{"id":22647,"date":"2022-09-22T13:31:46","date_gmt":"2022-09-22T11:31:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stage-fp.webenv.pl\/blog\/?p=22647"},"modified":"2025-11-05T10:11:48","modified_gmt":"2025-11-05T09:11:48","slug":"the-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-cloud-computing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.future-processing.com\/blog\/the-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-cloud-computing\/","title":{"rendered":"The advantages and disadvantages of cloud computing"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The technological revolution in the world is in full swing, covering almost all areas of life and business. As it turns out, it works not only in normal conditions but also during emergencies, such as the coronavirus epidemic which required increased efficiency of systems that enabled remote work on a much larger scale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Why should you consider adopting cloud technology?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Cloud computing<\/a> refers to the process of storing and accessing data on the internet. Storing data in the cloud removes the need to keep any digital information on your personal computer\u2019s hard drive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the cloud being accessible via the internet, you connect to a remote server from which you can reach your stored data, run applications and deliver content to connected devices no matter where you are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are three main types of cloud networks: private, public and hybrid. <\/strong>You can read more about their characteristics and differences in the article: “Public Cloud vs Private Cloud vs Hybrid Cloud: What are the differences?<\/a>“<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With so many enterprises migrating to the cloud as part of their digital transformation strategy<\/a>, it\u2019s important to understand what the main benefits (and drawbacks) of cloud computing are, so you can arm yourself with all the relevant knowledge which will allow you to formulate the best cloud strategy<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


What are the advantages and benefits of cloud computing?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here are some of the biggest benefits of cloud computing that tempt companies to make the switch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Cost reduction<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The most obvious benefit of cloud computing is the potential cost saving.<\/strong> Cost, finance and budget are forever at the forefront of every business and so it makes sense that any product or service which can help save the company’s money will be right up there at the top of the list of reasons why they should proceed.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\n Running a private server costs many thousands of dollars just for the hardware setup, let alone the software and hardware maintenance that is required on an ongoing basis. They also require space, which costs money, and cooling, which in these difficult times of insane energy price hikes is no small matter. <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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Cloud computing takes care of all these issues. The cloud services provider maintains all the software and hardware required to run the servers, the maintenance and the energy costs. All you have to do is pay the monthly fee! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It goes without saying that cloud-based applications come at just a fraction of the cost of going it alone, making it a fantastic choice for small and large enterprises alike.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n


Cloud security<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the most attractive benefits of adopting a cloud computing strategy is the high level of security it comes with.<\/strong> Despite an occasional over-dramatised news headline stating the latest celebrity has had their private pictures hacked, cloud-based storage is extremely safe, especially when compared to private data storage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cyberattacks cost a lot of money. Statistics say that about 42% of small business experienced at least one cyber attack in the last year. With the average global cost of a data breach reaching as high as $3.62 million, up to 60% of small companies have to close within 6 months of being hacked.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Although there are many aspects to consider when it comes to cloud cyber security<\/a>, cloud computing on public or hybrid systems offers your data a much more robust layer of security that would be very expensive to achieve privately. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cloud service providers are obligated by law to protect your data to the best of their ability, and they are constantly updating their security protocols<\/strong>. With digital encryption and security improving on almost a daily basis, migrating to the cloud<\/a> is a very sensible choice to make.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Reliability of cloud infrastructure<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Things break all the time, especially electronics. Case in point: reflect on how many portable hard drives ended up freezing on you in the mid-to-late 2000s only to end up in the bin, taking your family photos, movies and favourite television series\u2019 with them \u2013 we assume it more than you would have liked it, right?<\/p>\n\n\n

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\n Cloud computing offers an unprecedented level of reliability for data. Cloud computing providers store data in multiple locations and they are constantly updating their servers, backups and cooling systems to optimise their processes. <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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They are covered in the event of almost any emergency \u2013 something that could not be said about your local network area.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n


Accesibility & cloud collaboration<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

