Cloud computing

Definition

Cloud computing refers to the delivery of computing services over the internet, including storage, processing power, and software applications, allowing users to access and use these resources remotely. This model enhances flexibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness for individuals and organizations while raising important considerations around data security, control, and jurisdiction.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cloud computing enables users to scale resources up or down based on demand, which is particularly beneficial for businesses that experience fluctuating workloads.
2. The cloud allows for collaboration by enabling multiple users to access shared documents and applications simultaneously from various locations.
3. There are three main service models in cloud computing: IaaS, PaaS (Platform as a Service), and SaaS, each offering different levels of management and control over the underlying infrastructure.
4. Data stored in the cloud can be subject to different jurisdictions depending on where the servers are located, which complicates compliance with regulations like GDPR.
5. The rapid growth of cloud computing has prompted discussions about digital sovereignty, particularly regarding who owns data and who controls it across international borders.

Review Questions

• How does cloud computing enhance flexibility and scalability for organizations compared to traditional computing methods?
  • Cloud computing enhances flexibility by allowing organizations to quickly access additional resources as needed without significant upfront investment in hardware. With traditional computing methods, scaling often involves purchasing and installing physical equipment, which can be time-consuming. In contrast, cloud services allow for on-demand resource allocation, meaning organizations can adjust their computing power and storage in real-time to respond to changing business needs.
• Discuss the implications of data sovereignty in relation to cloud computing and how it affects user trust and regulatory compliance.
  • Data sovereignty has significant implications for cloud computing as it determines which country's laws apply to data stored in the cloud. This can impact user trust since consumers may be concerned about how their data is managed and protected across different jurisdictions. Regulatory compliance also becomes challenging when organizations use global cloud providers; they must navigate various legal frameworks that dictate how data should be handled, potentially leading to legal liabilities if not properly managed.
• Evaluate the role of cloud computing in shaping digital sovereignty debates among nations, considering economic, security, and ethical dimensions.
  • Cloud computing plays a pivotal role in shaping digital sovereignty debates as nations grapple with economic control over their data and technological infrastructures. Economically, countries may seek to encourage local cloud service providers to retain data within their borders for job creation and innovation. Security concerns arise when critical data is stored abroad, leading nations to advocate for stricter regulations on foreign cloud services. Ethically, discussions emerge around individual privacy rights versus national security needs, making cloud computing a crucial factor in determining how nations balance these competing interests.

Related terms

Software as a Service (SaaS): A cloud computing model where applications are hosted on the cloud and accessed via the internet, eliminating the need for local installation.

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): A cloud computing model that provides virtualized computing resources over the internet, allowing users to rent servers and storage without owning physical hardware.

Data sovereignty: The concept that data is subject to the laws and governance structures within the nation where it is collected and stored, impacting how cloud services operate across borders.