Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Advantages and Disadvantages of Cloud Computing

Cloud computing, being a new technology, a lot of developments and trials are still going on. Like any other technology, cloud computing also has its own advantages and disadvantages. Some of the major advantages and disadvantages of cloud computing are discussed below.

Advantages of cloud computing

Efficient
Cloud services are very efficient as all the services are tested before they are deployed in the cloud.

Fast
Cloud computing services are fast, because service requests and delivery of services are done through Internet connection. The data flow on the connection should be regulated and thoroughly monitored for a fast and efficient performance.

Easy maintenance
Maintenance is all done by the service providers. Users need not worry about the backups, updates etc.

High availability
Information on cloud can be accessed from anywhere and any device provided, the user has an Internet connection and the application on their devices can access the cloud. This makes the information on the cloud available to the user and can be accessed from any place.

Cheaper
Services available on cloud are cheaper, because users follow pay-per-use policy. We also know that the most of the services on the public cloud are free. Users need not buy the full software, their updates and backups. They just pay for the service they are using and stop paying for it when they are not using the service.

Disadvantages of cloud computing
Varying cost
Cost varies from time to time and depending on the type of service. Thus, it is quiet complex for the user to get to know of the cost every time it changes.

Loss of control
All the services of the cloud are monitored and maintained by the service providers and the user cannot have control over the service and the cloud, except using it.

Constant internet connectivity
Request for the service and delivery of the requests between front end and the back end always done through the Internet, without which transactions cannot be performed.

It is a good practice to update individuals or organizations with latest technologies emerging these days. But it is equally important that it should always be kept in mind the security of the confidential information. All the data stored on the cloud should be backed up. If in case the computer breakdown, the cloud should be able to retrieve the data from the place where it has backup.

There is another major issue to be solved with this cloud computing. Usually any company will have access to some of the client's confidential data. If the company is using the cloud storage fr storing the data, the client's data would go public on the cloud and accessible by the hackers. This effects the client's business. So, the companies should first let the client know and take approval before their data go on cloud.

To overcome the problem of loss of control, it is a good to own the private cloud and appoint the employee who can manage the data which is secure for any organization and the cloud will be in the control of the company.   

Cloud computing is a technology that minimizes the cost and tedious work of maintaining. So, getting the assurance of security from the service providers, cloud computing is adoptable.

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