Cloud computing: definition, benefits, drawbacks

Cloud Computing is a mix of different technologies which allow data to be produced and stored using online resources: a technology based on servers controlled by a program capable of providing processing capacity (CPU) and storage (Hard Disk).

Each service provided is automatically allocated to the various servers available and if required, extra servers can be added in order to increase the capacity of the entire system (currently, some Cloud configurations consist of tens of thousands of servers).

With Cloud, many activities are made possible, from creating new services or apps to the storage of data for backup and/or updating. It allows you to host websites and blogs, transmit audio and video files in direct streaming, supply programs on demand and compare data in order to prepare estimates.

This technology can be public (when the Clouds are supplied by an external provider), private (when the Cloud resources are only used by one company) or hybrid (when the two previous options are combined – public and private – using systems which allow data sharing between different types of Cloud).

As for the benefits of Cloud Computing, the financial savings are certainly one of the most important: the upkeep of the machines does not require any financial outlay in terms of server rooms, IT staff or hardware.  It does not cause any problems involving breakages, operational issues or updates either.

Another advantage of this technology regards is the opportunity for the company to become more flexible and efficient: the reason why becomes clear if we consider that using hardware resources in Cloud means they can be calibrated as needed, so you can decide each time whether to increase or reduce them.

The third advantage relates to the improved data retrieval speed; considering that the server farms which house data centres possess data bands created ad hoc, the guaranteed speed is definitely superior to that which could be obtained using the company’s internal systems.

As well as the speed mentioned above, Cloud Computing also ensures a higher level of general stability. Stability is maximised thanks to the hardware used in the data centre which, due to its intrinsic characteristics and features, offers levels of security which would otherwise be impossible for small or medium-sized businesses to attain.

However, just like everything else, Cloud also has a few weak points. The first is connected to the possibility of having wide band:  if a company does not have a powerful connection, it is unlikely that they will be able to base their key online activities on Cloud.

Furthermore, especially in Italy, many responsible companies have complained about the quality of the services agreed in the contract. They often do not meet users’ expectations and when problems arise, the solutions offered tend to be unclear and/or not very effective.

Last but not least is the question of the vendor lock-in, which means that if the user decides to change their Cloud services supplier, they can find themselves caught up in a complex procedure which is very difficult to deal with. The situation is worsened by the fact that developers do everything in their power to make users dependent on their system.

That concludes our summary of Cloud Computing: the technology which allows users to process and store data on the web.

Translated by Joanne Beckwith