Benefits of Cloud Computing

Advantages of Cloud Computing

Introduction

Cloud Computing is a technology based on Internet system that provides remote data centers to manage information services and applications. In its simplest form, cloud computing consists of shared computing resources that are virtualized and accessed as a service, through an API. It allows individual users or companies to administer files, information and applications without installing specific software on their computers but just having Internet access The applications of cloud computing are practically limitless. With the right middleware, a cloud computing system could execute all the programs a normal computer could run.

Advantages:

Why would anyone want to rely on another computer system to run programs and store data? Few reasons: ->Users or Clients would be able to access their applications and data from anywhere at any time. They could access the cloud computing system using any computer linked to the Internet. Data wouldn't be confined to a hard drive on one user's computer. ->Cloud computing can be very quick and easy to get up and running, for example, how quickly we can set up a Gmail or Hotmail account and start emailing - it takes minutes and all we need is a computer and the Internet. Downloading and installing software, on the other hand, takes much longer. ->It could bring hardware costs down for the User. Cloud computing systems would reduce the need for advanced hardware on the client side. We wouldn't need to buy the fastest computer with the most memory, because the cloud system would take care of those needs for us. Instead, we could buy an inexpensive computer terminal. The terminal could include a monitor, input devices like a keyboard and mouse and just enough processing power to run the middleware necessary to connect to the cloud system. We wouldn't need a large hard drive because you'd store all your information on a remote computer. ->Companies that rely on computers have to make sure they have the right software in place to achieve goals. Cloud computing systems give these organizations company-wide access to computer applications. The companies don't have to buy a set of software or software licenses for every employee. Instead, the company could pay a metered fee to a cloud computing company. ->Servers and digital storage devices take up space. Some companies rent physical space to store servers and databases because they don't have it available on site. Cloud computing gives these companies the option of storing data on someone else's hardware, removing the need for physical space on the front end. ->Users or Employees can access information wherever they are(greater mobility) rather than having to remain at their desks. ->Companies save money on IT support. Streamlined hardware would, have fewer problems than a network of heterogeneous machines and operating systems. ->A major advantage of using cloud computing for many companies is that because it's online, it offers virtually unlimited storage compared to server and hard drive limits. Needing more storage space does not cause issues with server upgrades and equipment, usually all we need to do is increase our monthly fee slightly for more data storage. ->If the cloud computing system's back end is a grid computing system, then we could take advantage of the entire network's processing power. Often, scientists and researchers work with calculations are so complex that it would take years for individual computers to complete them. On a grid computing system, we could send our calculation to the cloud for processing. The cloud system would tap into the processing power of all available computers on the back end, significantly speeding up the calculation.