By a simple definition, the term Shadow IT is having negative connotations. It invokes the virtual picture of clandestine downloading and confidential arrangements. But is this technique really bad? In this article, lets’ have a look at pros and cons of Shadow IT in relation to the cloud-based intranets.
Before jumping directly towards learning of positive and negative aspects of Shadow IT, it is important to know what basically the term Shadow IT means? So, let us begin with the same!
What is Shadow IT?
The Shadow IT defines machines and programs on which an IT organization works. Here, the network is not formally procured or authorized by any of the technical admin centers of IT. Some of the common examples of Shadow IT are mentioned below:
- Cloud storage program like Dropbox
- Cloud-based intranet products
- Instant messaging apps like WhatsApp
- Video chat communication programs
- Social media applications
Shadow IT technology is the proliferation, which is unseen and unknown by the IT department of the organization. But in most cases, the security factor is at high risk like merchant accounts for high-risk businesses, because things are performed in a secretive manner.
What Arises the Concept of Shadow IT?
It is possible to meet the demanded enterprise needs by downloading and purchasing the software from web browsers. you can become a software engineer as it has great career opportunities. One such example is Intranet software, which addresses ‘n’ number of business requirements all on one platform. Well, the other applications involve collaboration or workflow and the productivity enhancement products.
Since the time cloud technology came into the existence, the development of personal components and common IT consumerization has become easy. Initially, it is now simple to gain access to the products and machines without having any deep knowledge of the IT field. It might be possible that the IT administrator smells that something is going in an incorrect manner. Well, a survey was taken in which it was found that 83% of respondents are having unauthorized cloud services in their IT sectors.
It is always going to be a question that are these comfortability factors growing and starting a business needs and perceptions in a correct or an incorrect manner? The default response from IT organizations for this situation is so long the one i.e., distrust and suspicion. Actually, the main problem here is that Shadow IT technology is good for employees but, bad for IT management and admin department. It is so because if the things go in wrong hand then, no one can stop the occurrence of cyber attacks.
Benefits of Shadow IT on Cloud
Shadow IT is already established in the firms in one or another way. There are few pieces of evidence as recommendation through which it can drive the innovation in a right manner. It could result in instant growth of business because it accepts the trending digital technology without any issue. The main reason behind making Shadow IT as a positive thing is that – corporate IT sectors are busy and things take time in responding. The problem here is that Shadow IT can be on the top of latest technologies but, concern is all about the security and compatibility.
The main reason behind adopting Shadow IT is that it boosts up the innovative ideas, which are provided within it. In this digital arena, organizations in all the industries are completely dependent upon their capability towards moving forward on the technologies. Always keep one thing in mind that when the things are intended to be done for a good cause then, they are not wrong.
Disadvantages of Shadow IT
There are following two main concerns that enterprises has with the cloud Shadow IT:
- Increased Confusion: If an employee creates a new product without aiding the IT department then, it is the condition where everyone is not on same page. This type of situation creates lots of confusion and hence, affect the IT department.
- Cloud Data Security Risk: There can be a situation where the employee is deciding to do something disastrous with the data provided to him. This leads to data leakage and that too without any prior notice to the administrators. Here comes the situation of cloud security risk.
Conclusion
As the time passes away, enterprises are understanding that Shadow IT needs to stay in the IT market competition. Therefore, now the firms are setting clear guidelines and criterion for managers to select and deploy the program solutions. The concept here with Shadow IT is that if the data is used in a correct way then, it will definitely result in a great productivity cause.
