Last Updated on April 24, 2024 by Team Experts

What is Cloud Computing?

Cloud Computing refers to gathering and accessing data over the Internet by using the cloud, which is the Internet. The cloud lets businesses access their information virtually, making it possible to access data anywhere, anytime, from any device. The phrase has developed in recent years and can now refer to the utilization of a third party for your storage and computing needs.

Furthermore, cloud computing provides computer resources on-demand, especially for data storage (cloud storage) and computational power, without the user’s direct participation. 

The Internet is altering how we do business and connect as a society. Traditionally, a user’s computer contains all of the hardware and software. This implies that you only use your computer to access your data and apps.

Cloud computing allows you to access data and applications from locations other than your own. Your data and applications are saved in ‘the cloud’ rather than on your personal computer or server. Applications, databases, email, and file services might all fall under this category.

Renting vs. purchasing is a typical analogy used to represent cloud computing. Essentially, you rent server space or software access from a cloud service provider and connect via the Internet. Rather than purchasing your own IT needs, you rent them from a service provider and only pay for what you use.

For example, you may utilize a public cloud to save money on storage while keeping your highly sensitive data behind your firewall safely in a private cloud.

HOW IS CLOUD COMPUTING USED IN BUSINESS?

Businesses employ cloud computing to access information from any suitable device, any place. Cloud computing keeps data on the Internet rather than on your computer or a server in your business.

The Cloud Computing paradigm enables your company to interact and exchange information more simply than old methods. It promotes improved staff cooperation by allowing several users to exchange and work on data and files simultaneously. Cloud simplifies things for the company’s design and construction professionals.

Today, most online platforms rely on cloud computing since they are accessible to anybody with an Internet connection.

NEGATIVE IMPACT OF CLOUD COMPUTING ON BUSINESS

Ever since the creation of the stapler, cloud computing has been the best thing for small businesses. However, this does not mean that there are no downsides to cloud computing. Every small firm should instantly abandon all servers and desktop software in favor of doing all corporate activities in the cloud.

Performance-intensive programs such as video editing or graphic design software that require high-performance desktop PCs are not suitable for the cloud. Small company owners have varying demands and degrees of comfort. It may be more cost-effective for you to employ cloud computing exclusively for specific applications.

1.  Apple iCloud experienced a seven-hour outage on May 20, 2015, affecting email and other cloud services such as iCloud Drive, Documents, and so on. Can your business continue to run if your cloud services are unavailable for an extended length of time? No way, no how

Internet Connectivity Issues: 

2. Cloud computing can be accessed only over the Internet. Cloud computing makes your small business reliant on the uptime of your Internet connection. Access to your cloud computing machine is instantly cancelled if there is no Internet connectivity at your location or if the Internet route to the cloud provider is disrupted. 
3. If your Internet provider has frequent failures or sluggish speeds, cloud computing may not be a good fit for your company. Now, the most significant impediment is occurring in underdeveloped nations and distant locations with little Internet connectivity. 
4. And the downside of the public cloud is that everyone has access to the same server and server, which increases the chance of an attack and brings the server down.

Security Level

1. How secure is your information? Cloud computing is synonymous with Internet computing. Cloud Computing providers claim to have the most advanced, sophisticated data security systems available. They want to understand your business and how important data security is since their reputation in this area has suffered tremendously in the aftermath of NSA surveillance exposure.
2. Remember that your cloud data is available from anywhere on the Internet, which means that if a data breach occurs due to hackers, a disgruntled employee, or lax username/password security, your company data may be jeopardized.
3. Switching to the cloud can improve a small business’s security. Many major cloud computing providers have more significant resources and are frequently able to provide levels of security that small businesses cannot afford to deploy on their servers.
4. As a small business owner, you must consider if the levels of security provided by a cloud computing provider outweigh the possible security drawbacks of cloud computing.

Inflexibility

1. Another significant downside of cloud computing is the inflexibility of some cloud software. When selecting a cloud computing vendor, you will not become a “forever” customer since their apps and/or data formats do not allow for easy transfer/conversion of information into other systems.
2. Put it another way; you can’t enter a document written in another program into a Google Docs spreadsheet.
3. Some companies purposefully try to “lock-in” clients by deploying proprietary software/hardware, making switching to another cloud vendor difficult or prohibitively expensive.
4. Also, ensure that you can (and affordably) add and remove cloud computing users and data storage as your firm expands or contracts.

Customer Support

1. Poor customer service was a common user complaint in the early days of cloud computing. Fortunately, most suppliers’ technical assistance has improved in recent years, but significant service comes at a cost.
2. Google’s cloud platform support plan presently costs $100 per month and includes a four-hour response time (during business hours only) but no phone assistance. Similar support plan choices are available from other cloud companies, such as Microsoft.
3. If your organization requires a quick response to customer support issues, ensure that your cloud services vendor has a variety of technical support alternatives, such as email, phone, live chat, knowledge bases, and user forums. Be prepared to pay more for greater levels of help, especially at night or on weekends.

CONCLUSION

It is obvious that Cloud Computing is a unique system, although there are several drawbacks, as there is no ideal system. Furthermore, cloud service technology is constantly evolving. You’ll be amazed to learn how many Cloud Computing Training courses are popping up and how many employment prospects are growing in the cloud area. But what if you can’t afford these high-priced classes?

Don’t be concerned! The Internet is a vast storehouse of data, and cloud computing allows you to study whatever you desire. However, getting started with cloud computing necessitates a significant amount of time and effort in research.

When you begin using a cloud platform, you will encounter several notions concerning repetition and scalability.

Fundamental concepts of cloud computing will be an exciting adventure for a newcomer. There are so many simple courses to study cloud computing online that it’s nearly impossible to select the ideal one. You should evaluate both the economic and technological aspects of the adjustments. 

The Post Graduate program in Cloud Computing will teach you how to build, plan, and scale cloud deployments. This cloud computing program, created in collaboration with Caltech CTME, will assist you in becoming an expert in Azure, AWS, and GCP.        

Cloud computing is also becoming more popular as businesses use cloud services to complete their tasks. A master’s degree in cloud computing allows you to get in the good graces of IT recruiters. Professionals in this industry have become adaptable in terms of how to use the cloud platform. Every organization wants to hire the top personnel with the technical skills that they possess.

Read more: Top 10 Benefits of Cloud Computing For Businesses