A Complete Guide to the Pros and Cons of Cloud Computing

Prior to the introduction of cloud computing platforms, businesses depended heavily on servers, databases, hardware, software, and other peripherals to get online. Though this came with a set of disadvantages such as expensive setup costs, complicated components, and restricted storage capacity, there was no alternative. Cloud computing changed it all. How? For that, we’ll need to understand what is cloud computing and just how it works to offset those issues.

It is a network of distant computers located online that are used for data archiving and retrieval. The cloud offers numerous Information Technology (IT) services, including servers, databases, software, virtual storage, and networking. 

Who Uses Cloud Computing?

Knowing what is cloud computing and its advantages, most industries use it extensively. These include banking and financial services, education, healthcare, entertainment, retail, automotive, real estate, insurance, and cybersecurity

Advantages of Cloud Computing

Now that we’ve understood what is cloud computing, let’s look at its advantages:

1. Data Backup and Restoration

Once the data is in the cloud, it is much easier to back it up and recover it by utilizing the cloud.

2. Improvement in Collaboration

Cloud apps promote collaboration by enabling groups of people to simply and rapidly exchange information on the cloud via shared storage.

3. Ease of Access

Using an internet connection, users can quickly and conveniently access and save information stored in the cloud from anywhere in the globe, at any time. 

4. Low Operating Costs

Cloud computing saves businesses money on both hardware and software upkeep.

5. Mobility

It enables instant access to all cloud data from mobile devices.

6. Limitless Storage Capacity

The cloud provides an enormous amount of storage space for vital data.

7. Data Security

There are numerous advanced security mechanisms to ensure data is safely stored and managed.

ALSO READ: How to Become a Cloud Engineer: The Ultimate Career Guide

Disadvantages of Cloud Computing

1. Internet Connectivity

You cannot access data without strong internet connectivity. 

2. Vendor Lock-in

When shifting services from one vendor to another, organizations may encounter difficulties. Because various suppliers supply different platforms, switching from one cloud to another might be complicated.

3. Limitations in Control

Cloud customers have less influence over the operation and execution of services within a cloud architecture.

4. Security

Before implementing cloud technology, be aware that you would be transmitting all of your organization’s sensitive information to a third party, i.e., a cloud computing service provider. While sending data to the cloud, there is a danger that your organization’s information can be accessed or stolen by hackers.

Types of Cloud Computing

1. Private Clouds

A private cloud is used solely by businesses who run it domestically or outsource it to other cloud service providers.

2. Public Clouds

Everything in a public cloud is stored and accessed over the internet. Anyone with the necessary rights can access some of the apps and resources using this deployment method. 

3. Hybrid Clouds

It is most likely the most exciting type of cloud computing since it combines the capability of both public and private clouds. Organizations that use the hybrid cloud store part of their data on-premises and some on the cloud. NASA is the best example of a hybrid cloud organization.

4. Multi-Clouds

The utilization of cloud services from more than one cloud vendor is referred to as multi-cloud. It is as simple as utilizing Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) from various cloud companies.

ALSO READ: Top Cloud Engineer Interview Questions and Answers in 2023

Cloud Computing Services

1. Infrastructure-as-Service (IaaS)

This category includes IT infrastructure that you may rent on a pay-as-you-go basis from a cloud provider, such as servers and networks.

2. Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS)

In this model, cloud providers give you a pre-built platform on which to put your code and apps.

3. Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)

In this case, cloud providers provide the end product, which may be an application or software that you can purchase directly on a subscription basis.

Get Ready for a Career in IT

Companies are looking to diversify their pursuit of the ideal cloud computing system. While in 2022, this was dominated by hybrid cloud computing models, predictions from Forbes lean towards multi-cloud systems in 2023 and beyond. 

Clearly, the computing environment is constantly undergoing significant change. To learn more about cloud technology, you can check out online technology courses offered by Emeritus and jumpstart your IT career.

 By Siddhesh Shinde

Write to us at content@emeritus.org