Cloud Computing In Business Context Research Paper Sample

Over the previous two or three decades, information technology has advanced by leaps and bounds and more innovative solutions to complex problems are in the pipeline.The concept of cloud computing and how it is being put to use today has completely transmogrified the way in which organizations work. Not only has it spelled fewer expenses for the organizations but it has also led to more convenience and efficiency in handling operations.
The concept of cloud computing is based on the sharing of computer resources. Instead of installing applications on every device, client computers make use of main servers that provide the applications to them (Beal). The word ‘cloud’ is basically referring to internet. By the use of the internet, services are provided to an organization that would otherwise be needed to be handled by the organization itself.
In the business context, cloud computing has been considered manna from heaven for small businesses (“What Is The Cloud? (And Why Small Businesses Need To Care),” 2013). Previously, a technology that was available to the huge companies like Wal-Mart could never be accessed by the small companies. With the arrival of cloud computing services, such small and medium entities can cross the technology barrier at a low cost and, therefore, compete with the huge organizations.
Moreover, data is one of the most important assets of an organization. Customer and supplier data, if lost, can mean a disaster for a company. Through cloud computing, the company’s data can be stored in the cloud and can be easily accessed in case the company loses its data stored on local devices. This is, therefore, an essential part of business continuity planning (“Benefits of cloud computing,” 2014).
Cloud computing has also transformed the way in which education is being imparted. Moreover, it has bestowed immense benefits on the students who have to make use of information technology in daily routine in order to complete researches and assignments. Services like Google Drive and Drop-box have made it easier for the teachers and students to collaborate with each other. This is because data stored in the cloud can be accessed from anywhere and from any device, including cell phones (Weaver, 2013). Moreover, different users can edit and work on the same document at the same time, thus fostering teamwork and coordination.
The cloud also offers an excellent backup for all documents and files one would like to keep safe (Weaver, 2013). One does not need to be apprehensive about losing one’s data if it is stored in the cloud. Any type of data can be stored in the cloud, including videos, pictures, word documents and the like. Moreover, cloud computing has catered to the need to stop wasting time on non-value adding activities like printing the assignments to distribute them to the students. The teacher can simply upload all the materials on the cloud, and all the students can easily access it from there.
One of the issues associated with cloud computing, however, is the risk linked to data security (“Education in the Cloud”, 2012). Anyone who gains access to the cloud can sabotage the data on the cloud, thus failing to provide any backup to the student. Moreover, students would need to bear the cost of having an internet connection with a reasonable bandwidth in order to access the cloud.
However, it is safe to conclude that the benefits of cloud computing to students greatly outweigh the disadvantages associated with it.

References

Benefits of cloud computing. (2014, May 22). Retrieved from https://www.business.qld.gov.au/business/running/technology-for-business/cloud-computing-business/cloud-computing-benefits
Beal, Vangie.(n.d.) cloud computing (the cloud). Retrieved from http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/C/cloud_computing.html
Education in the Cloud. (2012, Feb. 29). Retrieved from http://ccskguide.org/education-in-the-cloud/
Weaver, Diane. (2013, Apr.)Six Advantages of Cloud Computing in Education. Retrieved from http://www.pearsonschoolsystems.com/blog/?p=1507#sthash.qzV1A9IK.dpbs
What Is The Cloud? (And Why Small Businesses Need To Care). (2013, Nov. 6). Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/06/amex-what-is-the-cloud-and-why_n_3964066.html?