Looking for a complete overview of cloud computing, with all the major benefits of cloud computing and its drawbacks, you are on the right page. Cloud computing is the latest technology that provides greater flexibility, reliability, and scalability than the traditional methods. Cloud computing is a means of storing, retrieving, and using various services on remote servers easily accessible via internet connection from any place in the world.Â
Many companies are transitioning their businesses to cloud servers due to the large number of benefits one can extract from cloud based services. In this article, let us discuss some major benefits and drawbacks of using cloud based services.Â
What is Cloud Computing?
Cloud computing is a technology that provides various storage services, applications, and a secured platform on servers that can easily be accessed remotely over the internet.Â
Earlier, we used to depend on external drives and local devices to retrieve our stored information or use any applications. To use any application or service, we first have to download the application on our device. It hampered our reach, work environment, and flexibility. With cloud computing services, we have greater accessibility to applications, services, and storage.
Cloud computing is a reform in the technological sector as it provides a cost-efficient and high performance alternative to traditional methods of storing, using, and interacting with applications.Â
Advantages of Cloud Computing ServicesÂ
Cloud computing offers many more benefits than traditional methods used for interacting with devices. Let us know some of the major benefits of cloud computing in this article.
- Cost EffectiveÂ
- High Speed
- Easier backups
- Higher Accessibility
- Automatic Software Integration
- Reliability
- Unlimited Storage Capacity
- Quick Deployment
- Effective Alternative
- Mobility
- Multi-tenancy
- On-demand services
- Fast and effective Virtualisation
- Scalable
- Pay per use method
- API Access integrated
- Web based control
1. Cost Effective Method
You can say this is the best benefit of cloud computing, as cloud computing works on a pay-per-use-based model, which means you only pay for whatever services you avail, with no extra payment for unused services. This saves a lot of money, especially for businesses.
2. High Speed
Cloud Computing allows a faster deployment of services, which saves a lot of time for businesses and even individuals who prefer no lags during their work.Â
3. Easier backupsÂ
Cloud computing services provide easier data backup facilities where all your data and information in the cloud are safely stored on a server. They also make multiple copies of your data and store them in multiple data centres to ensure availability even if the assigned data center faces failure or an outage.
4. Higher Accessibility
You can access your personal data, services, applications, and any other services anytime you want, irrespective of the place you are currently in, you just need an internet connection and a smart device i,e smartphone, tablet, laptop, tabs, etc.
5. Automatic Software Integration
Most of the cloud service providers provide various generally used applications on the cloud platforms. You need not worry about the additional efforts to customise and integrate these applications on your platform. Also, no manual updates are required for these applications, as they are automatically updated on the servers and you need not download them locally on your device.
6. Reliability
Cloud Services are reliable and provide advanced security enclosure for all our personal data and services we use. All the updates and changes are instantly updated on our dashboards. There are many advanced encryption methods, two-factor authentication methods and others that make cloud computing platforms a safe place. Rapid advancements in this technology are taking place to ensure more reliability and trust in the future.
7. Unlimited Storage Capacity
Unlike traditional methods of data storage, cloud computing offers limitless storage capacity to its users. You can easily expand your storage requirements at any time based on your preferences at a very nominal fee. Know more about the Azure Data Lake Storage service.
8. Quick DeploymentÂ
Cloud based deployments are getting a lot of limelight lately. Cloud computing services save a lot of time in deployment and provide a completely optimised fully functional system in a few minutes. This saves a lot of time and costs for the organisation.
9. Effective Alternative
If you are an organisation that is aiming for long term growth and effective service methods, then cloud computing services are the best options we have currently.Â
Also, it provides a competitive edge over other competitors who are still following the traditional methods, as companies who are using cloud based services save a lot on their budget and also make effective utilisation of the resources.
10. MobilityÂ
You can access your data, cloud based applications easily from mobile devices, tablets, laptops, or any other smart device you want. This increases the productivity and mobility of an individual or organisation.
Disadvantages of Cloud Computing ServicesÂ
Despite being the most advanced development in the field of technologies, cloud computing services still consist of some drawbacks which must be kept in consideration.
Technical Failures
Being a fully online operating system, cloud technology is prone to temporary failures, outages, and other unpredicted technical issues that might not be avoided instantly. Companies that operate on a large scale might face huge losses due to these technical issues.
Cloud Security threat
Despite the latest security methods integrated to provide a secure working environment, the risk of vulnerabilities and a possible phishing attack can not be totally omitted. There is always a risk of data leakage. as you are providing your sensitive information to a third party cloud service.
Downtime
Cloud based services might be affected due to low power, system failure, data loss, or maintenance breaks that might affect general services for a time range. This might hamper your regular work or the company’s daily operation.
Irregular Support
Most of the time cloud service providers fail to provide on-time support to their users based on their FAQs. There is a greater possibility of a higher communication gap between users and service providers.Â
Limited Bandwidth
Most of the cloud service providers allot lower or limited bandwidth to their users. This might become a headache when an organisation needs a stronger bandwidth and to do so, the amount they pay can be significantly higher.
Learn Cloud Computing and AWS with PW Skills
Are you a fresher looking to build a career in cloud computing or DevOps? Enroll in our DevOps and Cloud Computing Course and get in-depth knowledge of all the fundamentals related to cloud and DevOps. Throughout this course, you will be mentored by a skilled professional.Â
This is a specially curated online program where you can access your tutorials in live mode or through recorded videos (in case you missed your scheduled class). Get placement assistance and job exposure only at PW Skills.Â
Benefits of Cloud Computing Services FAQs
Q1. What are the benefits of cloud computing?
Ans: There are numerous benefits of using cloud computing services, some of which are mentioned below.
1. Faster Deployment
2. Cost Effective
3. High Speed
4. Easier backups
5. Higher Accessibility
6. Automatic Software Integration
7. Reliability
8. Unlimited Storage Capacity
9. Quick Deployment
10. Effective Alternative
11. Mobility
12. Multi-tenancy
13. On demand services
14. Fast and effective Virtualisation
15. Scalable
Q2. Why use Cloud Computing Services?
Ans: Cloud Computing services are more efficient, reliable, and accessible than traditional services. We can access numerous services and unlimited storage through the Internet.
Q3. What is the biggest disadvantage of cloud computing services?
Ans: The biggest disadvantages of cloud computing services are mentioned below.
Technical failure
Limited bandwidth
Irregular customer support
Security irregularities
Downtime
Q4. Does cloud offer unlimited storage?
Ans: Cloud computing services offer limitless storage capacity to their users which they can easily extend as per their needs at a minimal cost.