Page 55 - Cloud Essentials

for them to do their jobs.

Data confidentiality refers to encryption that allows access only to
authorized users in possession of a decryption key. Data integrity

ensures that data has not been tampered with.

CERTIFICATION OBJECTIVE 2.03

How the Characteristics of Cloud Computing Enhance
Business Value

Computer technicians eagerly sing the praises of cloud computing from a
technical perspective, but where is the real value that solves business

problems? Saving money and having an edge over competitors offers real
value to any business. Keep reading to learn more about this.

Hardware Independence and Variable Costs
Cloud providers can deliver lower cost because they enjoy economies of
scale. Clients don’t have to purchase large amounts of hardware; instead,
they are able to invest in cost-saving operational procedures, which are
easy to justify.
In a typical organization, a large proportion of the effort is dedicated to

maintaining the status quo in the face of updates, upgrades, and fixes.
Operating systems need regular updates and patches in order to stay current
and to fix emerging security problems. Log files and disk space need
monitoring while application-software installations need updates, service
packs, hotfixes, and so on. As demands on the systems change, continuous
fine-tuning is necessary for the applications to continue working.

Cloud computing can considerably reduce the scope of work that has to
be performed and, consequently, the amount of work. For example, most
system-management tasks will be performed by the cloud service provider.
This means businesses can enjoy smaller operating expenses (OPEX) over
time instead of large initial capital expenditures (CAPEX), as depicted in
Figure 2-4. On the other hand, it is not realistic to think that the entire IT

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