1. Cloud Computing

2. What Is Cloud Computing?
A new computing Model
Embraces Cyber-infrastructure
Involves distributed Computing
Employs networking, software and web services
Aimed at optimizing the effectiveness of the shared resources.
Cloud computing involves sharing of computer resources over a network, or in other words, delivering hosted services via the Internet (Velte, Velte, & Elsenpeter, 2012). It enables organizations to receive computer resources as a utility, instead of building and maintaining the required infrastructure. This innovation has changed the way people and organizations share computer resources over the internet (Buyya et al., 2009).

3. What is Cloud Computing? Continued..
As shown in the picture above, multiple computer devices and mobile phones can access shared computer resources in the cloud simultaneously via the Internet.

4. Types of Cloud Computing
Public
Private
Hybrid
There are 3 forms or types of cloud computing: Public Cloud, Hybrid Cloud and Private Cloud (Velte, Velte, & Elsenpeter, 2012).
In public cloud, infrastructure and services are accessed off-site via the Internet. Public cloud offers the highest level of efficiency in resources shared. However, public cloud is more vulnerable when it comes to security.
In a private cloud, infrastructure and services exists within a private network. This is definitely the best choice of cloud where security is crucial. However, it is more expensive as compared to public cloud. This is because the company has to buy and maintain both infrastructure and software.
In a hybrid cloud, a variety of private and public options is included.

5. Advantages of Cloud Computing
Cost Efficient
Unlimited Storage
Automated Software Integration
Backup and Recovery
Cost Efficient: Traditionally, companies spent a lot of money in desktop software and licensing fees. Cloud computing has eliminated all these costs as organizations and individuals can access the services at much cheaper rates.
Unlimited Storage: While using cloud computing services, one does not have to worry about running out of storage or increasing the storage capacity.
Automated Software Integration: In cloud computing, one does not have to integrate and customize his/her applications according to preferences. This occurs automatically.
Backup and Recovery: In cloud computing, it is much easier to back up and restore data than on a physical device.

6. Advantages of Cloud Computing continued..
Ease of Access
Quick Deployment
Ease of Access: When using cloud services, one can access information regardless of the location via the internet.
Quick Deployment: Cloud computing has the advantage of quick deployment where the entire system can be fully functional within minutes.

7. Disadvantages of Cloud Computing
Technical Issues
Security
Prone to Attack
Technical Issues: Cloud computing systems may experience serious dysfunction. Additionally, in order to experience uninterrupted services, one has to be connected to a good internet connection.
Security: Since the information is stored by a third party, then there is a security issue because company’s sensitive information might be compromised (Kuyoro, Ibinkule & Awodele, 2011).
Prone to Attack: Company’s sensitive information is prone to external hack attacks.
In my opinion, I would use cloud computing because the advantages outweighs the disadvantages. Additionally, the disadvantages are manageable and can be avoided.

8. Profitability/Cost-Saving Benefits Internet Access
Concerns
Cloud Vendor Outages
Profitability/Cost-Saving Benefits
Internet Access
Cloud Vendor Outages: If anything goes wrong on the Cloud service provider’s side, the end user will be affected and might not be able to access the cloud services.
Profitability/ Cost-Saving Benefits: Cloud computing is definitely cheaper for small organizations. However, for larger organizations, it might be cheaper to ditch these services.
Internet Access: Cloud computing is useless without internet accessibility.

9. References
Buyya, R., Yeo, C. S., Venugopal, S., Broberg, J., & Brandic, I. (2009). Cloud computing and emerging IT platforms: Vision, hype, and reality for delivering computing as the 5th utility. Future Generation Computer Systems, 25(6), 599–616.
Kuyoro, S., Ibinkule, F. & Awodele, O. (2011). Cloud Computing Security Issues and Challenges. International Journal of Computer Networks (IJCN), 3(5),
Velte, A. T., Velte, T. J., & Elsenpeter, R. (2012). Cloud Computing: A Practical Approach. New York: Mc Graw Hill.