The Cloud

Question 1

What are the features of a hosted application software?

Answer 1

• Hosted on a server
• Uses internet connection
• Can be affected by latency and bandwidth
• Do not offer as many features as locally installed software
• Use online data storage
• Use the client-server model
• Features that enable collaboration
• Make edits or add comments
• Chat features

Question 2

Benefits of hosted application software:

Answer 2

• Accessible from many types of connected devices
• Can use online data storage to save files online
• Features that enable collaboration

Question 3

Drawbacks of hosted application software:

Answer 3

• Only accessible using the internet
• Can be affected by latency and bandwidth
• Not as many features as locally installed software

Question 4

Benefits of online data storage:

Answer 4

• Automatic backups
• Storage is scalable
• Sharing data is easier
• Unlimited storage packages
• Enables collab
• More local storage available for locally installed apps and local files

Question 5

Drawbacks of online data storage:

Answer 5

• Data protection issues if servers in a different country
• Dependent on the provider for security
• Slower file transfer speeds
• Only accessible using an internet connection
• Some files have to be downloaded since they are not hosted applications
• Often have to pay for additional storage

Question 6

Impact of the cloud:

Answer 6

• Competitive marketplace for developers of locally installed software
• Manufactures can sell inexpensive devices because they require less storage
• Helps reduce the digital divide
• Help org. as they provide org. with scalable solutions and they don’t have to spend money on servers

Question 7

Cloud-based services can also provide access to online communities such as:

Answer 7

• Social networking sites
• User-generated reference sites
• User-generated content
• Online work spaces
• Social bookmarking sites