Cloud computing allows users to host websites and store data on remote servers accessed via the internet rather than local hardware. It provides cost and energy efficiencies over traditional hosting by charging customers only for the resources they consume while allowing automatic scaling. While convenient, cloud computing relies on third party providers and internet access for functionality, presenting some security and accessibility risks.

1. Cloud Computing

2. Cloud computing is a relatively new way of hosting websites from serves which do not belong to the site owner. Allows users to focus on their website rather than their server capability. What is Cloud Computing?

3. There is a group of companies which host the cloud servers. They are paid for their resources Includes Salesforce.com and Google App Engine. Infrastructure

4. Computing platforms are provided as a service. Consumes cloud infrastructure to function. Sustains cloud applications. Platform

6. Access to software is network-based. Servers are at central locations rather than at every customer’s site. Updates are central. Site users do not need to patch/install updates themselves. Characteristics of Software as a Service

7. Cloud hosting is instant, and reactive to the amount of server space needed by a website. Instantaneous

8. A site owner pays for the amount of power that they consume, not the server itself. Money Saving

9. Supply of servers is easy to grow or shrink to match demand. Scalability

10. Hosting your own server. Costs more money Consumes more power Requires maintenance Alternative to Cloud Computing

11. Cost-efficient Doesn’t require as much hardware. More energy efficient Less chemical waste Efficiency

12. Came from how people referred to the internet as a cloud of information. Grew in popularity as people became more focused on sustainability and efficiency. How did Cloud Computing Start?

13. Outsources information to a cloud. Business saves on: System Design Installation Maintenance Remote Accessability Advantages for Businesses

14. Do not have to worry about supporting complicated computer server software No problem troubleshooting Advantages for Businesses Pt 2

15. Serves more than 50,000 businesses The software service provider handles all problems that would be associated with running a server. Salesforce.com

16. Data is stored on third party systems. Possibly less secure than hosting your own server. Inaccessible without internet. Rely on third party to maintain servers. Inaccessible if their servers are down. Cons of Cloud Computing

17. Cloud computing allows users to store not just websites, but other information too. Examples: Facebook photos Dropbox Google Docs Cloud Storage

18. Allows users to backup data off of their computers. Ideal for sharing files with other people. They are accessible without downloading anything onto your hard drive. Cloud Storage Cont.

19. Facebook Flickr Hulu Youtube Pandora Examples

20. Cloud computing is an up and coming way of hosting websites. Indication of technological advancements to come. Conclusion