Business Information Systems Module Code: 6N8389

Business Information Systems Module Code: 6N8389 Module Title: Business Information Systems Assignment Type: Repeat CA 2 Individual Project Title: IT Terminology & Technology Project

You are required to research Cloud Computing and to write up a 2,000 word report. Specific Requirements Research your assigned topic using the Internet or books etc. (please see page 3 for topics) Document your findings in your report. Please include references for work copied directly from the internet or books used Additional Notes: Please ensure your documentation is free from spelling and grammatical errors. Marking Scheme Summary Description Weighting Introduction 5% History of Cloud Computing 10% Future of Cloud Computing, Spend forecasts, predictions of usage etc. 5% Advantages and Disadvantaged of Cloud Computing 5% Conclusion and References 5% TOTAL 30% Business Information Systems (CA2) Page 1 of 2

Paper For Above instruction

Cloud computing has revolutionized the way organizations and individuals access and utilize technological resources. By offering scalable, on-demand access to computing services via the Internet, cloud technology has fundamentally transformed information systems, enabling more flexible, cost-effective, and efficient operations. This report explores the history, current state, and future forecasts of cloud computing, along with its advantages and disadvantages, to provide a comprehensive understanding of this critical technological domain.

Introduction

Cloud computing has emerged as a pivotal advancement in information technology, allowing users to access computing resources without the need for significant physical infrastructure. It offers various services such as data storage, processing power, networking, and software applications, all delivered over the internet. This paradigm shift has facilitated rapid digital transformation across sectors, fostering innovation and operational efficiency. This section introduces the concept, scope, and significance of cloud computing in today's technological landscape.

History of Cloud Computing

The origins of cloud computing date back to the 1960s, with initial ideas rooted in the concept of time-sharing and utility computing. However, it was not until the early 2000s that cloud technology became commercially viable. Amazon Web Services (AWS), launched in 2006, is widely recognized as the pioneer in providing on-demand cloud infrastructure services, setting the stage for widespread adoption. Over the subsequent decade, leading tech giants such as Microsoft, Google, and IBM entered the market, expanding the range of cloud services and improving reliability, scalability, and security. The evolution of virtualization and advancements in internet technology have been key catalysts in the development of cloud computing, transforming theoretic concepts into mainstream applications.

Future of Cloud Computing

The future of cloud computing appears promising, with forecasts indicating continuous growth in market size, spending, and capabilities. According to industry reports, the cloud computing market is expected to reach over $800 billion by 2027, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 17% (Gartner, 2023). Cloud technology is anticipated to further integrate with emerging fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, Internet of Things (IoT), and edge computing, creating more intelligent and autonomous systems. Additionally, the shift toward hybrid and multi-cloud environments is expected to dominate organizational strategies, enabling greater flexibility, resilience, and compliance management. Spending forecasts suggest that organizations will progressively increase their investments in cloud infrastructure and services as digital transformation becomes a strategic priority across sectors.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Cloud Computing

Cloud computing offers numerous advantages that have driven its widespread adoption. These include cost savings by reducing capital expenditures on physical infrastructure, scalability to accommodate fluctuating workloads, and accessibility from any location with internet connectivity (Marston et al., 2011). Cloud solutions also foster rapid deployment, collaboration, and innovation through shared resources and services. Furthermore, pay-as-you-go models enable organizations to optimize resource utilization and operational costs.

However, cloud computing also presents drawbacks. Security concerns remain paramount, as data breaches and unauthorized access pose risks, especially in multi-tenant environments (Rittinghouse & Ransome, 2017). Data sovereignty and compliance issues complicate cloud adoption, particularly for organizations handling sensitive information (Kuo, 2011). Additionally, reliance on internet connectivity and cloud service providers introduces issues related to service outages and vendor lock-in, which can hamper business continuity. The complexity of managing hybrid and multi-cloud architectures further complicates governance and interoperability.

Conclusion

Cloud computing has undoubtedly transformed modern information systems, offering operational flexibility, cost efficiencies, and innovation opportunities. Its evolution from basic data centers to sophisticated, integrated ecosystems continues at a rapid pace, driven by technological advancements and changing organizational needs. While the benefits are substantial, challenges related to security, compliance, and vendor dependence must be strategically managed. As the market forecasts indicate sustained growth and integration with emerging technologies, cloud computing will remain a central pillar of digital strategies in the foreseeable future.

References

  • Gartner. (2023). Cloud Computing Market Forecast. Gartner Research.
  • Kuo, T. (2011). Opportunities and challenges of cloud computing to improve healthcare services. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 13(3), e67.
  • Marston, S., Li, Z., Bahat, R., & Gopal, S. (2011). Cloud computing—The business perspective. Decision Support Systems, 51(1), 176-189.
  • Rittinghouse, J. W., & Ransome, J. F. (2017). Cloud Computing: Implementation, Management, and Security. CRC Press.
  • Garrison, G., Kim, S., & Wakefield, R. L. (2012). Success factors for deploying cloud computing. Communications of the ACM, 55(9), 62–68.
  • Armbrust, M., et al. (2010). A view of cloud computing. Communications of the ACM, 53(4), 50–58.
  • Mell, P., & Grance, T. (2011). The NIST Definition of Cloud Computing. National Institute of Standards and Technology.
  • Brooks, T., & Wu, W. (2018). Cloud security issues and challenges. Journal of Cloud Computing, 7(1), 5.
  • Sharma, R., & Mittal, S. (2019). Cloud computing: Pros and cons. International Journal of Computer Applications, 178(3), 35-41.
  • Chauhan, S., & Khandoker, A. H. (2020). Emerging trends in cloud computing. IEEE Access, 8, 205764-205779.

Related Assignments