Cloud Computing Security Pros & Cons Over the last ten years, cloud computing has rapidly grown and it is expected to grow even further as more businesses move online. When cloud computing was first conceived, many skeptics dismissed it as being just another tech fad that will quickly disappear. However, over the last three years cloud computing has truly changed the way we think about IT nowadays. The Cloud has significantly reduced the cost of doing business and has allowed businesses to focus on their core activities and not IT related issues (Krutz & Vines, 2010; Ali, Khan &Vasilakos, 2015). These reasons and many other which we will highlight in this essay show that Cloud computing is here to stay. However, like any other technology, cloud computing has also been associated with a few challenges and inefficiencies. This paper will look at the pros and cons of cloud computing. In the end, a conclusion will be drawn on the issues at hand.

Pros

Low Cost -- cloud computing is an affordable proposition. There is no need to spend huge sums of money up front on IT equipment or infrastructure. One simply needs to have laptops, desktops, or any other type of device that he or she will use to get online and access data. For many small business, this is quite significant because maintaining in-house networks and databases requires a significant amount of investment. Businesses have to buy and regularly upgrade software and hardware. They also have to train and maintain IT technicians and experts. This is in contrast to businesses that use cloud computing where the Cloud services provider covers most of those IT-related costs (Rittinghouse & Ransome, 2016). Think of cloud computing in terms of renting versus owning. Cloud computing is like renting a service. A Cloud services provider owns and is responsible for maintaining of IT infrastructure. The client pays for access to services provided through a monthly or yearly fee. This is similar to what is referred to as Saas (Software as a Service)...

This is in contrast to buying and maintaining in-house networks where a business might not be fully using its infrastructure. Thus, cloud computing is good for start-ups because it can start small and pay for more services, if needed, as it grows. Another way in which cloud services are flexible is that they can be customized as needed. It is also quite easy to set up and operate from the client's perspective (Rittinghouse & Ransome, 2016; Xiao & Xiao, 2013).
Scalable -- it is fast and easy to adapt new technologies with cloud computing. Unlike in the past, when one had to first look for compatible hardware and software, with cloud computing, it is much easier to add new infrastructure or to support new applications. According to Xiao and Xiao (2013), businesses can simply leverage on infrastructure as a service (Iaas) to quickly add new hardware and software infrastructure to allow new applications. In case a business needs more services, it simply needs to pay more and avail services provided by the cloud services provider.

Accessibility -- wherever you are in the world, you can easily access your business files as long as you have internet access. You no longer need to be physically present in the office to access your most important business documents. This is in contrast to complicated remote login processes of the past that were used to access in-house networks (Ali et al., 2015).

Sustainability -- In case a business is struck by natural disaster, it can quickly reorganize and restart since its cloud-computing provider resides elsewhere.

Cons

Data security -- this is one of the biggest concerns with regards to cloud computing. With cloud computing, data that was secured within the four walls of your office premises, now resides somewhere else, possibly in another state or country. If that data contains customer files, proprietary lists, trade secrets or any other crucial info, then its security must be addressed. Anyone buying cloud services should be aware that his or her data could be compromised. Using cloud services with this in mind could help you take appropriate protective measures (Sultan, 2014). Checking your service providers' data protection record and asking them the right questions can also help a business protect its data.

Redundancy -- This term refers to the dependability of your web-based applications which operate in the cloud. One practical example would be: in case the server…