BLUF

This article describes the pros and cons of transferring your network to the cloud.

Summary

Cloud computing is data storage provided by another company and accessed over the Internet. Data is located somewhere up in the nebulous "cloud" that the Internet represents. Cloud services are available on-demand and reliable ones at a cost.

Cloud Computing Pros:

  • Lowers IT operating costs.

  • They are typically more reliable and secure than the standard corporate data centre.

  • Unlimited storage capacity.

  • Users can access their apps, data, and files from anywhere and on any device.

Cloud Computing cons:

  • Dependent upon reliable internet connectivity.

  • Ingress and egress rules and limitations for data stored in a cloud.

  • Ethical, legal and jurisdictional issues.

  • Lack of standardised service-level agreements.

  • Unauthorised access might be possible due to having inadequate controls.

  • Data loss or theft is a possibility.

  • denial-of-service attack. 

Data storage is increasingly critical for users, and a good understanding of how the cloud works may enhance user security, accessibility and affordability management.

 

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