Advantages and Disadvantages of Cloud Computing

Cloud storage is neither new nor unheard concept in today's digital world. Yet, for many understanding the technical aspect of cloud computing or knowing about the advantages and disadvantages of cloud computing can be difficult. This article will be revolving around the term ‘Cloud Computing’ focusing on mainly:

• What is Cloud Computing?
• Types of Cloud Computing
• Advantages and Disadvantages of Cloud Computing

What is Cloud Computing?

Cloud Computing is a technical term referring to supplying computing resources through a network (Internet), based on a pay-per-use basis or subscription-based prices. This includes computational devices consisting of servers, hardware, software, databases, networking, data storage, etc. This omits the need to own, store, and maintain physical data centers or IT structures. The services can be availed from the cloud provider as and when needed. 

With ample data to store, it is impossible for individuals and companies to store and maintain that data on in-house devices. Cloud Computing makes the process hassle-free, by making the data and resources available wherever there is a network. Cloud Services generally include a third-party service provider. 

The Cloud Computing market has a few major cloud service providers like - Amazon Web Series (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP). Each of these offers different features according to their utility and concerned industries. Cloud Computing has become the go-to choice for businesses. In 2020, 60% of companies shifted to the Cloud making remote working possible. 

To summarise, the key pointers to understand Cloud Computing are as follows:

• It is a service providing computational resources to individuals, companies, and businesses over a network.
• It includes transferring, storing, and managing data by a third-party remote system.
• The services are provided on a monthly subscription or pay-as-you-go basis.
• It allows you to access and maintain data from wherever there is an Internet connection.
• It can be managed from any device with an Internet connection. 

So, as a large population including businesses and corporate companies is shifting to cloud services, one must wonder why. Is it even a good choice for all business types or has some setbacks? This article will be unfolding the “Advantages and Disadvantages of Cloud Computing.” But before have a look at the types of Cloud Computing.

Types of Cloud Computing

Based on the requirement there are different types of Cloud Computing service models and public, hybrid, or private cloud deployments to choose from. Each Cloud Computing service model allows varying levels of control, management, and flexibility. Some of the major cloud service models are:

• Infrastructure as a service (IaaS): on-demand availability of storage, virtualization, and networking
• Platform as a service (PaaS): software and hardware resources required for the development of cloud application
• Software as a service (SaaS): whole application stack as a cloud service, includes maintaining and managing the underlying infrastructure as well as application software

Advantages and Disadvantages of Cloud Computing

With any advancement in technology, it brings its own merits and demerits. This section describes the advantages and disadvantages of cloud computing. The table below lists the pros and cons of cloud computing:

Advantages of Cloud Computing

The following are the advantages of cloud computing due to which businesses and companies are making cloud computing their default:

Data Backup and Restoration: Cloud computing provides a fast and simple solution to backup and restores data. In case there is data loss or the system fails, it is easier to access and restore data, if data is stored in the cloud. 

Improved Collaboration: Collaboration between companies or businesses has become better as sharing information is easier than ever. Also, coworkers can work on documents, data, and projects at the same time, which improves productivity and builds teamwork. 

Excellent Accessibility: Information is easily accessible when stored in the cloud. With internet connectivity data is accessible to users from anywhere which allows flexibility, remote work, and productive operations.

Cost-effective Maintenance: Cloud computing helps in efficient money-saving, as it reduces the money spent on hardware and software upkeep. Companies don't have to go through expensive infrastructure investments or withhold resources for constant maintenance. 

Upkeep and Updates: Cloud computing completes the task of infrastructure upkeep, updates, and security patches which frees the organizations from worrying about these tasks themselves. They can then work on higher-value projects like app development, data analytics, etc. 

Mobility: Cloud computing makes data accessible on even smartphones and tablets with internet connection. Users are also allowed to manage and control the data and applications stored in the cloud from anywhere, which facilitates mobility and increases productivity.

Pay-per-use-model: Cloud services are based on a pay-per-use or monthly subscription payment model. This means that the companies are charged money for only what they use. This is cost-effective and favors budget management along with IT flexibility. 

Scalable Storage Capacity: Virtually storing and managing data without any limit in the cloud provides scalable and compact storage choices for different data types and files.

Enhance Data Security: Cloud services prioritize data security. With handling and safe storage of data, cloud computing offers guaranteed security elements such as access limits, encryption, and routine security audits. 

Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity: Cloud services provide solutions for both of these problems. If there is any sudden loss or disorder of data due to a disaster then data can be recovered through backup systems, data redundancy, and geographically spread data centers. 

Agility and Innovation: Business can encourage their employees to be creative and innovative due to cloud computing. Testing emerging trends, favoring new solutions, and increasing corporate growth are all results of different cloud-based tools, technology, and services. 

Green Computing: Leading to low energy usage, high usage of computer resources, and producing the least amount of e-waste in the process, cloud computing is the answer for environmental sustainability.

Disadvantages of Cloud Computing

The following are the disadvantages of cloud computing due to which businesses and companies might want to avoid cloud computing as their default:

Vendor Reliability and Downtime: At times due to technological problems, maintenance issues, or cyberattacks, cloud services may go through downtime. In such a situation data and applications are inaccessible to users which affects productivity and business procedures.

Internet Dependency: Accessing data or applications through cloud computing is highly dependent on a stable and fast internet connection. If there is no connectivity or problems in the network connectivity then business procedures are slowed down. 

Limited Control and Customization: Organizations can only benefit through the set services and platforms that the cloud service offers. This results in limited customization and control of applications, infrastructure, and security features by the organizations. This is a problem as the organizations are unable to meet their precise needs through the cloud service by customizations.

Data Security and Privacy Risks: Cloud computing brings forth two major concerns- data security and privacy risks. Security features, data encryption, regulatory compliance, and access controls provided by the cloud service provider must be reliable. Data leaks or compromisation of data has severe consequences, like monetary loss, legal issues, and reputational damage. 

Hidden Costs and Pricing Models: On the surface cloud computing services seem affordable with pay-as-per-use models but businesses must be cautious and aware of hidden costs. Charges for data transfer, additional storage, specialized assistance, and regulatory compliance expenses are some of the hidden costs of cloud computing services.

Dependency on Service Provider: Availing cloud services also creates dependency on the service provider. Their dependability, financial condition, and continuance affect businesses. If the provider struggles financially, has an unstable pricing policy, or ceases their services, users will be affected negatively and face difficulty shifting to other options. 

Data Location and Compliance: Data kept in the cloud, often is stored in various data centers across the world, accessing data in such cases involves legal frameworks and data regulations. Such a situation raises compliance concerns, if certain industries or countries have strict laws related to data sovereignty. 

Minimal Support: No matter how simple or secure the cloud solution is, issues arise as different users have varied uses. Lack of support in such situations is a major concern in availing cloud services.

Migration: Businesses rarely shift to a different cloud service, as it is difficult and the ability to shift is not a favourable feature of cloud storage. Even if possible migrating data to another cloud solution is costly. It often compels organizations to suffer additional costs and seal a deal with the second cloud service provider while still following the contract of the first. 

Regulatory Compliance: Financial institutions might only trust cloud service providers that offer the best security features. The corporation will be held responsible instead of the cloud service provider, if penalties, fines, or other legal actions are to be followed.

Vulnerability: Since cloud solutions are provided through an internet connection, their linking to various servers and computers risks vulnerability during cyberattacks by exploiters. 

Features: The different cloud services have different features. Most of the time users only benefit through the basic cloud storage provided by the cloud service provider. The users suffer due to this as features can't be modified.