Advantages and Disadvantages of Cloud Computing

Types of Cloud Computing

Before delving into the advantages and disadvantages of cloud computing, it is important to remember that cloud computing includes three distinct areas: 

• IaaS – Infrastructure as a Service 
• PaaS – Platform as a Service 
• SaaS – Software as a Service

Advantages of Cloud Computing

Here are some of the key advantages of cloud computing:

• Cost Savings
• Reliability
• Strategic Edge
• Security

Now, let's discuss these advantages of cloud computing in detail:

1. Cost Savings

There are both advantages and disadvantages of cloud computing when it comes to cutting down expenses. The most obvious disadvantage is that the cost to implement cloud services the first time can be quite costly. If you estimate beyond that initial cost, cloud computing helps businesses and organizations cut several expenses in the long run. A study by Gartner shows the worldwide spend on the cloud service market will grow up to $331.2 billion by 2022.

Another important benefit is that most cloud computing services are pay-as-you-go - you only have to pay for the features and data storage that you use.

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2. Reliability

Most cloud service providers assure guaranteed assistance round the clock. When you opt for cloud computing, all the service-related technicalities are taken care of by the cloud service provider. In the case of a disaster, even if the host server fails, the data can easily be transitioned to other available servers. The cloud service providers abide by the signed Service Level Agreements (SLAs) to ensure timely assistance to your business needs. 

3. Strategic Edge

With the rise in competition among businesses, you need to implement the latest technologies and applications out there to catch up with the rest of the crowd. Installing and maintaining new software can cost companies a huge deal of money. Through cloud computing, you will have access to all the latest applications and infrastructure without actually having to invest in software installations and maintenance.

4. Security

With the advancements in technology, every cloud service provider offers more advanced security features to their clients with full backup and recovery. A The key to this is the encryption of all data that is transmitted over networks and stored in databases. This is much more efficient and reliable than a conventional in-house system, where a high percentage of data thefts can occur. A study by RapidScale shows that 94 percent of businesses saw major security improvements after switching to the cloud. 

Have a look at some of the top highest paying cloud computing certifications which you can get certified for and kickstart your career.

Disadvantages of Cloud Computing

Here we have listed some of the key disadvantages of cloud computing:

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• Downtime
• Vendor Lock-In
• Limited Control and Flexibility
• Security

Now, let's discuss these disadvantages of cloud computing in detail:

1. Downtime

Downtime can lead to lost customers, data failure, and lost revenue. So when it comes to the advantages and disadvantages of cloud computing, downtime is at the top of the list for most businesses.

Since cloud computing systems are all internet-based, there is no way to avoid downtime. Moreover, if you are in a place with no connectivity, you will not be able to access the data, software, or applications on the cloud.

No organization is immune to downtime. On 20th August 2020, Google suffered a mass outage that lasted for over an hour. It became one of the most talked-about topics last year and ultimately sent panic waves to several businesses around the world.

Here are some best practices you can follow to reduce downtime:

• Consider multi-region deployments to ensure business continuity 
• Define a disaster recovery plan with the lowest recovery time and recovery point objectives
• Design all your services with disaster recovery in mind

2. Vendor Lock-In

When we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of cloud computing, vendor lock-in is another thing that tops the list. Although most cloud service providers assure that it is a breeze to use the cloud and integrate your business needs with them, disengaging and moving to the next vendor is still a huge problem. The applications that work fine with one platform may not be compatible with another. The transition might pose a risk and the change could be inflexible due to synchronization and support issues.

Here are some best practices you can follow for reducing dependency on one vendor:

• Implement a multi-cloud strategy
• When designing applications, build in flexibility to ensure portability in the future
• Under exactly what the cloud service vendors are selling to avoid lock-in 

Find the Right AWS Course

Simplilearn's AWS courses offer a comprehensive pathway for professionals aiming to master Amazon Web Services and enhance their career prospects in cloud computing. Whether you are a beginner looking to understand the basics or an experienced professional seeking advanced skills, Simplilearn's expert-led training provides in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience with AWS's core services and solutions. Our courses are designed to align with industry standards and prepare you for AWS certification exams, ensuring you have the credentials and expertise that employers value. Elevate your cloud computing capabilities with Simplilearn’s AWS courses and gain the competitive edge needed to thrive in today’s tech-driven world.

