Advantages and Disadvantages of Cloud Computing
Advantages and Disadvantages of Cloud Computing
Advantages and Disadvantages of Cloud Computing – Cloud computing is a computing technology that you should start taking advantage of, both as an individual and as a business. Why is that?
Imagine, you can increase work productivity without the hassle of installing applications on a computer. You can use the latest hardware and software for less money.
Interestingly, you can do various things such as create and save documents or test applications with only a browser and internet connection.
No wonder the users of this technology continue to grow from year to year.
So, you are curious about what cloud computing is. Want to use it too? Let’s get to know the definition, function, and how it works in this article!
What is Cloud Computing?
Cloud computing is an internet-based computing concept. So, with cloud computing, you can do work like using a computer, such as storing, accessing, and processing data easily.
The difference is, in cloud computing, the computing device is a server that you can access anywhere as long as there is an internet network.
Currently, the concept of cloud computing is increasingly being used as users need to do work online. Examples of cloud computing that are commonly used are file storage services such as Google Drive or word processing applications such as Google Docs. Both services allow you to store and access data via the internet.
Not only for general use, cloud computing can also be used specifically by companies and organizations for internal needs. For example, to store and process company data that usually relies on a data center, either managed by themselves or rented from a third party service.
Cloud Computing Functions
Actually, what are the functions of cloud computing? The following are three of them:
1. Offers Easy Scalability
Imagine when you need a larger storage capacity. If using a personal computer or server, you have to replace or add storage components yourself, right?
With cloud computing, adding storage or increasing other computing capabilities is more practical. You just have to choose a service package with higher specifications according to the cloud computing service provider you are using.
2. Facilitate Data Access
Have you ever had to give a presentation, but left behind the flash drive that holds your files? Such problems will not occur if you use cloud computing.
Cloud computing services allow you to store and access files online. Thus, your files are always available as long as you are connected to the internet.
3. Facilitate Collaboration
With easy access to data, collaboration in completing a job is also easy.
For example, when using Google Sheets, you and your colleagues can create and edit the same document in different locations. So, it’s more supportive for those of you who are working from home (WFH), right?
Changes to the document are automatically saved and can be viewed in real-time, so your colleagues always get the latest version right away.
If you use an application on a computer, your work and that of your colleagues are not that practical. Your colleagues should request documents that you create or work in the same place to get the latest version.
4. Providing Facilities that are Always Up to Date
Newer hardware and software generally offer better capabilities. For example, the latest processor, of course, will have faster and more efficient performance than its predecessor.
Unfortunately, updating hardware and software doesn’t come cheap. In addition, you need to allocate time for its installation.
It’s different if you use cloud computing. Cloud computing service providers constantly update all of their facilities so that users get the maximum benefit.
Well, you will get these four benefits in all types of cloud computing services which are described in the following sections.
Also Read: Advantages and Disadvantages of Google Docs
Types of Cloud Computing
Cloud computing is divided into three types based on the form of service. What are they?
1. Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)
As the name suggests, SaaS is a cloud computing service that provides ready-to-use applications. This is because SaaS users do not need to install applications on their devices. In addition, users don’t bother with updates because the service provider’s developers do it.
One example of SaaS is Office 365 which offers Microsoft Office applications that can be accessed via a browser.
Imagine, you are using Microsoft Word, but the document is automatically saved in your account. So, these documents can be accessed on any device as long as you log into your account.
2. Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS)
Unlike SaaS, which is a ready-to-use application, IaaS is a series of computing resources or servers.
IaaS servers are available in different specifications, so users can choose the one that suits their needs. Generally, users are also allowed to choose the operating system and type of virtualization for their server. Practical, huh?
Without IaaS, users have to create their servers. This is of course expensive and troublesome, especially when users need to add resources to their servers.
Well, because of the flexibility and resources that IaaS offers, these services are generally aimed at enterprises. Examples of these service providers are Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure.
3. Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS)
This type of cloud computing provides a platform for developers to create and test applications online. Platform operating systems and resources are managed by the provider, so developers don’t have to worry about devices for their work.
Without PaaS services, the process of building and testing applications is quite a hassle. This is because developers must have several computing devices with different operating systems.
Well, some examples of PaaS services that are often used are Google App Engine and Oracle Cloud Platform.
How Cloud Computing Works
Like personal computers, cloud computing uses three main components, namely servers, operating systems, and software. These three components will later be supported by an internet connection to access them.
