Software Development

Advantages and Disadvantages of Cloud Computing – Cloud computing pros and cons

Introduction

Cloud computing refers to the use of computing resources, those being hardware and/or software) that reside on a remote machine and are delivered to the end user as a service over a network, with the most prevalent example being the internet. By definition, a user entrusts his data to a remote service, on which has limited to no influence.

When it first appeared as a term and a concept, a lot of critics dismissed it as being the latest tech fad. However, cloud computing managed to cut through the hype and truly shift the paradigm of how IT is done nowadays. The Cloud has achieved cutting costs for enterprises and helping users focus on their core business instead of being obstructed by IT issues. For this reason, it seems that it is here to stay for the immediate future.

Categories of Cloud Computing

There are mainly four models of cloud computing:

  • Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
  • Platform as a Service (PaaS)
  • Software as a Service (SaaS)
  • Network as a Service (Naas)

Let’s discuss those in more detail.

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): This is the most basic cloud-service model, which provides the user with virtual infrastructure, for example servers and data storage space. Virtualization plays a major role in this mode, by allowing IaaS-cloud providers to supply resources on-demand extracting them from their large pools installed in data centers.

Platform as a Service (PaaS): In this model, cloud providers deliver to the user development environment services where the user can develop and run in-house built applications. The services might include an operating system, a programming language execution environment, databases and web servers.

Software as a Service (SaaS): In this model, the cloud provides the user with access to already developer applications that are running in the cloud. The access is achieved by cloud clients and the cloud users do not manage the infrastructure where the application resides, eliminating with this the way the need to install and run the application on the cloud user’s own computers.

Network as a Service (Naas): The least common model, where the user is provided with network connectivity services, such as VPN and bandwidth on demand.

Advantages of Cloud Computing

Cloud computing offers numerous advantages both to end users and businesses of all sizes. The obvious huge advantage is that you no more have to support the infrastructure or have the knowledge necessary to develop and maintain the infrastructure, development environment or application, as were things up until recently. The burden has been lifted and someone else is taking care of all that. Business are now able to focus on their core business by outsourcing all the hassle of IT infrastructure.

Let’s visit some of the most important advantages of cloud computing and discuss them in more detail. Those will include both a company’s and an end-user’s perspective.

Cost Efficiency

This is the biggest advantage of cloud computing, achieved by the elimination of the investment in stand-alone software or servers. By leveraging cloud’s capabilities, companies can save on licensing fees and at the same time eliminate overhead charges such as the cost of data storage, software updates, management etc.

The cloud is in general available at much cheaper rates than traditional approaches and can significantly lower the overall IT expenses. At the same time, convenient and scalable charging models have emerged (such as one-time-payment and pay-as-you-go), making the cloud even more attractive.

If you want to get more technical and analytical, cloud computing delivers a better cash flow by eliminating the capital expense (CAPEX) associated with developing and maintaining the server infrastructure.

Convenience and continuous availability

Public clouds offer services that are available wherever the end user might be located. This approach enables easy access to information and accommodates the needs of users in different time zones and geographic locations. As a side benefit, collaboration booms since it is now easier than ever to access, view and modify shared documents and files.

Moreover, service uptime is in most cases guaranteed, providing in that way continuous availability of resources. The various cloud vendors typically use multiple servers for maximum redundancy. In case of system failure, alternative instances are automatically spawned on other machines.

Backup and Recovery

The process of backing up and recovering data is simplified since those now reside on the cloud and not on a physical device. The various cloud providers offer reliable and flexible backup/recovery solutions. In some cases, the cloud itself is used solely as a backup repository of the data located in local computers.

Cloud is environmentally friendly

The cloud is in general more efficient than the typical IT infrastructure and It takes fewer resources to compute, thus saving energy. For example, when servers are not used, the infrastructure normally scales down, freeing up resources and consuming less power. At any moment, only the resources that are truly needed are consumed by the system.

Resiliency and Redundancy

A cloud deployment is usually built on a robust architecture thus providing resiliency and redundancy to its users. The cloud offers automatic failover between hardware platforms out of the box, while disaster recovery services are also often included.

Scalability and Performance

Scalability is a built-in feature for cloud deployments. Cloud instances are deployed automatically only when needed and as a result, you pay only for the applications and data storage you need. Hand in hand, also comes elasticity, since clouds can be scaled to meet your changing IT system demands.

Regarding performance, the systems utilize distributed architectures which offer excellent speed of computations. Again, it is the provider’s responsibility to ensure that your services run on cutting edge machinery. Instances can be added instantly for improved performance and customers have access to the total resources of the cloud’s core hardware via their dashboards.

Quick deployment and ease of integration

A cloud system can be up and running in a very short period, making quick deployment a key benefit. On the same aspect, the introduction of a new user in the system happens instantaneously, eliminating waiting periods.

