Cloud Computing

Sample Solution

  The planning process that needs to be in place before adopting cloud computing is essential to ensure a successful transition from existing systems to the cloud environment. The main stakeholders who need to be involved in this process include the IT department, managerial staff, end-users, and any third-party vendors or consultants who will be working on the project.

Discussions should focus on outlining specific requirements for the implementation of cloud services such as data storage capacity, scalability options, network bandwidth, performance requirements, access levels based on user roles and responsibilities within the organization's hierarchy structure, budget restraints (if any), expected ROI over time due to cost savings generated by migrating workflows onto the new platform(s), etc.. Additionally, it is important to have a clear vision of how the new system will integrate with existing systems currently used by employees as well as plans for future scaling of services if needed down the line. The success of these discussions also depends heavily on having accurate estimates of current usage trends against which future projections can then be accurately executed without running into major challenges in terms of availability or limited resources that do not meet user demands during peak times. The advantages and disadvantages of cloud computing are mainly related to costs versus benefits when compared against traditional methods used by organizations. Advantages include scalability (being able to easily scale up or down depending on demand) cost efficiency (which could potentially result in significant savings over time when compared against paying upfront for large amounts of hardware/software licenses plus associated maintenance fees/upgrades), improved collaboration among teams across different geographic locations or departments thanks to secure online file sharing capabilities offered through modern platforms such as Dropbox or Google Drive Cloud Storage; improved business continuity since all data stored can be quickly retrieved from multiple servers located at geographically dispersed sites should one fail and lastly increased flexibility since users can access company applications anytime anywhere using mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones provided they have internet connectivity available wherever they choose go - thus allowing them great freedom while still remaining productive even outside office hours/locations if so desired. On the other hand there are some potential drawbacks too including security concerns with regards data privacy & integrity due malicious activities perpetrated either internally or externally through cyber attacks; vendor lock-in due long term contracts signed between customer & provider plus hidden fees sometimes embedded within those agreements; lack control over software updates & patches where customer relies completely upon provider’s discretion regarding schedule/frequency thereof; technical knowledge gaps related personnel assigned tasks they may not have enough expertise in order complete satisfactorily leading potential delays production cycles costing money both directly indirectly depending severity case plus finally less customization options than what would normally found traditional deployments cases thus reducing overall flexibility solution scope could provide initially planned out outset any given project endeavor quite significantly limiting returns overall investment made was hoping achieve initially outset matter then becomes somewhat moot point whether better off sticking regular infrastructure setups instead utilizing something like Amazon Web Services S3 buckets Azure Cloud Platform offerings similar providers market today? When selecting a particular service model for cloud computing it is important consider various factors such Infrastructure As A Service (IAAS), Platform As A Service (PAAS) Software As A Service (SAAS). IAAS provides an entire virtualized IT environment which includes hardware resources like servers virtual machines databases et al making easy deploy applications sufficient level control granted users determine shape form their setup want take whereas PAAS removes burden managing underlying physical infrastructure removing most operational duties directly responsible customer leaving responsibility certain aspects quality assurance releasing updating product its designated environment meanwhile SAAS eliminates install maintain piece software offering subscription base license via web browser nothing else necessary once account created log simply pay ongoing basis continued use whichever option decided go along upon must make sure stability reliability receive acceptable levels especially mission critical operations come play Otherwise risk facing outages system downtime financial losses people affected whatever reason chances being exposed malicious actors increases exponentially since more vulnerable targets trying penetrate steal information resulting irreparable damages reputation concerned parties unless someone willing constantly monitor every single detail happening backend just hope everything goes according plan Originally laid out begin step start taking steps achieving goal successfully whilst avoiding pitfalls waiting ahead unknowingly throughout journey! To assess and mitigate security risks associated with cloud computing there are several best practices that organizations should adhere too. One is continuous monitoring and auditing processes – constant vigilance helps identify potential threats early so that preventative measures can be taken immediately rather than waiting until after damage has been done before reacting accordingly - conducting frequent penetration tests also helps detect weaknesses within networks which hackers might exploit other means gaining unauthorized access sensitive company data testing configuration settings periodically ensures optimal performance configurations remain unchanged compromised inadvertently misconfigured accidentally some point another addition implementing two factor authentication protocols logging mechanisms minimize chance compromised accounts reaching confidential records implementing encryption protocols especially when transmitting storing confidential information further protect yourself hacking attempts ransomware infections yet another example incorporating highly secured Virtual Private Networks VPNs encrypt traffic sent received client server thereby adding extra layer protection additionally restricting access certain functions administrators privileged users only denying logins pertain those particular individuals not allowed perform activities deemed unnecessary job descriptions themselves reduce chances infiltrators taking advantage flaws loophole left open meant gain entry otherwise restricted areas system wise course implement Policies Procedures enforcing strict guidelines discipline adhere employees part keeping safe secure all times key here staying ahead game continuously adapting changing landscapes rise newer technologies likewise threats arise order counterbalance one another hence importance aligning accordance industry standards soon possible