Cloud computing, the most popular technology is being used by many organizations in recent years. It is the characteristics of cloud computing that is making it a favorite way of computing for many users. The 10 typical characteristics of cloud computing which is making it popular are:
1. Flexibility
Cloud computing is flexible to its users. Users can access the information or request for the services from any place and from any hardware device, provided they have Internet connected to the device.
2. Network access
Cloud services are available to users only when the user has Internet connection. Therefore, it is mandatory for the user to have an internet connection. Also, the performance of the cloud will be better only when the cloud can handle the traffic flow and manage the transactions to and fro the cloud.
3. Services on demand
The cloud must provide the services requested by the organizations/individuals. The requirements of the services may vary according to the operations of the organizations/individuals. So, the cloud provide only those services which are requested and avoid unwanted cost to the users. Users can choose the best one or the service which suits his need among the group of services available. The cloud services are faster and does not make users to wait for long.
4. Measured services
The infrastructure services such as storage devices, application developing environments, servers to run the applications are available unlimited to the user but the users are charged only for the quantity or measure of service the user has utilized. This help users to stay in budget.
5. Multiple tenancy
Cloud is accessible by many users at same time without effecting the performance of it. The accuracy and the performance of the service should be same to all the users, all the time.
6. Cost/Usage fee
Users pay for only those services which are used. It is important for any business to cut the cost for unwanted things to raise the profits and expand the business. Cloud provide this facility as the user need not pay for the service unused.
7. Better business data security
As the number of users utilizing the cloud services are increasing, security issues are also increasing. One of the major issue is the security to the confidential data. Many service providers of the cloud are employing high security measures to secure the user’s data from hackers and unauthorized users. This encourages users to utilize the cloud services.
8. Scalability
Cloud services are scalable. The number of resources or services can be increased or decreased as the operations of the users vary. Services required by the users change often. Cloud can provide the services according to the needs of the users. Cloud provides additional resources to the user when it is required or cuts off the unused services.
9. Reliability
The services provided by the cloud are more reliable and secure. The service provider is responsible for the services and makes sure that the service is efficient at any point of time. In case of collaboration of organization with other organization situated at different geographical location, same service might be shared between them. In such case, service provider takes care that it is not malfunctioned or breakdown.
10. Dynamic Computing Infrastructure
Cloud is a huge resource containing almost all computer programs. It contains unlimited data storage, every server needed to run the applications, environment to develop any application, virtual networks etc. Cloud is the place where user find any resource or service he needed.
These are the most important characteristics of our latest technology, cloud computing.
