Cloud Computing: Pros and Cons

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Cloud computing has greatly influenced many aspects within the growing technology sector. This innovative approach has altered the way many businesses and individuals use technology. While there is no one clear definition of cloud computing, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) defines cloud computing as “a model for enabling ubiquitous, convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g., networks, servers, storage, applications, and services) that can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort or service provider interaction” (Mell & Grance, 2011). It is composed of three service models: Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS,) Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS), and four deployment models: Private cloud, Community Cloud, Public Cloud, and Hybrid Cloud (Mell & Grance, 2011). Its main objective focuses on providing computing and software vaguely at a substantial level in the form of a utility service. With this goal in mind, cloud computing has opened the door for many opportunities to cloud service users, particularly small businesses, while emphasizing vast benefits to include cost savings, efficiency, convenience, broad network access, flexibility, agility, scalability of infrastructure, limited need for disk space, sustainability, and reduced complexity. Though there are a number of substantial advantages, there are also negative aspects that need to be considered. This paper will cover the underlying advantages and disadvantages of the cloud computing service and propose a recommendation as regards to whether or not businesses and individuals should integrate the service into their systems based on the research ...

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...siness methods implemented without actually investing in the backend technical complications. Since Google is one of the most knowledgeable search engines available, users could probably find tutorials or step-by-step installation guides on how to setup the service on their computers.

Works Cited

Mell, Peter and Grance, Timothy. (2011, September). NIST Definition of Cloud Computing. National Institute of Standards and Technology, 15, 1-7.

Jackson, Kevin L. (2011, September). The Economic Benefit of Cloud Computing. Forbes, 1-2.

West, Darrell. (2010). Saving Money Through Cloud Computing. Government Studies at Brookings, 1- 14.

Laudenslager, Peyet. (2010, June). Six Cloud Computing Benefits For SMBs. Information Week, 1-4.

Wessells, Tim. (2011, September). What are the benefits of cloud computing? Let's count the ways. New Hampshire Business review, 1-4.

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