1. CLOUD COMPUTING JAZ PATERNOSTER

2. DEFINITION Cloud computing is the use of ‘the cloud’ as a place to save files rather than in a personal computer, allowing the user to access their files anywhere with network connection, on any device, even on the move. Ubiquitous computing is also known as the ‘internet of objects’, as it describes how computers are embedded into daily objects like cars and clothes that we use everyday.

3. CLOUD COMPUTING AND STORAGE Computers services, provided by organisations known as hosting companies, are used through another organisation’s (host’s) computer when Cloud computing. Similarly, Cloud storage is where the storage, access and retrieval of files are provided by the host. Well-known hosting companies include Amazon, Microsoft, Google and Apple. Users of these services can access software and data on these hosts’ computers, which will be at a remote location, meaning that they will never directly access the servers the data is stored on.

4. BENEFITS & DRAWBACKS BENEFITS You only pay for what you have used Almost unlimited storage – don’t have to worry about space or increasing it You don’t have to provide and maintain the hardware locally Data is available anywhere with internet connection Backup, restoring and recovering data is much easier than on a physical device Most cloud hosts are competent enough to handle the recovery of information Quick deployment – entire systems can be fully functional in a matter of a few minutes DRAWBACKS You need to be able to get through to the host to access and process data You have no control over the hosts and what they do with the data, meaning you must be aware of security terms and policies The host may not be using the latest, fastest or most secure software Potentially lower performance – it may be slower than it would be on a local database Technical issues can render your files inaccessible, lost or even corrupted You are surrendering all of your computer’s information to a third-party cloud service provider Nothing on the internet is completely secure, meaning that the data is vulnerable to hacking and other threats