Cloud computing is the allocation or lease of computer services and can include computation, software and data storage/access, which allows companies and individuals to access these functions from a remote location. In many instances, cloud computing allows for a “pay-as-you-go” solution to a variety of computing features and is the next big thing in personal and commercial computer solutions.
The most obvious advantage to cloud computing is the amount of money that a business or individual can save by switching over from a traditional infrastructure. Instead of directly buying software/hardware directly employing technicians, users of the cloud can simply purchase access to these elements and get only what is needed.
Another advantage to using the Cloud is the ease of scalability. Depending on the client’s needs, services can be quickly added or removed and the amount of data storage can be increased or decreased. This provides more flexibility when it comes to changing budgets, unexpected volume shifts or unforeseen circumstances; simply change the setup and subscription and the cloud setup is now suited for whatever situation life throws at it.
What does all of this mean for the average person? For individuals on a budget, cloud computing gives access to a variety of software and storage capabilities that they otherwise would not be available or affordable. Someone who cannot afford to spend $400 for Microsoft Office might have had to do without before, but with cloud computing, they can “rent” access to the program for a very low monthly or yearly fee. Someone who needs a lot of storage that could not afford physical hard drives will now be able to purchase the space for a far more reasonable price, will have access to that data from anywhere on the planet and can share it with anybody else.
