The unpleasant truths about database-as-a-service

The recent announcement of cloud-delivered databases — makes it clear we’re moving to a future where some or even most of our data will exist in public clouds. Although the cost savings are compelling, I believe this migration will happen much more slowly than cloud providers predict. Indeed, for the Global 2000, cloud-based data stores will initially be a very hard sell, though the poorer small businesses won’t have any other choice, economically speaking.

That said, there are a few problems you need to consider before you load your data onto USB drives and ship it to a cloud computing data center. First and foremost, you’re dumping your data onto USB drives, when are then dropped off at UPS. No kidding — it’s too much data to upload.

There are other problems to consider as well.

1. Ongoing data integration with on-premise data stores is a problem.
2. Data security remains an ongoing concern. 
3. Data rules and regulations still get in the way.