Cloud Computing as a Threat to Confidentiality

This research program aimed to explore the trending aspects of the business environment, focusing on cloud computing. The study employed a qualitative method, collecting data from two major organizations, IBM and Google. The findings highlighted the positive factors of cloud computing, such as cost reduction, increased productivity, and enhanced reliability, while also discussing the negative factors, including lack of suitability, limited connectivity, and security concerns. The research demonstrated a systematic approach to conducting the study, dividing it into different activities to ensure its completion in an effective manner. The outcomes of this research will contribute to shaping my knowledge regarding cloud computing and its applications in the business environment, preparing me for future research programs.

RUNNING HEAD: BUSINESS RESEARCH
Business Research
Advantages and Disadvantages of Cloud computing for businesses

Advantages and Disadvantages of Cloud computing for businesses 1
Table of Contents
Assignment 3: Reflective Writing..............................................................................................2
References..................................................................................................................................5

Advantages and Disadvantages of Cloud computing for businesses 2
Assignment 3: Reflective Writing
I have executed this business research program on the topic “Advantages and disadvantages
of cloud computing for businesses”. I have discussed the increasing use of cloud computing
in the business along with the advantages and disadvantages associated with the use of cloud
computing for businesses. Technology is widely being used by the businesses with a motive
to gain a competitive advantage over the others in the industry. I have discussed the concept
of cloud computing which is facilitating storage of the data in the space (Feng, et. al., 2011).
Companies are looking for storage mediums for storing the data of the company at a safe and
secure platform. I have framed an objective on the basis of which information related to the
research program has been gathered. The objective behind conducting the research program
is to advantages business is gaining from investing in the cloud computing and challenges
faced due to cloud computing (Catteddu, 2010).
I have defined a project scope according to which this research has covered the advantages
business has realized from the use of cloud computing in the daily operations as well as
disadvantages acting as a challenge for businesses using cloud computing. I have developed
knowledge of the different aspects related to cloud computing and factors which motivate the
business to use cloud computing. I have gathered quality data for the purpose of gaining a
better understanding of the concept. I have analyzed different examples of the companies of
the real world which are using cloud computing for enhancing the effectiveness of the
operations and enhancing the performance (Takabi, et. al., 2010). I have understood that
businesses are using cloud computing with a motive to deliver smooth technological services
to the customers all around the globe. With the change in business environment, there has
been a change in the manner data or information is stored by the business. I have understood

Advantages and Disadvantages of Cloud computing for businesses 3
that these changes in the business environment have resulted in increasing use of cloud
computing by businesses (Zhang, et. al., 2010).
I have developed knowledge of the various advantages and disadvantages of using cloud
computing for businesses. These advantages of using cloud computing include storing the
data at a common platform which is safe and secure, minimising the cost of the business
involved in storing the data, ease of accessibility of data anytime, enhancement I the
productivity of the services and from anywhere, reduction in the chances of error or duplicity
as data is being managed from a single computer and retrieval of the data is fast (Sultan,
2010). Disadvantages of using cloud computing are lack of privacy, a threat to the
confidentiality which is against the interest of the company, increase the need for technical
staff for performing the operations and increase in the financial implications on the part of the
business. I have analyzed different cases which proves that use of cloud computing has
increased the chances of a threat to privacy and confidentiality. For the purpose of coping
with this issue of threat to privacy and confidentiality, proper techniques or measures need to
be applied (Subashini & Kavitha, 2011).
I have gathered data on the basis of the research questions and objectives set for the research
program. For gathering quality and authentic data, I have used secondary sources of data
collection. Secondary data has enhanced the reliability of the data discussed in this research
program. Various books, articles, newspapers, journals, magazines, company’s annual reports
and other internet sources have been used for collecting data. Knowledge gained during the
execution process of this research program has enhanced the skills and knowledge which will
help me throughout my life (Chawla & Sodhi, 2011). I have gained knowledge of the manner
in which a research program has to be conducted. I have taken help from the internet sources
which have guided my efforts in the right direction. This learning process has encouraged for
performing the research programs in future in a better manner. I found this research program

Advantages and Disadvantages of Cloud computing for businesses 4
very useful which has formed a base for the future programs I will initiate for meeting the
career goals (Danping & Lee, 2011).
I have come across that conducting a business research has developed my knowledge as well
developed my skills which I will apply in future for attaining the goals set. Cloud computing
is a trending aspect of the business environment and having knowledge of this will help me in
taking better decisions for the management or storing the data. Management of data or
information is crucial in this business environment as a threat to confidentiality is increasing.
This knowledge has helped in completing this research program effectively and fulfilling the
objectives of the business (Hofmann & Woods, 2010). Completion of this research was
required for attaining the objectives of the program. This knowledge will be used in the future
career as knowledge of the trending aspects of the business environment for working
effectively. Different roles and responsibilities are assigned to an individual for meeting the
goals of the future career. Knowledge of the current trending aspects of the business
environment will help me in fulfilling the future roles and responsibilities which are part of a
future career in a better manner (Kuada, 2012).
I have conducted this research program in a sequence for ensuring that the research is
completed in an effective manner by covering every aspect. I have prepared a research plan
on the basis of which research has been conducted. This research plan or schedule has
provided a direction to me while conducting this research and ensuring that the research is
performed without skipping out any important aspect which could have affected the
successful completion of the research. I have selected the research topic and gathered data
related to the research topic. I have learned about different methods or techniques which are
being used by the researchers for conducting the research successfully and within the time
frame. Challenge faced while conducting this research program was the completion of the

