Cloud Computing

Cloud computing is the delivery of computing services through internet rather than a product. In cloud computing, the users rather than buying and installing application software on his computers, uses the application software directly from the cloud (or internet). Here cloud is a metaphor for the Internet.

In more technical term, Cloud computing is a technology that uses the internet and central remote servers to maintain data and applications and it allows consumers and businesses to use applications without installation and access their data at any computer with internet access. This technology allows for much more efficient computing by centralizing storage, memory, processing and bandwidth.

A simple example of cloud computing is web-based email like Yahoomail, Gmail, or Hotmail etc. Here users don’t need a software on his personal computer to use them. All a user would need is just an internet connection and browser and can start sending emails. The server and email management software is all on the cloud (internet) and is totally managed by the cloud service provider Yahoo, Google etc.

Cloud computing system is divided it into two sections: the front end and the back end. They connect to each other through a network, the Internet. The front end is the side the computer user, or client. The back end is the cloud server where applications and data are stored.

Characteristics 

1. Lower Cost: Cost is claimed to be reduced and in a public cloud computing model capital expenditure is converted to operational expenditure.
2. Multi-location Access: It enables users to access systems using a web browser regardless of their location or what device they are using (e.g., PC, mobile phone).
3. More Reliability: Reliability is improved if multiple redundant sites are used, which makes well-designed cloud computing suitable for business continuity and disaster recovery.
4. Better Security: Security could improve due to centralization of data, increased security-focused resources, etc., Security is often better than other traditional systems, because providers are able to devote resources to solving security issues that many customers cannot afford.
5. Easy Maintenance: Maintenance of cloud computing applications is easier, because they do not need to be installed on each user's computer and can be accessed from different places.

Concerns 

1. Privacy: Cloud computing poses privacy concerns because the service provider at any point in time, may access the data that is on the cloud. They could accidentally or deliberately alter or even delete some vital information.
2. Security: While most cloud service provider would ensure that their servers are kept free from viral infection and malware, it Is still a concern considering the fact that a number of users from around the world are accessing the server which can lead to malware and viral spread over the server. That is why users might not be comfortable handing over their sensitive and important data to a third party.
3. Abuse: Hackers posing as legitimate customers can purchase the services of cloud computing for nefarious purposes. This includes password cracking and launching attacks using the purchased services.