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3. Limited Control and Flexibility 

Since the cloud service providers own, manage and monitor the entire cloud infrastructure, most companies have minimal control over their data. The end-user license agreement (EULA) and management policies might differ among the service providers. The most common case is that it hands over minimal control to the customer, and their access is limited to the applications, tools, and data that is loaded on the server. The customer may not have access to the key administrative services. The worst-case scenario is when they impose limits on what customers can do with their deployments.

Here are some best practices you can follow for maintaining control and flexibility:

• Understand the responsibilities of the cloud provider in the contract to reduce the chance of errors
• Understand the cloud service provider’s basic and advanced levels of support
• Understand the SLA of the cloud infrastructure and how it impacts your agreements with your customers

4. Security

It is important to note that there are conflicting arguments when it comes to security in cloud services. There are both advantages and disadvantages of cloud computing when it comes to storing company data. The most obvious disadvantage is that data is vulnerable to cyber attacks when stored in the cloud. However, a study by Gartner shows that by 2025, 99 percent of data breaches and cyberattacks will be due to the customer's mistakes and human error.

Choose The Right Cloud Computing Program For You

This table compares various cloud computing programs offered by Simplilearn, based on several key features and details. The table provides an overview of the courses' duration, skills you will learn, additional benefits, among other important factors, to help you make an informed decision about which cloud computing course best suits your needs.

Program Name	AWS Solutions Architect	Cloud Architect Masters Program	Post Graduate Program in Cloud Computing
Geo	All	All	IN/ROW
University	Simplilearn	Simplilearn	Caltech
Course Duration	Self Paced	11 Months	11 Months
Coding Experience Required	Basic Knowledge	Basic Knowledge	Basic Knowledge
Skills You Will Learn	10+ Skills Including AWS Solution Planning, AWS Cost Estimation, AWS Data IO, etc.	30+ Skills Including EC2, ECS, Lambda, CloudFormation, ELB, etc.	10+ Skills Including Cloud Provider Selection, Cloud Workloads, Database Management, etc.
Additional Benefits	16+ Live Demos of AWS Services Real-Time Industry Projects Simulation Exams	Masters Certificate Capstone Projects Exam Voucher Included	Caltech PG Certificate 40+ Hands-on Projects Masterclasses by Caltech Instructors
Cost	$	$$	$$$
	Explore Program	Explore Program	Explore Program

The Bottom Line

When you weigh out the advantages and disadvantages of cloud computing, it is important to look at the source of these cloud services as well. Compare different service providers and their range of services before picking one right off the bat. Even if the drawbacks of cloud computing are incidental and almost negligible, the advancements in technology will surely eliminate them in the years to come. If you want to learn more about cloud computing, check out Simplilearn’s popular Post Graduate Program in Cloud Computing created in partnership with Caltech CTME and industry organizations to bring you the very best training possible.

If you have any questions or queries, feel free to post them in the comments section below. Our team will get back to you at the earliest.

FAQs

1. What are the main advantages of cloud computing?

Cloud computing offers scalability, cost-effectiveness, and easy access to data from any location with internet connectivity.

2. What are the potential downsides of cloud computing?

Cloud computing may present security risks and can be dependent on the reliability of your internet connection.

3. How does cloud computing enhance scalability?

Cloud computing allows businesses to easily upscale or downscale their IT requirements as and when required.

4. Is cloud computing cost-effective?

Yes, cloud computing can significantly reduce hardware, maintenance, and energy costs.

5. Can data be accessed anywhere with cloud computing?

Yes, as long as there is a stable internet connection, data stored in the cloud can be accessed from anywhere.

6. What are the security concerns with cloud computing?

Data breaches, data loss, and account hijacking are among the security issues associated with cloud computing.

7. How is cloud computing dependent on internet connectivity?

Without solid internet connectivity, accessing and retrieving data from the cloud can be challenging.

8. How does cloud computing impact IT staffing needs?

Cloud computing often reduces the need for large in-house IT teams as most of the data management is handled by the cloud service provider.

9. What roles do service providers play in cloud computing?

Cloud service providers manage infrastructure, offer storage solutions, and ensure uptime and data security.

10. Is migrating to the cloud a complex process?

The complexity of cloud migration depends on several factors, including the size of your operations and the chosen cloud service provider.