Cloud Computing

Cloud Computing
INF103: Computer Literacy
Monday, February 20, 2012

Cloud Computing
Cloud computing has come a long way since its introduction. Cloud computing is the future of data storage and communication, because we can now use cloud computing for data storage, communication and sharing. Not only have we taken great strides in this technology, it continues to grow exponentially each day.
In Chapter 9 we learned that “the cloud is a metaphor for the space on the Internet that can be used to store your data, as well as applications to manipulate it.” (Bowles, 2010) However, after dealing with “the Cloud” in our current day, we can assume that there is no end in sight for its capabilities. We now use the cloud for data storage, communication and data sharing, amongst other things.
Companies are already exploring additional ways that the cloud can be used. Google, for example, is researching ways that the cloud could be used to store the computers operating system. This would be an amazing step forward for users. The ability to boot your computer in a fraction of the current time, no worries for viruses, and constant access to all of your information from any computer you access, is an amazing ability, almost magical. Things like this show the massive power that computers can have over us. The productivity and ease of access to be gained is nearly limitless. It is already being used in many fields with a great success.
Although there are disadvantages to cloud computing, the pros have come to outweigh the cons. For example, “it can provide huge cost savings and more efficiency in large areas of the public sector, including hospitals and healthcare (especially to provide information and technologies in remote or poorer locations), education (especially for e-learning and universities), and the activity of government agencies with periodic spikes in usage.” (Etro, F. (2011) This is already evident in much of what is happening today. All of us are... [continues]

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