With cloud computing you can easily access your cloud storage and any of your files from any device with an internet connection<\/strong>. In this modern world of hybrid working models and a \u2018work-from-home\u2019 culture that looks set to stay, this level of unprecedented flexibility makes cloud-based operations<\/a> the ideal solution for businesses and individuals<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This ease of accessibility makes collaboration extremely easy and viable. Gone are the days when we needed to save a Word document, name the version, then email it to a colleague. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today we simply open up our shared Google document on our shared drive and everyone can collaborate on the same project, at the same time, from any corner of the globe!<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Scalability of cloud technology<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Cloud computing offers its clients almost unlimited storage.<\/strong> This means that scaling your business operations is extremely easy and can be done on a monthly basis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is no need to buy more hardware, hire more maintenance staff or increase your energy bills. You can quite simply click a few buttons and voila, expand your business!<\/p>\n\n\n\n


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Mobility<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

All data is accessible from various devices,<\/strong> including mobiles, which allows improving communication, collaboration, and workflow in any organisation. That, in turn, promotes efficient work<\/strong> during business trips. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Through the cloud, employees are also able to work from home, which is a popular solution during the pandemic (and post-pandemic) era. What is more, this flexibility has a positive effect on the work-life balance and the productivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Cloud Disaster Recovery (Cloud DR)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Enterprises that are using <\/strong>cloud services<\/strong><\/a> no longer need complicated disaster recovery plans.<\/strong> Cloud computing service providers deal with most problems by themselves doing it much more efficiently. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As many use cases show, the entire process finishes four times faster than in companies using in house infrastructure<\/strong>, and it works for all kinds of emergency scenarios \u2014 from natural disasters to power outages. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is more, using the cloud ensures access to resources is always available, even if devices \u2013 like laptops or PCs \u2013 get damaged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Productivity<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

An in-house infrastructure typically requires a lot of work, including configuring hardware, installing software patches and performing other time-consuming day-to-day activities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

By leveraging projects on cloud computing, there is no need to do many of the aforementioned activities, allowing IT teams to focus on key business objectives.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n


Sustainability of cloud environment<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Companies using cloud computing utilise only the computing power they need, which, in turn, reduces their carbon footprint<\/strong>. Furthermore, taking advantage of the cloud solutions reduces energy consumption and carbon emissions by at least 30% compared to the use of on-site servers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Again, SMEs benefit the most: for small businesses, the reduction in energy consumption and carbon emissions is likely to be 90%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is more, data centres run by major cloud service providers need to meet strict environmental standards. <\/strong>For instance, Amazon with its AWS announced that the company will achieve 100% renewable energy by 2030, as well as to reach net-zero carbon by 2040.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Control<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Working with external agencies or clients often requires sharing many files. If a business doesn\u2019t use the cloud, employees have to send files back and forth via email, which means only one person can work on a file at a time, whereas cloud computing allows companies to keep all files in one central location<\/strong> so all work can be done from one central copy in one format. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This entire process promotes collaboration,<\/strong> which increases efficiency and improves the company\u2019s bottom line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Automatic updates<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Cloud computing users don\u2019t have to worry about updating their software regularly. Cloud-based platforms and applications automatically refresh and update themselves<\/strong>, instead of engaging IT departments and forcing them to perform a manual update. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thanks to that, companies can relocate their resources and IT staff to focus on performing tasks related to growing revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Download our comprehensive ebook for cloud adoption<\/h3>\n
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What are the cons and disadvantages of using a Cloud infrastructure?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Despite there being a plethora of cloud computing advantages, there are also a number of drawbacks that must be considered before taking the plunge:<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Internet connection<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It goes without saying that in order to access cloud-based computing, you will need a good, stable internet connection.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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\n In many parts of the world this won\u2019t be an issue as both wired and mobile internet connections are very good, but that\u2019s not always the case all over the globe. <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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Some countries, cities or more rural areas are still subject to slow, unreliable connections that are liable to stop working at times and may fail to process the data required. If you rely on cloud computing in these areas, any disruption to your internet source will quite literally grind the whole business to a halt.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n


Security of cloud providers<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

How is it that security is both an advantage and disadvantage of cloud computing platform<\/strong>? While there are a huge number of positives when it comes to security, the obvious downside that must be considered in any sensible conversation is that cyber attacks are possible and they do happen, albeit infrequently.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\n In essence, you are literally sharing the most intimate company (or personal) data with a 3rd party provider: how can you be 100% certain that your data is secure? <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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We hear about breaches all the time and there is always the chance that you could be the unlucky one. If that was the case, what do you stand to lose? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Understanding how your cloud service provider secures your data is crucial, and something that should not be overlooked when making the decision on which cloud computing services to go with.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n


You can read more about cloud security here:<\/p>\n\n\n\n