Cloud computing

Definition

Cloud computing is a technology that allows users to access and store data and applications over the internet instead of on local servers or personal computers. This model enables on-demand availability of computing resources, promoting scalability, flexibility, and collaboration across various business intelligence applications. As organizations rely more on data-driven decisions, cloud computing becomes essential for integrating large datasets and providing real-time analytics.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cloud computing enables businesses to reduce IT costs by minimizing the need for physical infrastructure and maintenance.
2. It allows for easy scaling of resources according to business needs, helping organizations to adapt quickly to changing demands.
3. Cloud services facilitate collaboration among teams by providing access to shared data and applications from any location with internet connectivity.
4. Security measures in cloud computing have advanced, with many providers offering encryption and compliance with industry standards to protect sensitive data.
5. The rise of cloud computing has transformed how businesses leverage data analytics, enabling faster insights and decision-making processes.

Review Questions

• How does cloud computing enhance business intelligence practices within organizations?
  • Cloud computing enhances business intelligence by providing scalable storage and processing power needed to handle large volumes of data. It allows organizations to integrate various data sources seamlessly and access real-time analytics from anywhere. This flexibility fosters improved decision-making, as teams can collaborate on insights without being restricted by physical location or hardware limitations.
• Discuss the implications of adopting cloud computing on the historical evolution of business intelligence tools.
  • The adoption of cloud computing has significantly influenced the evolution of business intelligence tools by shifting the focus from traditional on-premises systems to more accessible and cost-effective cloud-based solutions. This transition has led to the democratization of data analytics, where even small businesses can access sophisticated tools that were once only available to larger enterprises. Consequently, this shift has spurred innovation in BI technologies and enabled more agile responses to market changes.
• Evaluate how the current landscape of cloud computing impacts future trends in business intelligence analytics.
  • The current landscape of cloud computing is driving future trends in business intelligence analytics by promoting advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning integration. As organizations increasingly adopt cloud platforms, they benefit from enhanced data processing capabilities and sophisticated analytical tools. This trend suggests that future BI solutions will not only become more user-friendly but will also leverage automation for deeper insights, enabling businesses to stay ahead in an increasingly competitive environment.

Related terms

Software as a Service (SaaS): A cloud computing model that delivers software applications over the internet, eliminating the need for local installation and management.

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): A cloud service model that provides virtualized computing resources over the internet, allowing businesses to manage their infrastructure without physical hardware.

Big Data: Extremely large datasets that can be analyzed computationally to reveal patterns, trends, and associations, especially relating to human behavior and interactions.