Cloud computing should sound familiar to many people. It is closely related to our daily lives and many softwares relied on it. For example, Google Drive is an example of cloud computing. 

What is cloud computing?

Cloud computing is a technology that uses the internet for storing and managing data on remote servers, and then access data via the internet. This type of system allows users to work on the remote. Cloud computing customers do not own the physical infrastructure; they rent the usage from a third-party provider. Cloud Computing and the Essential characteristics of cloud services are On-demand self- service, Broad network access, Resource pooling, rapid elasticity. Cloud computing is so successful because of its simplicity in its usage. They are a cost-effective solution for enterprises. The various features are Optimal Server Utilization, On-demand cloud services (satisfying client), Dynamic Scalability, Virtualization techniques. 

Examples of cloud computing 

​1. Dropbox, Facebook, Gmail

Cloud can be used for storage of files. The advantage is an easy backup. They automatically synchronize the files from the desktop. Dropbox allowing users to access files and storage up to 1 terabyte of free storage. Social Networking platform requires a powerful hosting to manage and store data in real-time. Cloud-based communication provides click-to-call capabilities from social networking sites, access to the Instant messaging system.

​2. Banking, Financial Services

​Consumers store financial information to cloud computing serviced providers. They store tax records as online backup services.

​3. Health Care

Using cloud computing, Medical professionals host information, analytics and do diagnostics remotely. As healthcare also comes in the list of examples of cloud computing it allows other doctors around the world to immediately access this medical information for faster prescriptions and updates. Application of cloud computing in health care includes telemedicine, public and personal health care, E-health services and bioinformatics.

​4. Education

This is useful in institutions of higher learning provide benefits to universities and colleges so henceforth Education comes in the examples of cloud computing. Google and Microsoft provide various services free of charge to staff and students in different learning institutions. Several Educational institutions in united states use them to improve efficiency, cut on costs. Example- Google App Education (GAE). They allow the user to use their personal workspace, teaching becomes more interactive.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Cloud computing

Advantages

  • Reduced cost: The billing model is paid as per usage. Initial expensive and recurring expenses are much lower than traditional.
  • Increased Storage: They have massive storage and maintenance of large volumes of data.
  • Flexibility
  • They are scalable, as we can pay for the amount of storage required. And are used in emergency back up plan.

Disadvantages

  • Performance on shared infrastructure can be inconsistent. Servers maintained by cloud computing can fall to natural disasters and internal bugs.
  • Privacy and security in the cloud are much more concerns.
  • reliability, As well as privacy. Vendor lock and failure is also another concern in cloud computing.
  • Data Transfer costs: Outbound data transfer over the monthly basis is charged as per GB Basis.
  • Downtime: If the internet connection is down, Unable to access any of the applications, server or data from the cloud.