Tag: store data

Why should we use Cloud Computing

                        A growing number of businesses are embracing computerization and automation of manufacturing to optimize performance, and lower their costs of operation. At the center of the growth of the automation is the cloud computing which enable device-to-device connection, thus facilitating exchange and sharing of data. Although cloud computing is a concept that has been there since 1960s, its popularity has grown with the fourth industrial revolution, and one cannot talk about industry 4.0 without mentioning cloud computing considering the important role the technology is playing in terms of enabling the communication across multiple devices.

                        We are in an era in which data is a valuable resource, and this therefore warrants the need for individuals to safely store data. With cloud computing, individuals and organizations can rent spaces where they can story data, and the advantage of this technology as a data-storage platform is that one does not have to carry their data on storage devices wherever they go. The fact that data is stored in a cloud system means one can travel anywhere in the world, and they can still access their data. Because the technology replaces the hard disk and other storage devices, it is safe and it improves the portability of the data.

                        The world is moving fast, and people want better services and better products. Cloud computing holds the key to businesses meeting the needs of their customers because the data stored in cloud computing can be analyzed, and be used to inform decisions such as the specific types of products to produce in plenty to meet the market demand. The idea of products being delivered at the door is gaining popularity among consumers, and the success of this idea depends on the businesses’ capacity to leverage the cloud computing technology to expand their scale of operations to include door-to-door delivery of goods.  

                        As the auto manufacturers shift to the production of the driverless cars, the need for the cloud computing is growing. The success of these new developments will depend on how well governments and private companies are willing to invest in cloud computing because this technology will be needed for vehicles to communicate with each other to prevent accidents. The effective control of the traffic will also depend on how fast the technology is integrated into traffic control system. However, the input of the public and the consumers in general is necessary for the cloud technology to drive desirable change.   

Use of Cloud Computing

The development of the cloud computing technology has seen a high number of businesses embracing cloud computing to store data. With the storage of data being easier with cloud computing, companies are shifting away from physical storage, or otherwise known as local storage. Cloud has become a cheaper option for businesses that do not want to spend a significant amount of money to establish IT infrastructure. Additionally, it offers convenience that a local storage may not provide, and a business can therefore benefit immensely by choosing to use cloud storage.

Unfortunately, an organization may lay-off its IT staff if it moves to using the cloud. As companies continue embracing cloud, certain IT jobs will be automated, leading to massive job losses. The database and network administrator role, for example, will not be required in firms that shift to using the cloud because the technology allows centralized administration and control of the applications and other devices linked to the entire IT system of a company. This is also affecting the staff in companies that sell the IT products. Recently, CISCO downsized by laying-off more than 5,000 members of its staff because it could no longer afford to pay them salaries. CISCO’s case is not a selected case because thousands of IT workers have lost their jobs as organizations shift focus towards cloud computing.

The other issue that is seen with the cloud is that it may take time for one to learn how to use it, which may inconvenience the organization. For an organization that is used to operating the local storage, shifting to using the cloud may mean training of workers, and this may come with additional expenses, and the process can take time. If an organization does not have people with adequate skills to manage the cloud system, it may face challenges performing administration and database management functions.

An organization may still be able to access data when offline if it uses local storage as opposed to the cloud storage. The dependency on the internet connection is a characteristic seen with the latter, and if the connection is unavailable, there is limited chance one would be access to the data. If the connection is lost for long, it may paralyze certain IT operations such as database administration. Therefore, an organization that is considering adopting the cloud computing should examine the risks and opportunities associated with the technology, and make decisions it deems can lead to effective running of the IT operations.