Cloud Computing

Cloud computing refers to an architecture where computing resources and hardware are maintained and managed remotely by an entity other than the user. This is becoming popular with businesses and ubiquitous in personal computing. For example, whenever a person sets up a website on GoDaddy, plays World of Warcraft, or streams a movie on Netflix, they are using a cloud computing solution.

Advantages

Cloud computing offers the following advantages to the user:

• Scalability: Adding additional capacity is quicker and easier in a cloud environment then when a user runs their own data center. When a user manages a data center themselves, additional capacity involves purchasing, installing, and configuring new hardware. A cloud solution provides access to many more resources than would otherwise be possible.
• Security: A cloud solution often provides more security than a business, especially a small business, can manage on their own.
• Availability: Cloud solutions are able to provide services that are guaranteed to stay available, leading to better uptime for users and clients.
• Performance: A cloud solution will provide more powerful hardware than a business could afford in its own data center.
• Cost: A cloud solution is typically more affordable than an on-premises solution offering the same capabilities.

Generally, cloud computing removes the necessity of a business to maintain a dedicated data center. This frees the business from the cost of all the personnel and hardware that a data center requires.