Cloud computing

Cloud computing

1. Disadvantages

   • Connection – the user can only access their information if they have a network connection.
   • Security - data stored online is vulnerable to security attacks (can be hacked)
   • Storage - the user can't always store more than a few gigabytes online with one provider, whereas they can purchase a few terabytes of physical storage to save information at home.
   • Software - web apps do not usually have as many detailed functions as a full software package.
   • Copyright – the user sometimes loses legal rights to their original material if they store it online.

2. Advantages

   • Reliable software - web software and browsers are updated online. The user doesn’t have to download the latest updates.
   • Backing up - data backed up in the cloud with a reliable provider can be more reliable than storing your information on a hard drive or USB flash memory stick.
   • Independence – the user can work with their files on different computers.
   • Cost – the user doesn’t need to buy the latest software as it might be freely accessible through web apps.
   • Compatibility - documents and files are designed to be compatible across different machines and browsers.

3. Types of Service

   • Storage - allowing your data to be stored remotely on the host's servers.
   • Infrastructure - you can pay to use the host's hardware.
   • Software - you can pay to use the software remotely.
   • Processing - this means that you could run complicated programs remotely.