Posted on January 28th, 2011
Cloud computing utilizes shared software, applications, data and functions which are managed on remotely located server and can be accessed through the web. The word ‘cloud’ is actually metaphor in which the internet is thought of as a ‘cloud’- containing service and applications which ‘showers’ its services on customers (computers). Cloud computing is intended to work when you access it through your login name and make use of applications within the cloud environment, like productive office suites , technical software bundles and company data storage. Cloud computing offers a lot of benefits for personal and business use and it is quickly becoming the most wanted technologies of this century. Some negative connotations are however attached to cloud computing which include the breach of privacy and the need to connect to the internet. This article discusses whether cloud computing is privacy breach or best computing platform.
Actually the most prominent advantage of cloud computing for users is that all software programs and data are centrally located and can be accessed from anywhere if you have an internet connection. If a situation arises where cloud is not present and you want to get a new software program for your business then you will have to go through a lengthy process of installing the software on every single networked computer. Definitely you want to avoid this waste of time and energy. This is when cloud computing can help you the most by letting you install the program on a single server and make all computers access the program after logging in.
Similarly for program update requirements, you can just do it on the main server and anyone logging into the cloud will be able to access the updated program. Data and information also get updated in the same manner. You don’t have to worry about your workers using dissimilar or outdated versions; the latest ones will always be present on the cloud to each one of them.
Cloud computing is also useful because of low hardware requirements for connecting computers. For running a hi-fi video program on your PC you will need good processing unit, video card, disk space etc. With cloud computing, you will just need an internet connection to make the program run on the server to your distinct advantage. This reason alone makes cloud computing a preferred user choice as they don’t have to upgrade their systems constantly for software upgrades.
Now, let’s reflect on the disadvantages of cloud computing. The most looming one is the privacy factor, or the lack of it. When information is readily available through an internet access, this means that anyone can get hold of it. A document sent on the cloud can be read and modified by cloud users, depending on permission and network availability. You need to make sure that the settings are tuned to make available private information only to selected personnel. Finally, the ease of access with just an internet connection has its downside to it, in case your login account gets hacked.