Page 24 - DCAP609_CLOUD_COMPUTING

Unit 2: Cloud Computing Features

Speaking about the software costs, it is possible that some cloud computing companies will Notes
charge as much to “rent” their applications as traditional software companies charge for software
purchases. However, it has been observed that cloud services will be priced significantly lower
than similar desktop software. Many companies like Google offer their Web-based applications
for free. Such an offer attracts most large organizations as they don’t need to pay the high prices
quoted by Microsoft and other such desktop software suppliers.
2.1.7 Instant and Automatic Software Updates

Yet another software-related advantage to users of cloud computing is that they do not have to
choose between latest and obsolete soft wares. In a Web-based application, updates happen
automatically and are available to the user the next time he logs in to the cloud.
A cloud provider will also be able to upgrade a software keeping in mind the feedback it
received from the previous software releases.
Another advantage is that when a Web-based application is accessed by you, you will
automatically get the latest version for free. You will also not feel the need to download an
upgrade, since, it will be automatically downloaded.

2.1.8 Environment Friendly

Organisations that use cloud computing only use the server space they need which decreases
their carbon footprint. Using the cloud results in at least 30% less energy consumption and
carbon emissions than using on-site servers. Thus, cloud computing also proves to be environment
friendly.

2.1.9 Improved Computing Power

You have the power of the entire cloud at your disposal. You can now perform supercomputing-
like tasks utilizing the power of thousands of computers and servers since you are no longer
stuck to a single desktop PC and you do not have to worry about what single desktop PC can do.
You can, therefore, perform more tasks in the cloud than as compared to your desktop.

2.1.10 Unlimited Storage Capacity

The cloud offers a near limitless storage ability. Imagine a situation wherein your desktop is
running out of storage space. In this case, your computer’s hard drive is nothing when compared
to the millions of gigabytes or hundreds of petabytes available in the cloud. You can therefor
conveniently store whatever you need to.

2.1.11 Increased Data Safety

All the data stored in the cloud stays in the cloud only. Unlike in desktop computing, where a
hard disk crash can destroy all important data and information, a computer crashing in the cloud
does not affect the storage of your data. This happens since data in the cloud is automatically
duplicated, so nothing is ever lost. In other words, in case your personal computer crashes, all
your data is still safe and preserved in the cloud and is, therefore, still accessible. In a world
where few individual desktop PC users back up their data on a regular basis, cloud computing
can safely keep all the data and it also make this data easily accessible.

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