subject: Cloud Computing: What is it and what are its Advantages? [print this page] Cloud Computing: What is it and what are its Advantages?
Cloud computing is a combination of connections of service and software over an internet network. The connections are what are referred to as "the cloud". Cloud computing allows users to search and sort through a wide range of data and access that data without being required to download or install anything first. A great example of cloud computing is the well-known search engine called Google. Google has the ability to produce exact and immediate result for its millions of users.
Small and medium sized businesses can benefit greatly from utilizing cloud computing because it can give then access to multiple data centers around the world. This gives these smaller companies the same advantage of resources that large companies have. Another benefit is that when a company requires additional resources they can add on those services with no additional charge.
Since cloud computing reduces the amount of hardware used it is also beneficial to the environment. Since the amount of required hardware components is reduced than the amount of energy, energy costs on heating and cooling, and carbon dioxide emissions are also reduced.
For home use, cloud computing also has its benefits. You would still need an inexpensive monitor in front of you and there is no need for a hard drive or CD/DVD drive. All you would need is an internet connection and a central computer that would hold all of your files. Cloud computing has the potential of saving you storage space and increasing your security levels on all of your computer files.