Advantages and Disadvantages of Cloud computing for businesses 5
research within the limited time available. For coping with this challenge, I have effectively
used research methods or techniques (Aljabre, 2012).
This research is very useful which has shaped my knowledge in a better manner regarding the
research topic. I have understood that there is a need to consider different factors while
selecting cloud computing for the business. These factors have the potential to create positive
as well as negative impact on the business. Positive factors which I have analyzed include a
reduction in the cost and increase in saving, enhancing the speed of the performing the
functions of the business, enhancement in the productivity of the business and enhances the
reliability as a backup of data can be created with the use of cloud computing. Negative
factors which I have analyzed are lack of suitability for everyone, limited connectivity as
cloud computing is dependent on the internet, lack of security and lack of customer support. I
have used qualitative method for collecting data for the research. I have selected two major
organizations of this area and name of the organizations are IBM and Google (Armbrust, et.
al., 2010).
Secondary data has been collected which is second-hand data and is a reliable form of data
which has contributed towards the quality of the research. Authentic sources have been used
for this research program. Reliability and validity are important for every research as these
factors together determine the quality of the research. I have identified few limitations while
conducting this research. These limitations are related to data collection process, analysis of
the data and maintaining the reliability and validity of the collected data for the research.
Time schedule has been prepared by me for the identification of the different activities of this
research and identifying the time which will be required for completing the activities (Chawla
& Sodhi, 2011).
I have conducted this research in a systematic manner for ensuring that the research is
focused on the goals set. For the attainment of the objective of the research, it was crucial to

Advantages and Disadvantages of Cloud computing for businesses 6
divide the research into different activities. These activities have ensured that the research has
been conducted as per the plans and is moving in the right direction. Assignment one has
covered the literature review part, objectives and scope which have formed a base for the
concept of cloud computing. Assignment two has covered the research methodology section
and summary of the literature review. This methodology section has developed my
knowledge regarding the various approaches which can be used for conducting the research,
collecting data, analyzing the collected data and forming conclusions on the basis of analyzed
data (Danping & Lee, 2011).
I have understood that the research learning process is important as this enhances the learning
and knowledge. This business research has encouraged and prepared me for conducting
research programs in future for attaining the objectives. I will use this knowledge gained
from the execution of this research program for conducting research in future. For attaining
success in the future as a profession, there is a need to gather data of the business
environment and how to apply the knowledge gained for performing the roles and
responsibilities assigned. I have learned a lot from the execution of this research which will
help me in meeting the career goals.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Cloud computing for businesses 7
References
Aljabre, A. 2012, “Cloud computing for increased business value”, International Journal of
Business and social science, 3(1).
Armbrust, M., Fox, A., Griffith, R., Joseph, A. D., Katz, R., Konwinski, A. & Zaharia, M.
2010, “A view of cloud computing”, Communications of the ACM, 53(4), 50-58.
Catteddu, D., 2010, “Cloud Computing: benefits, risks and recommendations for information
security”, Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg, pp. 17-17.
Chawla, D. & Sodhi, N., 2011, “Research methodology: concepts and cases”, Vikas
Publishing House.
Danping, L. & Lee, C.K., 2011, “A review of the research methodology for the re-entrant
scheduling problem”, International Journal of Production Research, 49(8), pp.2221-2242.
Feng, D.G., Zhang, M., Zhang, Y. & Xu, Z., 2011, “Study on cloud computing security”,
Journal of software, 22(1), pp.71-83.
Hofmann, P. & Woods, D. 2010, “Cloud computing: The limits of public clouds for business
applications”, IEEE Internet Computing, 14(6), 90-93.
Kuada, J., 2012, “Research methodology: A project guide for university students”,
Samfundslitteratur.
Subashini, S. & Kavitha, V., 2011, “A survey on security issues in service delivery models of
cloud computing”, Journal of network and computer applications, 34(1), 1-11.
Sultan, N. 2010, “Cloud computing for education: A new dawn?”, International Journal of
Information Management, 30(2), 109-116.
Takabi, H., Joshi, J.B. & Ahn, G.J., 2010, “Security and privacy challenges in cloud
computing environments”, IEEE Security & Privacy, 8(6), pp.24-31.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Cloud computing for businesses 8
Zhang, Q., Cheng, L. & Boutaba, R. 2010, “Cloud computing: state-of-the-art and research
challenges” Journal of internet services and applications, 1(1), 7-18.