Furthermore, software integration occurs automatically and organically in cloud installations. A business is allowed to choose the services and applications that best suit their preferences, while there is minimum effort in customizing and integrating those applications.

Increased Storage Capacity

The cloud can accommodate and store much more data compared to a personal computer and in a way offers almost unlimited storage capacity. It eliminates worries about running out of storage space and at the same time It spares businesses the need to upgrade their computer hardware, further reducing the overall IT cost.

Device Diversity and Location Independence

Cloud computing services can be accessed via a plethora of electronic devices that are able to have access to the internet. These devices include not only the traditional PCs, but also smartphones, tablets etc. With the cloud, the “Bring your own device” (BYOD) policy can be easily adopted, permitting employees to bring personally owned mobile devices to their workplace.

An end-user might decide not only which device to use, but also where to access the service from. There is no limitation of place and medium. We can access our applications and data anywhere in the world, making this method very attractive to people. Cloud computing is in that way especially appealing to international companies as it offers the flexibility for its employees to access company files wherever they are.

Smaller learning curve

Cloud applications usually entail smaller learning curves since people are quietly used to them. Users find it easier to adopt them and come up to speed much faster. Main examples of this are applications like GMail and Google Docs.

Disadvantages of Cloud Computing

As made clear from the above, cloud computing is a tool that offers enormous benefits to its adopters. However, being a tool, it also comes with its set of problems and inefficiencies. Let’s address the most significant ones.

Security and privacy in the Cloud

Security is the biggest concern when it comes to cloud computing. By leveraging a remote cloud based infrastructure, a company essentially gives away private data and information, things that might be sensitive and confidential. It is then up to the cloud service provider to manage, protect and retain them, thus the provider’s reliability is very critical. A company’s existence might be put in jeopardy, so all possible alternatives should be explored before a decision. On the same note, even end users might feel uncomfortable surrendering their data to a third party.

Similarly, privacy in the cloud is another huge issue. Companies and users have to trust their cloud service vendors that they will protect their data from unauthorized users. The various stories of data loss and password leakage in the media does not help to reassure some of the most concerned users.

Dependency and vendor lock-in

One of the major disadvantages of cloud computing is the implicit dependency on the provider. This is what the industry calls “vendor lock-in” since it is difficult, and sometimes impossible, to migrate from a provider once you have rolled with him. If a user wishes to switch to some other provider, then it can be really painful and cumbersome to transfer huge data from the old provider to the new one. This is another reason why you should carefully and thoroughly contemplate all options when picking a vendor.

Technical Difficulties and Downtime

Certainly the smaller business will enjoy not having to deal with the daily technical issues and will prefer handing those to an established IT company, however you should keep in mind that all systems might face dysfunctions from time to time. Outage and downtime is possible even to the best cloud service providers, as the past has shown.

Additionally, you should remember that the whole setup is dependent on internet access, thus any network or connectivity problems will render the setup useless. As a minor detail, also keep in mind that it might take several minutes for the cloud to detect a server fault and launch a new instance from an image snapshot.

Limited control and flexibility

Since the applications and services run on remote, third party virtual environments, companies and users have limited control over the function and execution of the hardware and software. Moreover, since remote software is being used, it usually lacks the features of an application running locally.

Increased Vulnerability

Related to the security and privacy mentioned before, note that cloud based solutions are exposed on the public internet and are thus a more vulnerable target for malicious users and hackers. Nothing on the Internet is completely secure and even the biggest players suffer from serious attacks and security breaches. Due to the interdependency of the system, If there is a compromise one one of the machines that data is stored, there might be a leakage of personal information to the world.

Conclusion

Despite its disadvantages and the fact that it is still in an infant age, cloud computing remains strong and has great potential for the future. Its user base grows constantly and more big players are attracted to it, offering better and more fine tuned services and solutions. We can only hope that the advantages will further grow and the disadvantages will be mitigated, since cloud computing seems to have made IT a little bit easier. Happy cloud computing!

Ilias Tsagklis

Ilias is a software developer turned online entrepreneur. He is co-founder and Executive Editor at Java Code Geeks.
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Zcloudcommerce
Zcloudcommerce
11 years ago

Businesses today depend upon IT to drive innovation and accelerate past competitors. Increasingly cloud computing enables business to deliver new services, enter into new markets, get closer to customers, and make increasingly mobile and demanding employees more productive.

Inga Kletsova
Inga Kletsova
11 years ago

Sure, mobile cloud is cool, but it does’t mean there are no challenges there. Here’s an article telling about them http://bit.ly/14QftU7

Dave Smith
Dave Smith
10 years ago

I would never use cloud service unless you want to roll the dice with your data

Greg
Greg
10 years ago

Would you still have the security and privacy issue when only using the cloud as a network to link computers and servers together from around the world and not to use the cloud storage or to only use cloud storage for non confidential data?

