Cloud computing has burst on scene as the next big thing, but it is important to know whether cloud computing is right for you. There are several advantages and disadvantages offered by this burgeoning technology. One of the advantages offered by Cloud Computing to common man is financial advantage. You don’t need a high powered and high priced computer to run cloud computing’s web based applications. This is because the application runs in the cloud not on the desktop PC. PC will run with improved performance as no software programs need to be installed as the applications run from the cloud. Hence computers in a cloud computing system will boot up faster and run faster, because they’ll have fewer programs and processes loaded into memory.

 The IT department s in large organization can see lower costs, as the IT staff can use the computing power of the cloud to supplement or replace internal computing resources. Peak computing needs can be easily handled by computers and servers in the cloud.  Cloud computing greatly reduces both hardware and software maintenance for organizations of all sizes, from small home based business to multinational corporations.

 Software costs for users are substantially lower. Instead of purchasing separate software packages for each computer in the organization, the applications can be accessed in the cloud. Using the software to rent in cloud is much cheaper than buying similar desktop software.  Many companies such as Google are offering their web-based applications for free. Hence anyone can avoid the high costs charged by Microsoft and other desktop software makers.

Another software-related advantage to cloud computing is that software updates happen automatically and there is no need to pay for a download or an upgrade. And who doesn’t want increased computing Power? This comes as an obvious advantage. One is no longer limited to the computing power of a single desktop PC but can now perform supercomputing-like tasks using the power of thousands of computers and servers.

Cloud users have their disposal virtually limitless storage capacity. There are some disadvantages of cloud like requiring a constant internet connection; naturally it doesn’t work well with slow connections. Also, if the service may be slow, not all software features may be available in cloud, and the stored data may also not be secure.