1. Cloud Computing Characteristics A service provided by large internet-based specialised data centres that offers storage, processing and computer resources to individuals and organisations. The services are shared, on-demand and simple to use. Pay for use and as needed, elastic (scale up and down in capacity and functionalities); “always on!” Eg. Google’s gmail uses cloud computing processing powers and storage facilities; Zoho offers tools to businesses including web conferencing, applications and project-management tools.

2. Cloud Computing Public Cloud, where a business can access web services via a third party.

3. Cloud Computing Services: 1.Virtual IT, (computers and storage); use of a cloud company’s servers as virtual servers which are extensions to a company’s local IT network store. 2.Software development, use of software development tools, facilities & other services provided by the cloud company to develop custom-built applications that will run on the cloud company’s servers 3.Software use, a cloud company with licenses software developed by the cloud company for customers to use.

4. Examples of cloud computing Google docs; create & edit word processing, spreadsheet and presentation documents online and share access with others Skype; provides free video/audio phone calls to other skype users QuickBooks Online, free service allowing financial information to be processed and stored online so that company personnel with permission can access & share information Online computer games Online backup

5. Advantages of Cloud Computing Lower costs: Don’t need: – high-powered and high-priced computer to run cloud computing's web-based applications. – Since applications run in the cloud, not on the desktop PC, your desktop PC does not need the processing power or hard disk space – No maintenance, technical personnel necessary to keep a data centre up and running – utility bills and capital expense investments for power and cooling – contract and account people to keep track of all the various licenses, leases, etc. – When you are using web-based applications, your PC can be less expensive – Reduced software costs Simple and easy to use; only need a computer, browser & internet connection

6. Advantages of Cloud Computing Instant software updates: – When the application is web-based, updates happen automatically - available the next time you log into the cloud. – When you access a web-based application, you get the latest version - without needing to pay for or download an upgrade. Improved document format compatibility. – You do not have to worry about the documents you create on your machine being compatible with other users' applications or operating systems. – Where Word 2007 documents cannot be opened on a computer running Word 2003, all documents can be read! – There are potentially no format incompatibilities when everyone is sharing documents and applications in the cloud. 19th May, 09mark.baker@computer.org

7. Advantages of Cloud Computing Unlimited storage capacity: – Cloud computing offers virtually limitless storage. Increased data reliability: – Unlike desktop computing, in which if a hard disk crashes and destroy all your valuable data, a computer crashing in the cloud should not affect the storage of your data. – That also means that if your personal computer crashes, all your data is still out there in the cloud, still accessible. – In a world where few individual desktop PC users back up their data on a regular basis, cloud computing is a data-safe computing platform!

8. Advantages of Cloud Computing Easier group collaboration: – Sharing documents leads directly to better collaboration. – Many users do this as it is an important advantages of cloud computing - multiple users can collaborate easily on documents and projects. – Because the documents are hosted in the cloud, not on individual computers, all you need is an Internet connection, and you are collaborating. Device independence. – You are no longer tethered to a single computer or network. – Changes to computers, applications and documents follow you through the cloud. – Move to a portable device, and your applications and documents are still available. Universal access to data anywhere & anytime 19th May, 09mark.baker@computer.org

9. Advantages Key Word CASHMEC Costs of software, hardware Anywhere, anytime access Storage & security H, Hardware, scalability M, no maintenance Easy to use C, Collaboration

10. Disadvantages of Cloud Computing Requires a constant Internet connection: – Cloud computing is impossible if you cannot connect to the Internet. – A dead Internet connection means no work and in areas where Internet connections are few or inherently unreliable this is a problem – When you are offline, cloud computing simply does not work. – Need to install redundant internet connections

11. Disadvantages of Cloud Computing Does not work well with low-speed connections: – Similarly, a low-speed Internet connection, such as that found with dial-up services, makes cloud computing painful at best and often impossible. – Web-based applications require a lot of bandwidth to download, as do large documents. Can be slow: – Even with a fast connection, web-based applications can sometimes be slower than accessing a similar software program on your desktop PC. – Everything about the program, from the interface to the current document, has to be sent back and forth from your computer to the computers in the cloud. 19th May, 09mark.baker@computer.org

12. Disadvantages of Cloud Computing Software capabilities – Today many web-based applications simply are not as full-featured as their desktop-based applications. – For example, you can do a lot more with Microsoft PowerPoint than with Google Presentation's web- based offering. Availability & Service Levels – One of the most common concerns regarding cloud computing is the potential for down-time if the system isn't available for use. Lack of control Staff training required 19th May, 09mark.baker@computer.org

13. Disadvantages of Cloud Computing Privacy, Stored data might not be secure: – With cloud computing, all your data is stored on the cloud. – Can unauthorised users gain access to your confidential data? – Cloud computing companies say that data is secure, but it is too early to be completely sure of that. – Only time will tell if your data is secure in the cloud. Data loss, Stored data can be lost: – Theoretically, data stored in the cloud is safe, replicated across multiple machines. – But on the off chance that your data goes missing, you have no physical or local backup. – Put simply, relying on the cloud puts you at risk if the cloud lets you down.

14. Disadvantages – Key word PADDLLSS P, Privacy A, Availability and speed of connection D, Data loss D, Data ownership L, lack of control L, legal issues, operate in different countries S, staff, training of staff S, Software capabilities, less than purchased