Disadvantages of Cloud Computing

2011-11-20T17:29:00.000-08:00

Like all new technologies, cloud computing has its fair share of disadvantages. While this affects in general all users, private users or smaller companies are the ones who may feel slightly more disadvantaged than larger businesses.

Network Connections Dependency - Disadvantages of Cloud Computing #1
Cloud computing needs network connections to work. When the network is down, cloud services are down as well. What’s more, when the network runs slowly, your services run slowly as well, and your work is affected. Even if cloud computing providers take precautions to ensure that the network has a great uptime, the risk will always remain.

Connecting Peripherals - Disadvantages of Cloud Computing #2
Companies that have a dedicated network for peripherals don’t have as many problems as those who don’t. Connecting wireless devices can be difficult, especially when it comes to personal devices. Software incompatibilities are another problem. A large number of devices are still designed to connect specifically with a PC, so that some functions like printing, may only be performed if you have a PC with the right software on it.

Costs - Cached Similar Disadvantages
When done on a small scale cloud computing can be expensive to set up. This is especially the case when you have a small business and are not exactly sure what service is best for your situation, and so will have to try various offerings until you find the right one. However, in the long run cloud computing is affordable and in time you can recuperate the money you spent in the beginning.

Data Ownership - Cached Similar Disadvantages
As one of the biggest issues that trouble cloud computing, data ownership can be a major obstacle, especially if you have a lot of data to deal with. As of yet there is no straightforward answer to a basic question such as ‘who owns the data maintained by a cloud storage service, the uploader or the storage provider?’. As a result, cloud providers create their own terms and conditions, which at times may seem arbitrary. Therefore, reading the small print is necessary when you deal with cloud computing, and especially with cloud hosting. Also note that at times you may not be allowed to upload a certain type of data.

No Hard Drive - Computing Cached
For some users the lack of a hard drive is an advantage, as they can reduce costs. For those who use programs that need an attached hard drive, however, this may be unpleasant. Still, an increasing number of companies eliminate the need for a hard drive, in an effort to make data management easier.

Security - Computing Cached
Although security in the cloud is generally good – hackers don’t have a definite target that they can attack – there still are some serious security concerns. For instance, the interconnectedness of servers in the cloud may lead to a situation in which a hacker breaches one system and then can make their way into other linked systems.

Many of the disadvantages of cloud computing are due to the fact that the technology is still relatively new. In other words, they will be addressed in time, as more and more users adopt cloud computing.Nevertheless, no technology is perfect, and cloud computing is no exception: when getting cloud services take into account all the possible disadvantages.