Cloud computing is a generic term that refers to storage, services and applications that are accessed via the Internet rather than being stored locally on your computer, tablet or phone.
The cloud is effectively a network of servers – some store data, others run applications. These servers are housed (contenuti) in giant data centres around the world; users do not need to know the geographical location where their data is stored.
Examples of Cloud Services
| Category |
Examples |
| File storage & sharing |
Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud Drive, OneDrive |
| Software & applications |
Google Docs, Office 365, Gmail |
| Processing power |
Amazon Web Services (AWS) |
Advantages of Cloud Computing
| Advantage |
Detail |
| Access from anywhere |
Files and applications available worldwide with an Internet connection |
| Always up to date |
Applications are always the latest version; no manual updates needed |
| Reduced IT staff |
Less need for network managers and technical support |
| Flexible storage |
Additional storage can be purchased when needed |
| Automatic backups |
Data is regularly backed up and kept secure by the hosting company |
| Easy sharing |
Data can be shared easily with colleagues anywhere in the world |
Disadvantages of Cloud Computing
| Drawback (inconveniente) |
Detail |
| Internet dependency |
An Internet connection is required to access files and services |
| Limited security control |
Users have little control over the security of their data |
| Hacking risk |
Cloud-stored data may be targeted (colpita) more easily by hackers than locally stored data |
| Unclear data ownership |
It can be unclear who legally owns the stored data |
| Unpredictable pricing |
Providers can change terms and prices with little notice |
| Ongoing fees |
Ongoing fees (costi attuali) may become expensive in the long run |
Summary
|
Cloud Computing |
| What it is |
Internet-based storage, services and applications |
| Where data is stored |
Remote data centres worldwide |
| Key advantage |
Access from anywhere, always up to date |
| Key disadvantage |
Requires Internet connection; limited security control |
Glossary
| English |
Italian |
| to house |
contenere |
| drawback |
inconveniente, svantaggio |
| to target |
colpire |
| ongoing fee |
costo attuale |