Cloud Computing, the Benefits and its Feasibility

The name "cloud computing" derived its name with the cloud symbol that was used to represent the Internet in most diagrams and technical flowcharts. Right from the start, cloud computing and its feasibility have always been debatable among analysts although most of them rooted for the cloud and against desktop computing. The volatile nature of its definition signaled distrust in the minds of experts.

Business requirements have demanded a lot from IT resources which necessitated the advent of cloud computing. Most enterprises opt for cloud computing options to prevent upfront infrastructure expenses. The cloud has ensured nowadays that the companies based in western countries are not wary to get the software solution. Potential flaws in the software development plan are pointed out before actually implementing the solution on the cloud.

Cloud computing has witnessed a huge interest in the technology world in recent years. It is an oft used term for referring to independent hosted services over the web. Cloud computing services can be classified into three main categories:

• Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)
• Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS)
• Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) and

Analysts agree that it is imperative for offshore software development companies to make use of applications that can make use of the cloud. Here are some of the benefits of cloud computing:

• Low Cost of Infrastructure: There is no reason to invest heavily on infrastructure and a company can have limited number of hard disks and less memory for storage while they can have good and efficient processors. Peak computing needs can be easily handled by robust servers in the cloud
• The cloud setup will let computers to pitch in a good performance since it will run with fewer programs loaded into memory.
• Few maintenance costs will be the order of the day since cloud computing reduced hardware and software maintenance costs easily.
• Only those who need access to particular software will have license to use it through the cloud. Cloud services will be cheaper than desktop versions. Web-based applications are available for free and the upgrades of most software come cheap.
• Unlimited Storage Capacity: The cloud boasts of unlimited storage capabilities since it can store any number of data without any restriction. Even the computer’s 200GB hard drive would look like peanuts compared to the size of the cloud which would come to about hundreds of petabytes.
• Increased Data Safety: Data is safe and secure in the cloud since the information and files in a desktop might get corrupted or your disk can get crashed. Data gets duplicated in the cloud hence it won’t have problems with data security.
• Improved Document Format Compatibility: All documents created through document based applications can be read and easily accessed by the other user. In the cloud, there are very less problems related to format incompatibilities. Documents can be accessed easily and universally with a web connection.
• Easier Group Collaboration: Anyone and everyone can collaborate and communicate in real time with the help of cloud computing services.
• No need for Tether to connect to System: You apps and important documents will still be available if you change your desktop or laptop.