Cisco and Cloud Computing

When Cisco announced sometime in 2011 that it would roll out its cloud computing, it was greeted with mixed emotions. Some people questioned whether the cloud computing would be any better just because a network provider was offering it. Others, justifiably so, were skeptical of the entire affair. Because what has occurred is Cisco has taken its cloud computing to its head. By redirecting users of Wi-Fi to its Cisco Connect Cloud for the management of their Linksys EA routers, Cisco has made life difficult for many users, and has faced a lot of customer ire over the internet.

 Of course, the fact that it is a network provider probably does mean that its cloud computing is better. Because it offers a common platform for management as well as a skill set which helps in support, it is well established to technically give a great cloud opportunity to its customers. But what customers do not want is to be forced into accepting the cloud, which is why, despite a great product, their awful marketing tactic is creating more buzz than the product itself. Just one way when big companies put their foot in their mouth.
The cloud, without announcement, was thrust upon customers of Linksys who had not asked for the cloud management to begin with. And the questions which were raised were pretty concerning too. For example, the terms and conditions of the Connect cloud seem to imply that Cisco can watch and screen your internet activity as well as other data and share it with third-parties. This is a big privacy matter which raised many eyes.

Cisco of course has reacted quickly and said that the entire collection practice as well as anti-piracy conditions it had mentioned in its agreement was a big mistake, but customers don’t seem ready to forgive yet. Probably their irritation comes from the fact that Cisco has been making many mistakes in the past.
Remember the time when it said in its terms of agreement that it could essentially keep track of information such as which apps you were using, your internet history, what products you’re using etc? After that generated a lot of criticism, it apologized and called it a mistake as well. But it leaves us wondering, just how many mistakes are likely to occur in the future, and how many times Cisco can get away with it before consumers stop bothering with the service at all, and switch to a competitor like Avaya.