Cloud Computing

Definition

Cloud computing refers to the delivery of computing services—such as storage, processing power, and software—over the internet, allowing users to access and utilize these resources without having to manage physical servers or infrastructure. This technology has transformed how businesses operate by enabling flexibility, scalability, and collaboration across various platforms and locations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cloud computing enhances collaboration by enabling teams to work on shared documents and projects in real time from different locations.
2. It significantly reduces IT costs for organizations since they no longer need to invest heavily in physical hardware and maintenance.
3. Cloud services can be scaled up or down easily based on demand, allowing businesses to adjust their resources according to their current needs.
4. Security features in cloud computing include encryption and access control, which help protect sensitive data stored in the cloud from unauthorized access.
5. Cloud computing supports remote work by allowing employees to access files and applications from anywhere with an internet connection.

Review Questions

• How does cloud computing impact job roles and work design within organizations?
  • Cloud computing influences job roles by enabling remote work and collaborative practices that weren't possible before. Employees can now work from anywhere, which allows for more flexible schedules and can lead to improved work-life balance. The design of work tasks is also changing; roles may shift towards overseeing cloud services rather than managing on-site infrastructure, requiring new skills in cloud technologies.
• Evaluate how cloud computing contributes to the formation and efficiency of virtual organizations.
  • Cloud computing plays a crucial role in virtual organizations by providing the necessary tools and platforms for communication, project management, and data sharing. These resources help teams collaborate seamlessly despite being geographically dispersed. The ability to access cloud services fosters flexibility and innovation within virtual organizations, making them more responsive to market demands while minimizing overhead costs.
• Assess the long-term implications of cloud computing on organizational design and employee interaction in network organizations.
  • The long-term implications of cloud computing on organizational design include a shift towards flatter structures where traditional hierarchies may diminish as teams become more autonomous. This change can enhance employee interaction by promoting cross-functional collaboration, breaking down silos that often exist in traditional models. As organizations increasingly rely on cloud-based solutions, they may prioritize agility and adaptability, encouraging a culture where rapid response to change is valued over rigid protocols.

Related terms

Software as a Service (SaaS): A cloud computing model that delivers software applications over the internet on a subscription basis, allowing users to access them from any device without installation.

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): A form of cloud computing that provides virtualized computing resources over the internet, allowing organizations to rent servers and storage instead of maintaining physical hardware.

Platform as a Service (PaaS): A cloud computing service model that provides a platform allowing customers to develop, run, and manage applications without dealing with the complexity of building and maintaining the underlying infrastructure.