Cloud Computing Pros and Cons

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Cloud computing is a buzz word in tech communities, but what is it? What does it mean for you? What does it mean for your company?

First off, cloud computing is taking computing from a product to a service. Instead of each company having servers in there basement, and the costs associated with that, people can share server space in one central location. Just like web-based email has been doing for years, now programs and processing can be a shared experience. Few people create their own electricity; rather they pay to use electricity from one central source. Why not do the same with processers?

PROS:

• For consumers, cloud computing means having all your information available to all your devices. Your laptop, your phone, and your tablet can all have access to the same information and the same software.
• For small businesses, cloud computing means cheap start-up. Without having to invest in the expense of processers and servers, small businesses can focus on what’s really important- their employees and ideas.
• For large companies, cloud computing means turns computing from a capital expense to an operating expense. This can mean making your employees more efficient and your technology more usable.

CONS:

• Reliability – Everything has a down time. If you don’t control the processers, then you don’t control when they go down, or for how long.
• Security – You are working and sending information through a third-party, with all the risks associated with that.
• Unpredictable Costs – Most cloud computing companies charge more for spikes in usage, which can mean a different bill every cycle.

Cloud computing is just the next step to a globally connected network. So no matter where you are, what you need is always at your fingertips.