Online Systems Flashcards
Features of online systems & Using online systems
What is cloud storage
A method of storage where data is stored on remote servers, rather than on the users local computer or in an organisations own data centre
What is cloud computing
Software is stored on remote servers & accessed by users via their browser
Examples of 3 cloud storage services
Dropbox
Google Drive
Microsoft
What are the features of personal use of cloud storage
Storing files such as photos and videos online, so they are synced and accessible on all the users devices
What are the features of professional use of cloud storage
Storing off-site backups of business data, to allow recovery in case if loss of data
Accessing business documents while working off-site
What are the features of personal use in cloud computing
Acccessing graphics editing software, email & home office software on a variety of home computing devices
What are the features of professional use in cloud computing
Accessing office applications & emial without having to install the software on al workstations
In other words: you can use programs like Word or Gmail through the internet, instead of downloading them on each computer
What are the advantages of cloud storage/computing on individuals
- Data can be accessed on the wide variety of devices used in the home
- Software with specifcation requirements that are too high for a home computer can be easily accssed through cloud computing
What are the disadvanatges of cloud storage/computing on individuals
- Cloud storage & computing can make heavy use of bandwidth
in other words: this means a lot of information is being sent back and forth over the internet, which uses bandwidth - Hackers could access & misuse personal photos or videos on the cloud storage servers
What are the disadvanatges of cloud storage/computing on organisations
- Organisations have no control over the security of their backups, as that is controlled by the cloud storage company
- Privacy concerns over who can access the organisations data within the cloud storage company
- Software is inaccessible if there is a network outage
What are the advantages of cloud storage/computing on organisations
- Off-site backups are more physically secure (e.g. safe from fire)
- A business can subscribe & unsubscribe to software to changing needs
- Organisations can save money as IT staff are not needed to manage software installations & less powerful hardware is required
What are the factors that must be considered before switching to these online systems to ensure it is the best decsision for an organisation
Security
Cost
Ease of use
Features
Connectivity
Why is security important when considering switching online systems for an organisation
Data is accessible over the internet, potentially to hackers & you have little control over security procedures
This is why organisations must choose an organisatin that implements high security protocols
Why is cost important when considering switching online systems for an organisation
Many cloud services are free of charge to individual users up to a certain data limit, but charge monthly fees for businesses
There are free services, such as Google Drive
Why is ease of use important when considering switching online systems for an organisation
Some online services are easier for non-technical users than others. If a system or a service is not easy to use, then users will not use it.
Therefore, if you wangt users, then you must ensure that your system is easy & intuitive no matter what device someone uses to access your service.
