Cloud computing brings a new era in computer technology. This new technology brings with it many advantages to its users. Here are five advantages that cloud computing offers:
Significantly lowers costs. Cloud computing lowers the costs of having to maintain and manage your own hardware, software, and the various technical components that would otherwise be needed to function without the cloud (Miller, 2009). It also reduces the costs involved with software updates. Software applications available through the cloud are automatically updated and available for cloud users (Miller, 2009).
“Improved document format compatibility” (Miller, 2009, p. 1). Cloud users do not have to worry whether their documents will be compatible with different operating systems or applications (Miller, 2009). Cloud users will be able to view, edit, and share documents of all different formats with other cloud users.
“Unlimited storage capability” (Miller, 2009, p. 1). Cloud computing offers to its users vast amounts of storage capability (Miller, 2009). A cloud user no longer has to rely on the limited space available on his/her computer’s hard drive; they can use the limitless space available on the cloud (Miller, 2009).
Increases convenience and mobility (Miller, 2009). Cloud users are able to work from any location they want and can access all their data without having to be at a specific location or area (Miller, 2009). The only thing needed is an Internet connection and cloud users will have full access to the range of applications, software, and data that is stored on their cloud.
“Device independence” (Miller, 2009, p.1). According to Miller (2009), the biggest advantage to cloud computing is that users are “no longer tethered to a single computer or network…your existing applications and documents follow you through the cloud” (Miller, 2009, p.1).
