First of all what is cloud computing

Cloud computing is a computing paradigm in which tasks are assigned to a combination of connections, software and services accessed over a network. This network of servers and connections is collectively known as "the cloud." Computing at the scale of the cloud allows users to access supercomputer-level power. Using a thin client or other access point, like an iPhone, BlackBerry or laptop, users can reach into the cloud for resources as they need them. For this reason, cloud computing has also been described as "on-demand computing."

How could the future of cloud computing work for you?

In theory the process is very simple. Cloud computing could allow you to have only a inexpensive computer, processor and monitor in front of you. You would have no need for a hard drive or a CD/DVD drive. Instead you would need only an Internet connection, which would hook you up to a central supercomputer that would host all your programs and files. This presents and advantage to both storage and security issues.

So how could you benefit from cloud computing?

·         There is no capital requirement, no need to invest in dedicated servers which they may outgrow hosting or Virtual servers available when they switch to cloud computing enjoy unlimited capacity, bandwidth, increased security, and a solid disaster recovery solution.

·         A user may no longer have to be bound to a traditional computer to use an application, or have to buy a version that’s specifically configured for a phone, PDA [personal digital assistant] or other device. It’s likely that at some point any device that can access the Internet will be able to run a cloud-based application. Application services are available, independent of the user devices and network interfaces.

·         The value propositions of low-entry costs and flexibility offered by Cloud computing are huge, enticing advantages. Why sink thousands, hundreds of thousands, or even millions of dollars/euros/pounds/rupees into hardware and software and then constantly worry about maintaining, upgrading and patching said systems

·         There may be fewer maintenance issues.

·         Users won’t have to worry about storage capacity.

·         In cloud, you know you’re getting the latest version—without having the bother of upgrading the version that’s residing on your hard drive—and you won’t have to wait as long for your computer to boot up, since cloud applications are always on.

·         By reducing the traditional costs and labor associated with deploying, maintaining and upgrading business technology.

·         “versionless” software eliminates upgrade projects and helps technology keep pace with the speed of business, giving employees access to new technology early and often rather than forcing them to wait for a final, packaged product to be shipped.

·         The benefits also include the advantage of the commoditization of hardware (such as on-demand, utility computing, cloud computing, software-oriented infrastructure), software (the software-as-service model, software-oriented architecture), and even business processes.

·         The biggest savings comes in the form of reduced capital (from utility billing) and staffing investments (due to sharing services with other customers).

·         Cloud Computing offers, allowing anyone with an idea and a little programming skill to operate a commercially viable website.

·         Assessing the Security Benefits of Cloud Computing

http://cloudsecurity.org/2008/07/21/assessing-the-security-benefits-of-cloud-computing/

·         Permits accessibility to multiple data centers anywhere on the globe. It also means that as the need for resources increases, companies can add additional service as and when needed from the cloud computing vendor without having to pay for additional hardware.