Cloud technology has transformed the way consumers and businesses interact with the internet, software, and data storage. Cloud computing has grown into a trend that doesn’t seem to be stopping anytime soon, with more than 90% of businesses using the cloud in various capacities.
This is the new normal for businesses. The need for hard disks is almost extinct. But what is this cloud technology? What are the advantages and disadvantages of cloud computing? In this article, we discuss the pros and cons of cloud computing technology. First, you need to know.
What is Cloud Computing?
Cloud computing involves to storage and usage of data across the internet. With cloud technology, you can access data from a remote server, which means you don’t have to store data on your computer. It also means that you can access your data at any time and place with any other device connected to the internet.
While cloud technology has been great, there are also downsides to it. Let’s check out the advantages and disadvantages of cloud computing.
But first, what should you expect from a cloud service provider?
- Offers advanced online security
- Device and Location Independence
- Fast and effective virtualization
- Provide you low-cost software
- Multi-tenancy
- Offers Resilient Computing
- On-Demand Self-service
- Available at any time and scales automatically to fine-tune to the increase in demand.
- Allows pay-per-use
- API Access available
- Web-based control & interfaces.
Asides from the above, there are much more benefits to expect from cloud computing services.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Cloud Computing
Whether it is private, hybrid, or public, cloud computing has transformed into an essential factor for businesses to rise up to their competition. But why is the cloud much more preferred than the traditional onsite technology?
Let’s start with the benefits of cloud computing
- Cost-Effectiveness
Cost-effectiveness is one of the major benefits of the cloud. It allows you to save significant costs since it doesn’t require any physical hardware cost. Plus, you don’t have to hire trained personnel to maintain any hardware. Your service provider does the purchasing and management.
- Back-up and Restore Data
Data stored in a cloud is easier to recover and back up than data stored in on-premise hardware.
- Automatic Software Integration
In cloud computing, software integration occurs automatically. That means you don’t have to make extra efforts to integrate and customize your applications based on your preferences.
- Competitive Edge
The cloud also gives you a competitive edge above your competitors. It offers you access to the latest applications at any point without you spending time, money, and time on installation.
- Mobility
Both you and your employees – either working on the same location or on a remote location – can get easy access to all of your cloud data. All you and your employees need is an internet connection.
- Unlimited Storage Capacity
Cloud technology provides almost limitless storage capacity. Whenever you want, you can instantly upgrade your storage capacity with a wide variety of monthly fees.
- High Speed
Cloud technology helps you send out your service instantly in fewer clicks. The quicker deployment lets you get the required resources for your computer in a few minutes.
- Reliability
Reliability is one of the major benefits of using the cloud. You get instant updates on any recent changes from the servers or your hosts.
- Collaboration
Cloud computing helps employees located in various geographies to collaborate in a secure and highly convenient manner.
- Fast Deployment
The cloud also offers you the benefit of quick deployment. Therefore, when you use the cloud, your system can be completely functional in fewer minutes. However, the amount of time it takes depends on the kind of tech used in your company.
- Easy Implementation
Finally, you can retain the same business processes and applications with the cloud without dealing with any back-end technicalities. Cloud infrastructure is readily manageable by the internet and can be accessed by businesses quickly and easily.
Disadvantages of Cloud Computing
Using the cloud is great for your business, but you should know that there are significant setbacks to it. Here are the cons of using a cloud infrastructure:
- Technical Issues
Cloud computing is often susceptible to an outage as well as other technicalities. What’s more, the best cloud platforms out there can face technical issues despite their upscale maintenance standards.
- Performance May Vary
While using a cloud infrastructure, your applications are running on servers that also provide services to other companies. Therefore, any covetous activity or harmful attack on your fellow tenant could affect the performance of your shared cloud.
- Downtime
You should also expect downtime when using the cloud. That is so because your service provider may face technical maintenance, low internet connectivity as well as power loss, among other possibilities.
- Security Threat
Another vital setback with cloud technology is a security risk. Before opting for a cloud service, you should keep in mind that you will have to share all of your business’s sensitive information with a third-party service provider. So, you cannot leave out the risk of hackers getting to your business data.
- Lower Bandwidth
Several cloud storage services have limited bandwidth usage for their users. Therefore, if your company surpasses the initial bandwidth offered, any additional bandwidth will cost you extra charges.
- Internet Connectivity
Excellent internet connectivity is a compulsory requirement for cloud technology to function properly. So, you can’t access any data in your cloud storage without good internet connectivity. This can be critical in some cases when the weather is bad, and you have to get something from your cloud urgently.
- Lacks Proper Support
Cloud technology service providers often fail to offer appropriate support to the clients. They mostly prefer their customers to rely on FAQs and online help, which can be a daunting job for non-technical clients.
Final Thoughts
When comparing the advantages and disadvantages of cloud computing, it is crucial to remember the sources of each pro and cons. Cloud platforms are responsible for all the advantages. But the same can’t be said of the disadvantages.
Cloud infrastructure providers aren’t in control of your internet connectivity. They can only manage limited control over your personal digital security habits. That said, it is best to go for cloud service providers that have an excellent track record.