David Moore
10 years ago

Good stuff posted. I like your article. I think, the most important advantage of cloud computing is mobility. Your cloud, anywhere. Whether it’s your development platform, suite of office tools or custom content management system. Cloud mobility enables access anywhere with a Web connection.

Najib Abi Fadel
10 years ago

Nice article, I also tackled this subject from a business perspective, check my article: http://www.xchangetech.com/is-cloud-computing-the-right-choice-for-your-business/

Billy Robson
Billy Robson
9 years ago

With cloud services they can be accessed anywhere anytime, and nowadays there is a secure internet connection in most places, so their data can be accessed on the go. One advantage of backing up data with cloud services is the fact that it can potentially not be lost by human mistake.

Rohit Dawer
Rohit Dawer
9 years ago

Thanks llias, above note is one of the most simplistic explanation of Cloud Computing. Very helpful for a layman to understand. You concluded it well – Finally CC is here to stay for a long time and will remain a preferred option atleast in the near future

zezer
zezer
9 years ago

This article explains cloud computing way better than the article from Niraj Singh. They cover the same subject. I don’t see the point of having both.

Ujjwal Adhikari
Ujjwal Adhikari
9 years ago

What are the challeges of implementation of web based application in cloud

Raghavan alias Saravanan Muthu

It is one of the best and simplest articles explained neatly about Cloud Computing. I appreciate the author for having provided the precise information in the simplistic manner. Way to go! 3 Cheers…

Cheers,
Raghavan alias Saravanan Muthu

Jason
Jason
9 years ago

Cloud computing in my opinion is bad business: Background info: just so you don’t think I am just somebody who writes about things I have no real experience about. I have been in the IT field for 20+ yrs. I have managed Computer stores, I have owned my own tech company, I integrated a Gyro camera system into a large Police Dept. which was used to monitor a NFL Super Bowl. Managed 13 Retail Grocery stores, and many other smaller project and careers. Reasons Why Cloud computing is Bad business. Here is my reasoning, if some one disagrees please present… Read more »

Kevin Stewart
Kevin Stewart
8 years ago
Reply to  Jason

Jason, I believe you need to have a real a cloud conversation will a real cloud provider. A vendor that offers infrastructure as a service. My company provides organizations all over North America with cloud solutions from DR as a service to IaaS. I have been selling these solutions for over 3 years and I have only once displaced an onsite tech. As well your argument about dependence on internet provider is void, you are dependent on IP already. If you cant send email, invoices, and making phone calls(assuming VOIP) then what good is your $60,000.00 hardware. Cloud allows growing… Read more »

Jennish
8 years ago

Given these advantages, its no surprise that over the last few years there has been a rapid adoption of cloud computing all around the world. Cloud computing is a technology where a host provides IT services over the Internet. Very useful and informative post. Especially for those, who are planning to move to the cloud.

Danish wadhwa
8 years ago

The Cloud computing is on the rise worldwide. A real game changer, the hybrid cloud allows you to combine public cloud, private cloud, and dedicated hosting. By matching the right solution to the right job your business can leverage the best of what each has to offer to build a solution that perfectly matches your individual business needs. Use the public cloud for non-sensitive operations and those that have heavy, spiky or unpredictable workloads. Use the private cloud for business critical operations, those that require specific settings for specific workloads or those that require greater levels of security. Incorporate any… Read more »

Shushant
8 years ago

Cloud computing is the new way of people doing businesses and no matter the size of business, it can be greatly beneficial. It brings freedoms to your business as you’re not burdened with the maintenance of a lot of bulky servers and equipment. Thanks for sharing all the benefits. Heading off to tweet this post!!

Nikita
8 years ago

Cloud computing is now evolving like never before, with companies of all shapes and sizes adapting to this new technology. Industry experts believe that this trend will only continue to grow and develop even further in the coming few years.

Supriya
7 years ago

Hi,
Thanks for sharing the article.
Cloud you explain the relationship between Hadoop and cloud computing?
regards,
Cloud Specialist

Carlie
7 years ago

Thanks! There are pros and cons of cloud but cloud has become a mandatory part of every business venture. Today, one cannot think without enjoying the benefits of cloud computing. With careful precautions and efforts the disadvantages of cloud computing can be minimized. It’s true that cloud computing has rocked the business world. The pros outweighs the cons of cloud computing. The minimized costs, easy access, data backup, data centralization, sharing capabilities, security, free storage and quick testing speaks for itself. The argument becomes even stronger with the enhanced flexibility and dependability.

Jyoti Sharma
6 years ago

Developing in the cloud enables users to get their applications to market quickly. Hardware failures do not result in data loss because of networked backups. Cloud computing uses remote resources, saving organizations the cost of servers and other equipment.

pramod singh
6 years ago

Cloud computing is the new way of people doing businesses and no matter the size of business, it can be greatly beneficial. It brings freedoms to your business as you’re not burdened with the maintenance of a lot of bulky servers and equipment. Thanks for sharing all the benefits. Heading off to tweet this post!!

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