I sit at my desk the day after having my vaccines so that I can safely travel to the Cloud Expo Asia Event in Singapore in October, trying to take my mind away from the droning pain in my arms. Yes, I know I probably shouldn’t be able to type with the pain so bad, but that’s the point; yes, it hurts like hell, fortunately, I can just about type this blog… and then a simple analogy entered my mind…

It occurred to me that the ache in my arms since having the vaccines, is a lot like the ache of moving your traditional print management solution to the cloud – It’s doable but it hurts like hell!

With the rising popularity of cloud services, it is not surprising that the cloud has expanded into printing. Cloud printing can be described as a service that allows users to print from any device on the network. Cloud printing connects digital devices like smartphones, laptops, and tablets, and workstations with printer stations.

By comparison, traditional printing done through cables is plagued by software driver problems, compatibly issues, and device connectivity problems. Today’s cloud printing service eliminates the need for printer drivers, instead links the printer and device and allows the printer to receive the digital information via the cloud.

Cloud computing is basically a collection of different services provided by different companies. It mainly depends on resource sharing using internet enabled devices that allow the function of application software.

The Cloud can serve a wide range of functions over the Internet, such as storage from virtual servers, virtual applications, authorization of desktop applications etc.

By implementing resource sharing, cloud computing is able to achieve reliability and economies of scale. There are mainly two types of cloud computing models which are service based and deployment based.

Many organizations are paying an opportunity cost when it comes to the cloud – security teams tend to hold back due to cloud security worries. The IT world continues to operate under the misconception about public clouds or shared cloud infrastructure is risky.

Fears about security prevent their use of cloud services and organizations are not able to fully leverage the cost savings and flexibility of SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS.

Cloud computing offers organizations many benefits, but these benefits are unlikely to be realized if there are not appropriate IT security and privacy protection strategies in place when using the cloud.

When migrating to the cloud, organizations must have a clear understanding of potential security risks associated with cloud computing, and set realistic expectations with providers.

The following 8 steps will help enterprise IT and business decision makers analyze the information security and privacy implications of cloud computing and cloud security management on their business.