Not everyone agrees on the definition of cloud computing.  Some believe that the cloud is a revolution in how people will interact and do business, others contend that cloud computing is nothing new, and is merely a marketing term applied to something technology providers have been doing for years.

Cloud computing, in general, provides a means of sharing and accessing computing resources anywhere an Internet device can make a connection, whether by cell phone, tablet, laptop, desktop, or other methods.  This gives people the ability to use their data, applications, software and other technology services from any location, at any time. 

The use of cloud computing has expanded rapidly, with no end in sight.  It is typically less expensive for implementing new computing solutions than traditional methods since a business does not need to invest in purchasing, managing and maintaining its own resources.  The blog, Hacking Alert, aptly frames the cloud’s fundamental concept: “[i]f you only need milk, would you buy a cow?”

One potential drawback, however, is that the cloud provider may have complete control over the user organization’s servers, software applications and data.  In trading control for efficiency, the user organization is faced with a variety of advantages and disadvantages in adopting cloud computing, including: