The legendary Neil Armstrong once said, "One small step for man, One giant leap for

mankind.” Over the course of the twentieth and twenty-first century, that world has seen many
discoveries that have been beneficial to society. These discoveries have given society many
opportunities to flourish into what it is known today. In the past hundred years alone, the
evolution of technology has significantly enhanced the way society lives their lives. Before the
arrival of modern technology, life was considered somewhat tedious. Days were considered long,
spending hours doing just a few things here and there, never able to complete more than a couple
of things. As time progressed, advancements in technology were created to assist society in their
needs and wants. Nowadays, any person can simplify their daily life with just a click of a mouse.

If the advancements in technology are a convenient and efficient way to improve the life
of the general public, are business owners able to utilize these advancements in their favor?
Business owners now have the capability of accessing multiple applications, that help run the
work objectives effectively and improve work output for these companies. But what exactly is
this called? What exactly is helping users compute their workload, their schedules, into simple
day-to-day? This ability is called cloud computing. But what does cloud computing technology
mean, what does it do? According to the general public, "cloud computing technology is the on-
demand availability of computer system resources, especially data storage and computing power,
without direct active management by the user."

To personally get a better understanding of this topic, the article Cloud Computing
Technology: A Viable Option for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses written by Mohsen
Attaran and Jeremy Woods will give an inner look on what makes up cloud computing
technology. Also providing information on how this technology is useful to business owners and
users alike.

Attaran and Woods' main goal is to give the reader in a depth look at what cloud
computing is. Giving detailed explanations on what makes up this cloud computing technology.
Along with various scenarios on the process used to adapt small businesses into adopting cloud
computing technology their business. This article also provides the advantages and disadvantages
of what various companies could gain or suffer from using this technology. Along with the rise
of reported usage of cloud computing technology and what the various providers will see in
future data. Pointing out the common uses' businesses use with cloud computing technology.

Starting off, the authors give a simple, yet detailed explanation of what cloud computing
technology is. Giving simple explanations of what this service allows users to do. Allowing
readers to get a basic understanding of what this article is based on. The essential characteristics
that make up cloud computing technology are based on On-demand self-service, broad network
access, resource pooling, rapid elasticity, and measured service. Thus, allowing users to access
various types of documents, spreadsheets, or emails from the comfort of their electronics. This
usage is what is defined as computer cloud technology.

Cloud computing technology is divided into three main services: public, private, and
hybrid. Each category is tailored to specific needs for the daily consumer. One of the most
commonly used is the public cloud. Typically run by third-party organizations, it offers its users
cost-efficient ways to run their business and use the latest technology offered by the provider.
Consumers looking to have more control within their business and have their data secured opted
for the private cloud option. This gives the consumer control of how their business operated. A
combination of public and private cloud mainframe, the hybrid cloud is "utilized for noncritical
information and peak workloads that must scale on-demand, while sensitive information is kept
private on a private cloud controlled by the organization".

Three main models deliver cloud computing services. The majority of consumers use a
variety of Software as a Service (SaaS) product for their everyday operations. Offered over a
network, users can access these applications through software or a web browser. With SaaS,
users find the option easy to use and affordable. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) gives business
owners access to servers, networking, and storage. IaaS can be created to suit the needs of the
user, offering the most control and flexibility. Platform as a Service (PaaS) offers the same
hardware resources as IaaS, plus the operating system and databases. PaaS gives freedom to
users the ability to develop, run, and manage applications without the hassle of applying
hardware and application software.

Business owners opting to integrate cloud computing technology into the business, are
opening the door to so many opportunities. These opportunities allow businesses to operate by
reducing costs, improved workplace collaboration, increased flexibility, enhanced reliability, and
a reduced carbon footprint. These opportunities allow the possibilities of businesses to compete
with larger companies along with simplifying applications needed to run business objectives.

For every positive, there is a negative. With the numerous advancements, cloud
computing technology could provide to businesses, there is a downside to this technology. The
lack of sufficient resources could be detrimental to the business. Without the training or
understanding of what cloud computing technology is, business owners would not be able to
make informed decisions that would be beneficial to their businesses. Nowadays people have no
patience to wait; they prefer a fast and easy way. Without letting enough time for these new
initiatives to take effect, some business owners implanting cloud computing technology into their
business will not see these prospects flourish within their company. Another downside is the cost
of maintaining cloud usage along with the efficiency of uploading documents. Without the
upkeep of maintenance, businesses would suffer performance issues along with inconveniences
to business objectives. One of the main concerns that every user asks, "Is their data secure"?
Business owners run the risk of having their cloud computing technology attacked by
cyberhackers. This puts sensitive data at risk to be stolen or corrupted.

