Cloud Computing: Navigating the Paradigm Shift, Security Challenges, and Future Directions

Abstract

Overview of Cloud Computing

Cloud computing provides a paradigm shift in computing services delivery. Unlike the traditional way where IT infrastructure, platforms, and applications are hosted on-premises, cloud computing implies that these services are provided over the internet ("the cloud"). The National Institute of Standards and Technology defines cloud computing as a "model for enabling ubiquitous, convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g., networks, servers, storage, applications, and services) that can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort or service provider interaction."

This new delivery model provides various advantages over the traditional IT setups. Scalability is one advantage that cloud computing offers; an organization can scale up or down according to its particular resource needs. This saves an organization from large upfront investments in infrastructure and provides flexibility that is very important in dynamic business environments. It allows companies to pay for what they use, enabling a more cost-effective model of IT resource management.