt to rebuild the information, files, music and videos lost on “the cloud.”

      Amid the meltdown, however, there is good news: Cloud computing companies do exist that are prepared not only for external disasters but also for internal challenges. These are the companies that not only ask for the public’s trust, but also prove that they merit that trust, and these are the companies that customers should look to as their data backup and storage partners.

      Finding these companies all comes down to knowing what questions to ask. And three questions, in particular, are indispensable:

      Question No. 1: Is the company financially stable?

      Prior to entrusting critical data to any third-party backup provider, consumers should research the company’s financial standing. While this may prove easier to do with publicly traded companies, it is still possible-and perhaps even more important-to do with smaller private firms. Look for any indicators of potential financial instability, be it a lack of investors, a spotty history of service or a past financial crisis.

      Question No. 2: Does the company have a backup strategy?

      What happens in the unfortunate event that a vendor does go out of business? Are there provisions in place to ensure data would still be preserved and accessible to service subscribers? Check whether providers have a trust fund that would enable the company to continue operating-and consumers to continue accessing their files-for a period of time, even in the event something did happen that forced the company out of business.

      Question No. 3: What are other users saying?

      No paid promotion can be as effective or as trustworthy as word-of-mouth advertising. Friends, colleagues and associates with no vested interest in a particular company will be the first to tell you honestly which backup providers work and which simply do not. Take the time to ask others with storage needs similar to your own which company or companies they have found to be the most effective and reliable.

      Selecting a backup provider does not have to be a “shot in the dark.” And, while it takes a bit of time and research to validate the security and reliability of any cloud computing company, it is time well-spent to ensure that you are investing your valuable resources and invaluable company data in a provider worthy of your trust.

      /images/stories/heads/knowledge_center/barley_david70x70.jpg David Barley is chief technology officer at Casdex. With over nine years of experience in the technology sector, he has a track record of encouraging growth at startup companies through the development of new products and systems. His areas of expertise include business development, commercializing technology advancements, facilitating operations, and designing and developing key storage infrastructure. At Casdex, he is responsible for spearheading development and implementation of the company’s IT systems, while also providing a technical voice in the overall strategic planning for the company.

      He previously served as the vice president of systems architecture for TD Waterhouse, charged with determining the methodologies to be used to develop backup system procedures scaled to meet the growing demands of both the corporate and branch infrastructure of the company. Before that, he was the manager of Massachusetts-based startup Storage Networks, a leading provider of data and network storage services. While there, he was instrumental in the expansion of the firm to the Asia Pacific region by providing strategic direction for both product development and marketing plans, ultimately attracting clients such as Yahoo, Ford Motor Co., Hitachi and Cisco Systems.

      A resident of San Pedro, Calif., David attended the University of Chicago, with concentrations in business and IT. He can be reached at [email protected].

      David Barley
      David Barley is Chief Technology Officer at Casdex, Inc. With over nine years of experience in the technology sector, he has a track record of encouraging growth at start-up companies through the development of new products and systems. His areas of expertise include business development, commercializing technology advancements, facilitating operations, and designing and developing key storage infrastructure. At Casdex, he is responsible for spearheading development and implementation of the company's IT systems, while also providing a technical voice in the overall strategic planning for the company. He previously served as the VP of Systems Architecture for TD Waterhouse, Inc., charged with determining the methodologies to be used to develop backup system procedures scaled to meet the growing demands of both the corporate and branch infrastructure of the company. Before that, he was the manager of Mass.-based start-up Storage Networks, a leading provider of data and network storage services. While there, he was instrumental in the expansion of the firm to the Asia Pacific region by providing strategic direction for both product development and marketing plans, ultimately attracting clients such as Yahoo!, Ford Motor Company, Hitachi and Cisco Systems. A resident of San Pedro, California, David attended the University of Chicago, with concentrations in Business and IT. He can be reached at [email protected]

      MOST POPULAR ARTICLES

      Cybersecurity

      Visa’s Michael Jabbara on Cybersecurity and Digital...

      James Maguire - May 17, 2022 0
      I spoke with Michael Jabbara, VP and Global Head of Fraud Services at Visa, about the cybersecurity technology used to ensure the safe transfer...
      Read more
      Cloud

      Yotascale CEO Asim Razzaq on Controlling Multicloud...

      James Maguire - May 5, 2022 0
      Asim Razzaq, CEO of Yotascale, provides guidance on understanding—and containing—the complex cost structure of multicloud computing. Among the topics we covered:  As you survey the...
      Read more
      Big Data and Analytics

      GoodData CEO Roman Stanek on Business Intelligence...

      James Maguire - May 4, 2022 0
      I spoke with Roman Stanek, CEO of GoodData, about business intelligence, data as a service, and the frustration that many executives have with data...
      Read more
      Applications

      Cisco’s Thimaya Subaiya on Customer Experience in...

      James Maguire - May 10, 2022 0
      I spoke with Thimaya Subaiya, SVP and GM of Global Customer Experience at Cisco, about the factors that create good customer experience – and...
      Read more
      IT Management

      Intuit’s Nhung Ho on AI for the...

      James Maguire - May 13, 2022 0
      I spoke with Nhung Ho, Vice President of AI at Intuit, about adoption of AI in the small and medium-sized business market, and how...
      Read more
      Logo

      eWeek has the latest technology news and analysis, buying guides, and product reviews for IT professionals and technology buyers. The site’s focus is on innovative solutions and covering in-depth technical content. eWeek stays on the cutting edge of technology news and IT trends through interviews and expert analysis. Gain insight from top innovators and thought leaders in the fields of IT, business, enterprise software, startups, and more.

      Facebook
      Linkedin
      RSS
      Twitter
      Youtube

      Advertisers

      Advertise with TechnologyAdvice on eWeek and our other IT-focused platforms.

      Advertise with Us

      Menu

      • About eWeek
      • Subscribe to our Newsletter
      • Latest News

      Our Brands

      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms
      • About
      • Contact
      • Advertise
      • Sitemap
      • California – Do Not Sell My Information

      Property of TechnologyAdvice.
      © 2021 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

      Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.

      ×