Cloud computing is the rage now. If you are new to this field, you are bound to wonder why it is so popular. Why does everyone want to switch to cloud computing business model?
Cloud computing has become so popular because business can see it directly bringing down the cost for the company along with a host of other benefits. But everything is not rosy red with cloud computing. It has certain disadvantages, Read onto understand the benefits and risks associated with cloud computing model.
Advantages
Save on IT infrastructure set up cost: Usually companies spend a huge amount on setting up the IT infrastructure in terms of expensive machines, networking, soft wares and licenses etc. When you switch over to cloud computing model, the expenses on these items come down drastically. This is so because the third party would take care of all these jobs for you.
Security and reliability: As data is maintained at a remote location, the risk of data theft is lower. This had proved to be more reliable than the conventional model.
Scalability: With cloud model usage can be adjusted to demand. This scalability factor has made cloud computing a big hit especially among the growing businesses
Flexibility: Data can be access any time from anywhere therefore there is greater freedom to do jobs at one’s convenient time and location. This also brings about better productivity and sharing data is very easy.
Disadvantages
Dependent on Network connections: The whole concept of cloud computing is based on constant availability of network connections. But history has proved that there are many times when the network connections fail or are very slow. In such a scenario the whole work would come to a stand still.
Data rights issue: Since data resides on a third party server, there is always a discrepancy on ownership of rights to data. It is unclear whether the rightful owner is the data hosting company of the server or the user.
Geographic location of the data: The data could reside on the server located in any geographic location over which the user of the cloud system has no control. The host company is free to keep the data anywhere. But some countries have very strict guidelines on location of the data.
Server crashing or hacking: While the risks of data theft are minimized due to remote location of the data, there are chances that the remote server may be hacked too. In such a scenario all the data may be lost.
Like there are two sides to every coin, cloud computing has also its own pros and cons. This technology is still in its nascent stage and lots of researches are on to improve on the drawbacks so that this technology could be employed in all fields.
Many of the software development companies have come up with cloud computing solutions can be customized to the needs of the industries. It is worth trying out these solutions by tailoring it to your needs of feasibility and usability.
“Image courtesy of pakorn / FreeDigitalPhotos.net”
