Briefly discuss cloud computing as a breakthrough innovation in data storage.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Answers will vary. In most companies, employees use applications and access data stored on their own computers or their companies' servers. But cloud computing is challenging that approach.Cloud computing means using Internet-based storage capacity, applications, and processing power to supplement or replace internally owned computer resources. Services like Dropbox or Google Docs offer significant benefits, such as the ability to store large files without taking up valuable space on your computer's hard drive and the convenience of being able to access your documents, music, and photos from anywhere via any computer and mobile device with an Internet connection.Until recently, most businesses were reluctant to embrace cloud computing, citing concerns about security and reliability. But that is changing. Two studies by global consulting company McKinsey & Co. indicate that while 77% of large companies now manage their own IT equipment and services in house, this figure is expected to drop to 43% in 2018 as companies move to the cloud. Cloud computing has the following advantages:It allows access to a vast array of computing resources without the need to invest heavily in expensive new hardware, software, and IT personnel.It results in lower costs and excess capacity by making companies pay only for the computer resources that they need or use.It has the advantage of incredible gains in processing speed via massively parallel computing that simultaneously combines the processing power of hundreds (or even thousands) of computers.