The "cloud"
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The Cloud: A Convenient Yet Not Universally Ideal Solution
The "cloud" refers to a network of remote servers accessed via the internet. It stores data, runs applications, and delivers services like streaming video or online storage (Microsoft Azure, n.d.).
While the cloud offers undeniable convenience and scalability for many users, it's not universally beneficial. Accessibility is a key concern. Individuals in remote areas with limited internet connectivity may struggle to access cloud-based services. Additionally, security risks exist, as data breaches can compromise sensitive information stored on cloud servers (Cloud Security Alliance, 2023).
Major cloud providers include Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP) (Synergy Research Group, 2024).
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Cost-effectiveness is a debated issue. Cloud services offer a "pay-as-you-go" model, potentially reducing upfront costs for hardware and software (AWS, n.d.). However, ongoing subscription fees and potential egress charges for data transfer can lead to higher long-term costs compared to traditional on-premise IT infrastructure, depending on usage patterns (NetApp, 2023).
The alternative to cloud computing is on-premise IT infrastructure, where companies own and manage their own hardware and software. While this approach offers greater control and potentially lower long-term costs for high-volume users, it requires significant upfront investment and ongoing maintenance (TechTarget, n.d.).
References
Cloud Security Alliance. (2023, February 1). Top Threats to Cloud Computing: Evolving Landscape, Increasing Risk. https://cloudsecurityalliance.org/press-releases/2022/06/07/cloud-security-alliance-s-top-threats-to-cloud-computing-pandemic-11-report-finds-traditional-cloud-security-issues-becoming-less-concerning
Microsoft Azure. (n.d.). What is cloud computing? https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/resources/cloud-computing-dictionary/what-is-azure
Amazon Web Services. (n.d.). Cloud Computing Basics. https://aws.amazon.com/what-is-cloud-computing/
NetApp. (2023, June 22). Cloud vs. On-Premises: Understanding the Pros and Cons. https://bluexp.netapp.com/blog/on-premises-vs-cloud-the-cost-comparison
Synergy Research Group. (2024, February 14). Cloud Market Share: Worldwide Cloud Infrastructure Services Spending Surpassed $210 Billion in Q4 2023. https://www.srgresearch.com/articles/quarterly-cloud-market-once-again-grows-by-10-billion-from-2022-meanwhile-little-change-at-the-top
TechTarget. (n.d.). On-premises IT.