The Tech Club: Cloud Computing

Cloud computing is a model for delivering information technology services hosted over the Internet. These services are broadly divided into three categories: Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS). It is called “Cloud Computing” because the information being accessed is found in the "clouds", and does not require a user to be in a specific place to gain access to it.

What can my organisation achieve with cloud computing?

Lower total cost of ownership: - Pay only for what you use, as you use it.
Reduce IT hardware, software, and/or services costs: - By placing all the workloads (hardware, software, services) in the cloud, you would not need to manage all these at your site and thus would reduce capital expenditure investments.
Reduce data centre facility costs: - Having fewer servers would mean a smaller data center which would result in direct savings on real estate, power, and cooling. A data center may not be required for a public cloud model which offers services to small and medium-size businesses.
Increased Storage: - A cloud may be able to hold more storage than a personal computer. It takes away the need for the upgrading your own computer memory.
Mobility: - It allows users to connect even without their own computers, meaning you can do your work from anywhere in the world as long as you have an internet connection and a computer access.

What issues I may face if I move towards Cloud Computing?

Security: - There is no control over Business Assets (Data) which may have valuable company information. The Physical location of hardware and software is unknown. Site inspections and audits are hard. A recent example of Security Breach is Amazon and Sony Cloud hacking.
Dependency (Loss of Control): - You may get tied to the financial strength of the other company. You may face Quality problems which you may have no control over.
Decreased Flexibility: -You would not be able to customize the services you would receive.
Knowledge: - All the knowledge of the working processes of a Cloud service provider will not be accessible by its users.
Integration: - Integrating the Cloud services with Printers, local IT equipment etc. may not work.

Which set of business functions can be moved to the cloud?