Page 23 - DCAP609_CLOUD_COMPUTING

Cloud Computing

Notes 2.1.1 Low Cost Computers for Users

A quantitative financial advantage is that you do not need a high-priced or a high-powered
computer to run cloud computing Web-based applications. All applications runs in the cloud
and not on the desktop PC. Thus, there is no need for the desktop PC to have a processing power
or hard disk space that is demanded by traditional desktop software. Thus, in cloud computing
the client can use lower priced computers. Also computers with, less memory, smaller hard
disks, more efficient processors, etc. can be conveniently used in cloud computing. In fact, in this
scenario the client computer does not even require a CD or DVD drive, as there is no need to
load software programs or save any document files.

2.1.2 Better Performance

The apps are run from the cloud when a desktop PC does not have to run or store a number of
software-based applications. Users will see better performance from their PCs when there are
lesser bulky programs and other applications occupying the computer’s memory. However, if
you simply put computers in a cloud computing system, then they will boot up faster and run
faster, as there will be fewer processes and programs loaded into memory.
2.1.3 More Flexibility

The very minute a firm needs more bandwidth than usual, cloud based service can instantly
meet the demand. This is because of the vast capacity of the service’s remote server. This is a very
significant advantage of cloud computing.

2.1.4 Reduced IT Infrastructure Costs

The IT departments in large organisations can enjoy lower costs from the adoption of the cloud
computing models. The IT staff can use the computing power of the cloud to supplement or
replace internal computing resources instead of spending on more powerful servers.

2.1.5 Less Maintenance Issues

Cloud computing is also very beneficial as it significantly reduces both hardware and software
maintenance for all big, small and medium sized organizations.
Maintenance costs are immediately lowered as less hardware and few servers are necessary in
most organization so maintenance costs are automatically reduced. As for the software
maintenance, there is no software on the firm’s computers for the IT staff to maintain. This is
because all the cloud applications are centred somewhere else.
Cloud services are usually based on HTTP, XML, HTML, JavaScript, and other similar technologies.
Therefore, the infrastructure and technologies behind the cloud are not visible to the user.

2.1.6 Less Software Costs

Cloud computing reduces software costs as it reduces the need to purchase various software
packages for separate computers. Instead of buying various software packages for each individual
computer in a firm, only those employees genuinely using an application need access to that
particular application in the cloud. The IT staffs are saved the cost of installing and maintaining
the programs regularly, on every desktop in the organization.

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