Impact Of Cloud Computing: A Simple Overview In 4 Points

Introduction

“Cloud Computing is not only the future of computing but the present and entire past of computing”. -Larry Ellison

“The cloud services companies of all sizes; the cloud is for everyone. The cloud is a democracy”. -Marc Benioff

Cloud computing may seem like a relatively new episode in the world of technology. But the fact is that this idea first evolved in the 1950s.

Cloud Computing refers to the delivery of computing services through the “cloud” i.e., the internet.

Let us understand more about the impact of cloud computing on businesses and the people around us.

Cloud computing has reached where it is today with the help of the following technologies:

• Distributed Systems and its peripherals;
• Virtualization;
• Web 2.0;
• Service Orientation; and 
• Utility Computing.

1. Impact Of Cloud Computing On Business
2. Challenges in using Cloud Computing
3. Impact of Cloud Computing On Workforce
4. Impact of Cloud Computing on Society

1. Impact Of Cloud Computing On Business

Today IT is becoming an enabler of business. Business organizations are moving towards automation, business intelligence, and a lot more.

Cloud computing is one such tool being used by many business organizations.

Cloud Computing provides a way for businesses to manage their resources online. It allows the business entities to access their information virtually, whereby, data can be accessed anytime and anywhere.

More and more companies are moving towards cloud computing. Just like a coin has two sides, cloud computing also has a positive impact and at the same time, some challenges are faced by the business entities.

Let’s have a look at them:

• Cost Reduction:

Cloud computing works on the concept of pay-per-use. Cloud computing helps in reducing the expenses of the company as resources are acquired only when they are needed and payment is made as per usage.

Cloud computing can cause a dramatic decrease in labor and maintenance costs because the company is required to purchase the infrastructure or maintain it. The computer hardware is owned by the vendor and stored in off-site locations; thus, this creates a reduction in demand for in-house staff. 

• Scalability:

This is the key benefit of cloud technology as the client has the flexibility to scale up and scale down the resources as per the requirements of the organization.

Businesses need not worry about the future demands as they can easily scale up the resources and acquire additional services anytime.

• Flexibility:

Cloud Computing provides a lot of flexibility. Customers or users are free to decide about the services which they want to use and pay as per use. Also, users have the option to switch from one cloud to another.

Users can choose public, private, or hybrid storage offerings, based on their security needs and other factors.

• Provides Almost Unlimited Storage:

Users can store a lot more data on the cloud than their local physical storage devices. Moreover, companies can scale their storage capacity as per their requirements. When the business grows and more storage space is required, companies can request an increase in the storage capacity and use the services.

• Disaster Recovery:

A business using cloud services need not prepare complex disaster recovery plans because the cloud service providers take care of such issues and help the clients to recover faster.

2. Challenges in using Cloud Computing

• Security and Privacy;
• Downtime;
• Management of multi-cloud environment;
• Vendor lock-in; and 
• Interoperability.

3. Impact of Cloud Computing On Workforce

Cloud computing has created many opportunities for organizations. Today cloud computing services are being used by a no. of business organizations.

The acceptance of cloud computing was a bit slower due to the lack of awareness and fear of job loss in the IT Workforce.

Cloud Computing helps in creating a virtual workplace whereby various applications and services can be hosted on one central platform. Employees can access the workplace from anywhere in the world and at any time, provided there is internet connectivity.

Thus, cloud computing promotes ease in working and has been boosting the work productivity of employees.

It allows the workplace to function in a more effective manner and for employees to be assigned the right job and roles.

4. Impact of Cloud Computing on Society

Cloud services are also being used to support social impacts. Cloud services may also support the reduction of carbon emissions.

The impact of cloud computing in our day-to-day life in various ways. Some of the examples are as follows:

• Social Media:

Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and many more social media apps use the cloud in one way or the other. The pictures we upload on Facebook or Instagram are stored in the cloud.

• Entertainment:

Before cloud computing came into the picture, we used to watch our favorite shows on the television or listen to the shows which aired on the radio.

Cloud has brought a revolution in the entertainment industry. Netflix, Amazon Prime, Spotify, Watcho, Disney Hotstar are few examples of cloud-based apps. They use the cloud to deliver us the content. With these apps, we can watch movies, shows, listen to favorite songs anytime and from anywhere where the internet can be accessed.

• Shopping:

Cloud has also revolutionized the way we do shopping. Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra, and many more apps have made the shopping experience much easier.

• Health Care:

Some doctor’s offices have established cloud-based patient portals where important health data are accessible. Digital records of patients are stored in the cloud by the Hospitals or Healthcare service providers.

• Education:

Universities are now offering online courses across the country. The information, lessons, and material used for learning are stored in the cloud. Now students can access requested data anytime, anywhere.

• Communication:

Cloud also allows users to enjoy network-based communication tools such as emails, messaging, and calling apps like Gmail, WhatsApp, Google Duo, Skype are based on cloud infrastructure.

CONCLUSION

The impact of cloud computing is almost everywhere. It is a remarkable revolution in the world of technology. 

Cloud computing is still a subject of research. The COVID pandemic has transformed the way businesses are run. Many industries have embraced digitalization and automation. Cloud had a pivotal role in this transformation.

The post-pandemic world would depend on the cloud more than before as it has changed the working style in business organizations.

“Cloud Computing is the third wave of the digital revolution”-Lowell Mc Adam.

Jigsaw Academy’s Postgraduate Certificate Program In Cloud Computing brings Cloud aspirants closer to their dream jobs. The joint-certification course is 6 months long and is conducted online and will help you become a complete Cloud Professional.

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