Challenges of cloud computing

Up to this point, you’ve had the opportunity to explore some applications and benefits of cloud computing. However, it’s essential to also acknowledge the challenges that come with this transformative technology. In this step, we will discuss the ‘well architected framework’:

The well architected framework includes the following desired attributes:

1. operational excellence
2. security
3. reliability
4. performance efficiency
5. cost optimisation.

Operational excellence

Building software with cloud technologies is inherently complex, and ensuring effective development and operational support is referred to as operational excellence. A well-architected system embraces operational excellence by continually monitoring system operations, gaining insights, and facilitating continuous improvement to deliver business value. Achieving operational excellence is a challenge that necessitates the adoption of specific design principles and a deep understanding of cloud technologies.

Security and privacy

Storing data remotely and making it accessible over the internet raises significant security and privacy concerns. While the cloud offers tremendous flexibility to create virtually any system, it also comes with increased responsibility. The shared responsibility model dictates that your cloud vendor is responsible for securing physical servers and certain aspects of their service offerings, while you are responsible for ensuring data is properly stored, protected, and accessible to authorised individuals. Understanding security implications and implementing the right tools and systems to prevent security and privacy issues is a critical challenge when building cloud systems.

Compliance with legal requirements

Cloud providers now offer services to aid in compliance, but as a professional, you must be aware of legal requirements and ensure your actions do not expose your company or organisation to risk. Different countries may have regulations that dictate specific data handling practices, such as data encryption at rest. Failure to comply with such regulations can result in substantial fines, as exemplified by the GDPR regulation in the European Union (20 million euros or up to 4% of the organisation’s total global turnover of the preceding financial year, whichever is higher).

Building reliable and performant systems

The availability of breakthrough cloud technologies and tools does not guarantee that every software built with them will be reliable, performant, or cost-effective. Achieving these attributes requires a deep understanding of cloud offerings. The challenge lies in constructing software that is not only cloud-enabled but also reliable, high-performing, and cost-effective. Misunderstanding or underutilising the power of the cloud can lead to suboptimal results.

Cost management and optimising for cost

Cloud computing provides a multitude of tools and services to address diverse needs. However, lacking knowledge of these tools and services can result in increased cloud expenses. Choosing the right tools and services for a given problem often involves trade-offs, including cost efficiency. Cloud professionals must understand these trade-offs and be able to select the most cost-effective solutions. Constantly improving one’s knowledge of the cloud, staying updated on new tools and technologies, and adapting to the ever-evolving industry are essential aspects of effective cost management.

In the dynamic world of cloud computing, professionals must navigate these challenges while embracing continuous learning and innovation to thrive in a rapidly changing landscape. Cloud computing offers immense potential, but harnessing it requires both expertise and adaptability.