T3.3 - Cloud Computing in Terms of Increased Productivity, Privacy and Green Computing

I will explore cloud computing in terms of privacy, green computing, possible loss of data, and how the process can increase productivity in a company. Cloud computing, software applications available over the Internet, have become increasingly popular. People can easily access their e-mail, documents, tasks, and reports easily, and share them with co-workers and classmates. The beauty of cloud computing is the simplicity it offers to people and businesses, offering storage and cutting down on costs and clean up, and accessible from devices ranging from iPhones to desktop computers. 

Among some of cloud computing positives is its ability to increase productivity in a company.  A limousine company, Uber has set up a cloud computing device that sets up limousine drivers with potential customers who need a ride while on their way home from dropping off customers at the airport or other destinations [1].  LiveOps is another example of a cloud computing system which connects live operators with customers of Kodak and Pizza Hut among others [1]. Companies that are utilizing their free time to make profit through cloud computing services are effectively increasing their productivity.

While cloud computing offers many positives, it has also raised red flags for people and businesses. Besides the always probable possibility of the Internet failing somehow, perhaps going offline or experiencing a down server and running the risk of lost data, cloud computing is run on the Internet, and is therefore open to hacking and other security breaches [2]. Because many cloud computing sites, like Facebook for example, allows interaction between so many people, the question of privacy continues to come up. If an employer wants to gather as much information as they can about a potential applicant through a cloud like Facebook, the potential applicant might not have any say. In other instances, accounts linked to various cloud computing websites can be broken into, leaking documents and e-mails to the public that were supposed to be private. Many of the cloud computing websites have experienced short periods where they are offline, because of various server problems or outages, but this kind of inconsistency resonates with users, especially businesses. Possible outages could also mean loss of data for users [2].

In addition to being referred to as a cost cutting advantage, cloud computing comes across as a very green service for businesses to provide, but this may not actually be the case. When taking into account how much energy it realistically takes to install, change and update a data center, cloud computing services may not actually be the dream green service that it seems to be. While cloud computing certainly has its advantages over other services in terms of green computing, there is much to be improved on, and C02 emissions can be cut down in data centers like Google’s [3].  

In conclusion, cloud computing has both positives and negatives for businesses to consider. Businesses can increase their productivity and revenue through cloud computing services, but they should be wary about privacy, possible security breaches, and how the service and its data centers actually are.

Sources

[1] http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/11/14/will-cloud-computing-make-everything-and-everyone-work-harder/  

[2] http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/02/23/does-cloud-computing-mean-more-risks-to-privacy/

[3] http://www.lexisnexis.com.library.ramapo.edu:2048/lnacui2api/api/version1/getDocCui?oc=00240&hl=t&hns=t&hnsd=f&perma=true&lni=5657-BBC1-JBWC-T26N&hv=t&csi=389195&hgn=t&secondRedirectIndicator=true