Pros and Cons of Cloud Computing

Cloud computing can easily be defined as the use of internet based services to support the business processes. You can also define it as the use of a common software, functionality add-ins, or business applications from a remote server that is accessed via the internet. Basically, Cloud computing, in simple terms is storing your information on a server which can only be accessed through the internet. Though it sounds promising, it has various glitches, here some of the major or the most common pros and cons of cloud computing.

One of the major selling points of cloud computing is that you do not have to have a large disk drive space on your computer. This is because you store all your information on a web server, so there is no need to rush for space, delete files, or even create CD or DVD backups of the files in your computer. All you require is a computer with internet connection on it and you can easily have access to your files. You can also create backup of your cloud computing account and store in on another cloud service just for safety reasons.

Privacy is usually a major concern when dealing with the internet. With identity theft on the constant rise, most people should worry about the safety of the personal information and files that are stored, if any, in the cloud account. A computer hacker, with malicious intent, could easily breach the system and steal your vital information like credit card details, bank accounts and many others. These are just but some of the cons that come with cloud computing, however, as the days go by these issues are continually being figured out and soon they may be a thing of the past.

Another perk of cloud computing is the ability to access your files and documents anywhere and at anytime. You are not required to carry your computer around at all times, Why carry your computer everywhere when you can carry your files anywhere? One good friend of mine asked me this when referring to cloud computing. With cloud computing, you only require your cloud account password, user name and a computer or any other gadget with internet connection and you get full access to your files and documents anywhere, anytime.

The above named benefit of cloud computing has two sides, the aforementioned (which is the good part), and now I shall tell you the flipside to it. When you come to think of it, cloud computing requires internet connection, in developing countries like Kenya, Chad, Uganda and many others internet connection is very expensive. So in the long run, cloud computing is deemed expensive because when budgeting for a computer, they do not require to pay for storage capacity on an n annual basis or even at all. Thus bringing you to my point, cloud computing is more expensive than the alternative because of the costs that come with it.

The above mentioned do not constitute all of the pros and cons of cloud computing, these are just a few of the most common pros and cons. Therefore, before making a decision, do your own research and figure out what works best for you.