Cloud computing is the hot, new thing in using your computer. In essence, your main programs and data reside on the Internet. You “rent” the programs on a monthly basis.
Why would you use cloud computing?
1. You do not need to install, update or upgrade your software.
2. The monthly cost of renting the software is small compared to purchasing it.
3. Backup of your data is automatic as it is performed by the service provider.
One example of cloud computing software is Office 365. It is the cloud computing version of Microsoft Office. It contains Outlook as well as Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote. It costs about $6 to $8/month depending on the maximum number of users that can be connected together. The price to purchase a comparable version of Office software (E.g. Home and Business) is about $250. As a result, there is a break-even point that ranges from about 30 to 40 months.
What is the “downside” to cloud computing?
1. Your data exists on servers owned and controlled by someone else. Is it 100% safe and secure? There is no way to perfectly guaranty that it is. After all, credit card companies, banks, large companies, even some US government agencies have all been hacked.
2. What happens if/when the Internet goes down and you don’t have access to your data or the programs to work on it? Good question! You need to put in place plans for what to do if this happens.
