What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Cloud Computing?

Cloud Computing is the use of hardware and software to deliver a service over a network (typically the Internet). With cloud computing, users can access files and use applications from any device that can access the Internet.

Read More about What is Cloud Computing and How it works?

Advantages and Disadvantages of Cloud Computing

As the concept of the ‘cloud‘ has been around for a while, its use within computer science is spreading more and more as several and multiple applications are recognized for the benefit they can provide both to companies and to people.

Let’s first take a look at the advantages of cloud computing that make it such a popular option today.

Advantage Of Cloud Computing

1) Affordability: There are many savings in making use of cloud computing. Pay for that service by subscription or payment for use and save money on the cost of hardware, software and license fees. Basically, you are outsourcing these items and services for a small fee. Many companies can also save money on the cost of technical support because most of those issued are serviced at the end of the tailgate, inside the cloud. In addition, people, for example, who use cloud computing to play can use much less expensive hardware and still play games that require a lot of memory with the cloud.

2) Convenience: Not only do you not have to pay for more hardware, software and licenses, but you also don’t have to buy them, install them and train staff on how to use them. This saves physical space, which can be important in the situation of a small business.

3) Accessibility: Data stored within the cloud can be accessed at any time and in any place, provided there is access to the network (usually via the Internet). This makes the use much more convenient (not limited to office use) and allows a global approach, since employees from other areas of the world can connect to the same database.

4) Storage: One of the main advantages of cloud computing is that there is almost unlimited storage, which means you don’t need to worry about keeping up with your storage needs and buying and hosting more constantly.

5) Backup: Typically, companies that provide cloud computing services should have a backup of their data in the event of a failure. This means that your information is already backed up without you having to work on it and the storage hardware. In general, it is also faster to recover data through the cloud than on your personal hardware.

6) Software integration: Not only do you not have to buy and install or license software for each user, you generally will not have to strive for custom software to meet specific usage demands. This is usually done automatically, which is very easy to customize the options of services and applications to meet your own needs or the needs of your company.

7) Flexibility: It is easy to operate, adjust and change direction completely without major disruptions and losses in terms of time, energy and personnel.

Using its many advantages over traditional methods of computing, it is no wonder cloud computing is gaining momentum and developing so rapidly.

Disadvantage Of Cloud Computing

While cloud computing is beginning to change, adapting and gaining momentum, it definitely has its critics. Some warn that it is not the perfect solution for everyone, and some seem to believe it will become.

On the other hand, it may also not be the beginning of a takeover of the government, as some of the most extreme critics believe it could be. Let’s look at some of the legitimate disadvantages of cloud computing.

1) Security: By far, the most typical concern that people have about the use of cloud computing is always that they trust their computer data to a third party. As all your data is stored within the cloud, it has a significantly diminished capacity (if not fully delivered) to control who accesses your data.

This means that a company (or individual) is more vulnerable to being hacked or threatened. However, you should keep in mind that it is in the wellbeing of the cloud provider to provide optimal security to protect not only your customers’ information but also your own reputation.

2) Privacy: The security of confidential and private information is also beyond the user’s control. Fears of credit card and identity theft are common, so it is important to verify the reliability and security precautions taken by a provider before using them.

3) Complexities: As with any network or computer service, cloud providers are also susceptible to failures and outages. While you may not be responsible for the repair or restoration of damage, you will have to wait until everything works again.

In addition, although a benefit of cloud computing is the ability to access it at any time from anywhere, this is really limited to the availability of the Internet. If the web is inactive, so is your access to the cloud.

4) Ethical considerations: Some questions arise, such as the question of the effects on other industries. For example, with the implementation of cloud computing, there is less need for IT in the repair and maintenance of computers. Probably many of these jobs will be transferred to the back: inside the cloud.

On the subject of stored information, questions arise about who owns the data stored in the cloud. Is it possible that the cloud computing company rejects a client’s access to their own data? As the industry grows, this will be a topic of great discussion within the fields of legal computing and in the cloud (and it already is).

As you would before making any purchase, you should make sure you are aware of what you are getting at a cloud computing company. Make sure you have the flexibility you will need in terms of applications and formats and the number of users you can include. Also make sure you understand the type of support available and the security they offer for your data.

With all its advantages, cloud computing is far from perfect. If you decide to enter it by understanding how it works, what is offered and what to expect, you can limit the effects of the disadvantages of cloud computing and have the best possible experience with cloud computing.

Recommended Cloud Services – Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud