Cloud computing is the future of technology in business, government, education, and home. Spending on cloud computing infrastructure is expected to grow by 30% in the next five years, while the IT industry as a whole will only grow by 5%. Here are some other facts you didn’t know about cloud computing:
- Cloud Computing Delays IT Equipment From Becoming Obsolete.
Since the only requirement for a computer to access the cloud is for the it internet access to reach web services, older IT equipment can be used without needing costly updates, even when the software it runs is new and not compatible. - IT Assets are Quickly Disappearing.
Experts suggest that by 2018, 60% of companies will have eliminated half of their IT infrastructure, servers, data centers, and onsite applications. Instead, company data will be managed with cloud computing services. Some predictions even suggest that 20% of companies will have no IT assets at all, other than thin clients to access the cloud by 2018. - Cloud Computing Connects People When Geography Doesn’t.
One of the greatest benefits of cloud computing is the opportunities it opens for collaboration. Multiple people across the globe can access a single project and work together in real time via the cloud. Some cloud-based collaboration applications, such as Lotus Live and Google Docs, are so common place that people use them without knowing what the cloud is or that they are even using it. - The Cloud Expands the Possibility of Economic Growth in Other Industries.
Many small startups are stifled by the huge upfront costs for IT servers and infrastructure. Because the cost of leasing cloud services is only a fraction of the cost of IT hardware, small businesses can get off the ground a lot faster, and start contributing to our society and economy. - The Security Hype With Cloud Computing.
Many organizations are hesitant to dip their foot in the pool of cloud computing because of cautionary tales of security risks. However, any organization who is connected to the internet (such as, everyone post circa 1999), holds similar security risks. Whether a company stores data on the cloud, or on-site in a data center, they should have regular network security assessments and follow recommended data security protocol. However, companies who utilize cloud services have lower security demands for data backup and disaster recovery, as long as the cloud provider has a sufficient disaster recovery plan. - The Many Hats of Cloud Computing.
Cloud computing offers a variety of services to businesses who use them. Some companies use Software as a Service (SaaS) in which they pay for licenses to use software that is hosted in the cloud instead of acquiring the software themselves. Another service offered by cloud computing is Platform as a Service (PaaS) in which the company leases the platform in which they develop and run their own web based applications, rather than investing in the infrastructure needed host it themselves. Finally, a common use for cloud computing is Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) in which the infrastructure such as storage, data centers, and network components are outsourced to the cloud.
Do you know any interesting tidbits about cloud computing that we didn’t mention? Please provide your cloud input in the comment section below.