The Cloud Conundrum: How Hyperscaler Providers Can Create More Problems Than They Solve for Small Teams

I've spent years working with small teams and startups, watching them navigate the complex world of cloud computing. One thing that's always struck me is the allure of hyperscaler cloud providers like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. These providers offer a vast array of services and options that can be tempting to teams looking to scale quickly. But as I've delved deeper into the world of cloud security, I've started to worry that these providers might be more of a hindrance than a help for small teams.

Don't get me wrong - I'm all for innovation and taking calculated risks. But when it comes to security, I believe that small teams need to be extra cautious. The truth is, most regular engineers don't have the expertise to fully secure their products in a world that's getting increasingly aggressive security-wise. And when you're working with hyperscaler cloud providers, the attack surface area is proportional to the breadth of services and options provided. That's a lot of potential vulnerabilities to worry about.

I've seen it time and time again - small teams get caught up in the excitement of using the latest and greatest cloud services, without fully understanding the security implications. And then, when something goes wrong, they're left scrambling to fix the issue. It's a stressful and costly way to learn a lesson.

The problem is that hyperscaler cloud providers are designed to meet the needs of large enterprises, not small teams. They offer a vast array of services and options that can be overwhelming, even for experienced engineers. And when you're working with a small team, you don't have the luxury of dedicating a full-time security expert to your project. You need to be able to secure your products quickly and easily, without sacrificing performance or scalability.

That's why I believe that small teams should think twice before using hyperscaler cloud providers. Instead, they should opt for solutions that are tailored to their scale and expertise. This might mean choosing cloud providers that offer more standardized options and fewer services to choose from. Or it might mean working with managed service providers that specialize in cloud security.

For me, it's all about keeping things simple. When you're working with a small team, you don't need a million different options and services to choose from. What you need is a secure, reliable, and easy-to-use platform that lets you focus on what matters most - building and growing your business.

Of course, there are some who would argue that hyperscaler cloud providers are the only way to go, no matter what size your team is. They'll tell you that the benefits of scalability and flexibility far outweigh the risks. But I disagree. When you're working with a small team, you need to be able to move quickly and make decisions without getting bogged down in complexity. Hyperscaler cloud providers can actually hinder that process, rather than helping it.