Like the CPU on a computer, a server has components such as a hard drive, RAM, and processor. Cloud computing services already provide all of these components, so you don’t have to buy them one by one to use online computing capabilities.
Later, cloud computing service providers will share these resources according to the package chosen by their users. Usually, the division is not done physically but through virtualization.
Apart from that, servers also need an operating system such as Windows and Linux on a computer. Interestingly, you don’t need to install the operating system yourself like in SaaS and PaaS services.
Even so, in IaaS services users can install the operating system according to their own needs.
The simplest way of working in cloud computing is on Saas, where the service provider has managed all the infrastructure including the software used. So, users only have to use it like in the Google Sheets example earlier.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Cloud Computing
Advantages of Cloud Computing
From the explanation above, what are the advantages of cloud computing that you can take advantage of?
1. Save Cost, Space, and Time
The costs that you have to incur to create the infrastructure and manage it yourself are quite expensive. Not to mention, you have to provide adequate space for the devices you use.
If you use cloud computing, you can save costs, space, and time.
In terms of costs, for example, instead of having to buy all the infrastructure components, you just have to pay a much cheaper monthly fee. Not to mention, you have to have someone specifically in charge of managing these components so they can work optimally.
Plus, you don’t need to set up a place to build your infrastructure if you use cloud computing. This is because the infrastructure is managed by the service provider.
The process of building and managing computing infrastructure also requires a lot of time. Moreover, if you do not have a good experience.
2. Easy Scalability
As your business grows, the data you use will increase. For example customer accounts and transaction data. That way, your computing capacity must also be increased.
If using your infrastructure, you have to add or replace components. This was not only inconvenient but also expensive.
It’s different if you use cloud computing services. Scalability is easier because you can just upgrade the service according to your needs. For example, you can increase your storage capacity or upgrade to a faster service.
3. Access to the Latest Technology
Imagine if there was the latest hardware or software you needed, but you couldn’t buy it yet. Or, your software needs updating to serve customers better, but your server specifications don’t match up.
Problems like that won’t happen if you use cloud computing. This is because service providers constantly update their hardware and software.
4. Enable Collaboration from Anywhere
Because you live online, cloud computing services allow you to work from anywhere. These benefits are even more pronounced if you work in a team. Each team member does not need to be in one place to collaborate.
5. Easier Data Backup
Most cloud computing services are equipped with an automatic backup feature. With this, you don’t have to remind yourself or your team members to do the task. Backed-up data is always available for you to use.
Disadvantages of Cloud Computing
In addition to these advantages, several challenges are still faced in the use of cloud computing, namely:
1. Must Always Connect to the Internet
The Internet is the main means of cloud computing services. So, if your internet connection is bad, you can’t use this technology optimally. Moreover, if the internet service provider experiences disruption (downtime).
2. Constraints During Downtime
Downtime can also occur in the cloud computing service provider that you use. As a result, the service cannot be accessed. This is a big problem if your business depends on the service.
So that this problem doesn’t happen to you, choose a cloud computing service provider that rarely experiences downtime. This can be seen from the commitment to provide high uptime. An example is Niagahoster which offers hosting with 99.98% uptime.
3. Data Security Threats
Cloud computing allows you to access data online. Therefore, choosing a service provider whose security is good is a must.
Cloud computing services that do not pay attention to user data security are very vulnerable to various threats. If hackers can access the service’s servers, your data can be leaked or deleted.
4. Data Migration Difficulties
Moving data from cloud computing services is not an easy thing. Especially if the service provider does not support it.
As a workaround, you can migrate manually. However, this action is full of risks. When you want to move your website to a different hosting service, for example, data can be lost or damaged.
That’s why the cloud computing service you use must support data migration.
You already know what Cloud Computing is, right?
Cloud computing is a technology that enables online data storage, processing, and access. This technology not only offers large-capacity data storage and the latest systems but also the convenience of working from anywhere as long as there is an internet connection.
You have learned that cloud computing technology has several advantages, including:
- It’s more economical because you don’t have to buy the infrastructure yourself.
- More practical because the management is borne by the service provider.
- More suitable to support growing businesses with the required specifications.
- More up-to-date with the use of the latest technology.
- Safer for your data because there is an automatic backup feature.
However, cloud computing is not free from several problems such as bad internet connection, server down, hacker threats, and the migration process which is sometimes difficult.
