CLOUD COMPUTING FOR SMEs

Cloud Computing For Small and Medium Enterprise in North America



Abstract

Cloud computing is a way to increase the capacity or add capabilities dynamically without investing in new infrastructure, training new personnel, or licensing new software. It extends Information Technology's (IT) existing capabilities. In the last few years, cloud computing has grown from being a promising business concept to one of the fast growing segments of the IT industry. But as more and more information on individuals and companies are placed in the cloud, concerns are beginning to grow about just how safe an environment it is. Despite of all the hype surrounding the cloud, enterprise customers are still reluctant to deploy their business in the cloud. Security is one of the major issues which reduces the growth of cloud computing and complications with data privacy and data protection continue to plague the market. The advent of an advanced model should not negotiate with the required functionalities and capabilities present in the current model. A new model targeting at improving features of an existing model must not risk or threaten other important features of the current model. The architecture of cloud poses such a threat to the security of the existing technologies when deployed in a cloud environment. Cloud service users need to be vigilant in understanding the risks of data breaches in this new environment. In this paper, a survey of the different security risks that pose a threat to the cloud is presented. This paper is a survey more specific to the different security issues that has emanated due to the nature of the service delivery models of a cloud computing system.

Table of Contents

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION3

Background of Cloud Technology3

Working3

Cloud Types4

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW5

Cloud Computing in North American SMEs5

Advantages for SMEs in North America7

Improved Cooperation7

Manage Growth7

Lower Costs7

More Security7

Seizing Opportunities8

The Proximity and Loyalty8

Cloud computing service vs. Tradition ERP system: Cost Comparison9

Cloud-based alternative10

Cloud computing service vs. Tradition ERP system: Adaptability12

CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY15

References16

Cloud Computing For Small and Medium Enterprise in North America

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

Background of Cloud Technology

Cloud technology, its program and its applications are being used most widely. Cloud technology has a very simple definition with a new trend in software, where all services are directly linked from computer to the internet. Now, we have an ease of access to the downloading of files to the computers. This software will run directly through the internet, from the service provider, erasing our hard drives (Sotomayor, Montero & Foster, 2009).

The simplification of the installation and optimization of the small portable technologies and devices (through the online service), which helps in acquiring low disk space as there will be no large amounts of files to be carried or stored, are the features of cloud technologies. The only drawback embedded in it is the provision of Internet connection and its access.



Working

The operation of cloud technology is simple as there is only need of the installation of small application of the software that the client wants to use in ...