As each year passes, the advancements made in the field of technology grows
exponentially. Various types of businesses are constantly looking for smarter ways to grow their
business and gain a competitive edge in their field of work. Over the past several years there
have been several studies that have shown an increase in the number of businesses adopting
cloud computing technology to increase efficiency within their place of business. These studies
have shown an increase in consumers opting to use public and private cloud technology while
showing a decrease within hybrid cloud users. With an increase of ninety-two percent of
consumers favoring the public cloud option. According to a 2018 survey there was a significant
increase of public cloud users expanding their usage of the "basic compute, storage and network
services." Each year there will be an increase of business owners opting to adopt cloud
computing technology. Providers that offer their services to these businesses have seen an
increase in percentages of users and along with an increase in profit margins.

As business owners look to the future and see the increase of supply and demand in their
field of business, they see the opportunity for growth. In any scenario, any business owner must
take the time to study their options in order to make any change successful within their company.
According to research, there are three phases businesses must follow to successfully adopt any
cloud computing technology within their company. Phase one, business owners must thoroughly
research the services offered through cloud computing. Business owners learn about cloud
computing technology, the core needs of what these services offer, and identify what is ideal for
their business. The second phase is the internal process analysis. Owners must map out the
structure of their business, to have a clear picture of how the business functions. This allows
business owners to identify if cloud computing technology usage will have positive or negative
effects within the company. Along with the knowledge of what areas would need reconfiguration
to meet the new expectations the owner has. The final phase is mapping applications and
workloads. Businesses must "analyze each workload for applicability to the cloud, determine the
security profile for each workload, and decide what deployment model is best".

Cloud computing technology has given these businesses the ability to simplify the
company's objectives and how they run the day-to-day operations. Cloud usage has provided
multiple services that help business users in several ways. From email services to financial and
accounting services, to how companies back up and recover data, these are just a few of the
numerous ways businesses integrate cloud computing technology into the workplace. Some of
the most popular cloud tools and services available to business: help employers manage projects,
give more freedom to employees to collaborate on projects, along with making communications
between employees and potential customers easier. Another tool that cloud computing
technology helps businesses is through social media platforms and e-commerce tools for
businesses to expand their business online. These tools help business understand their targeted
audience demands and what objectives are needed to draw those audiences in.
Main Points
Point 1: Many business owners adopting this technology gains access to services through
Software as a Service (SaaS). This option is widely popular among users.
Reason 1: Many providers offer easy to use applications that are easily accessible to users at little
to no cost. Some of these applications for instance, Google Apps, QuickBooks, Office 365 are
fast, reliable, and easy to operate. The majority of the applications are used in daily life. They are
integrated not only within businesses but also seen within universities all the down to elementary
schooling. Allowing students to never-ending possibilities.

Point 2: With an overall of ninety-six percent increase of users using at least one public or
private cloud option. Business owners choosing to adopt cloud computing technology to follow
up with the supply and demand of their clientele.
Reason 2: Look at it like this, with every year there are new updates in the technology field. To
either a new phone or a new application released, the public is drawn to this ever-changing trend.
Analysts working for providers that offer applications for cloud computing usage, use this as an
advantage for their employers. These providers release updated content to their applications to
draw in potential users or returning users to their services. These updates or newer applications
allow business owners to see how these services could potentially be beneficial to their business.
Without the effort to grow with technology, businesses would fall behind, giving other owners
the opportunities that they might have missed. With research stating future growth in users, gives
these providers an increase in revenue along with keeping their applications constantly updated
to keep businesses running with ease.

Point 3: With business owners adopting cloud computing usage within their workplace allows
improved collaboration within the workplace.
Reason 3:As the saying goes "there is no I in team. “With updated applications employees can
work more as a united front, helping others with projects. Not only is it beneficial to employees,
but employers are also able to "track and manage" output from each employee, along with
enhancing employee and organizational productivity. Business owners can use this opportunity
to grow their businesses to multiple locations, resulting in more revenue and more opportunities.
Employers can keep in touch with other locations through virtual meetings, along with sharing
information through shared desktops. Keeping every location on the same objective.
Point 4: One of the main concerns that business owners and users alike have, is my information
secure? All information stored digitally, or through physical means is vulnerable.
Reason 4: Nowadays many users have been victims of cyber-attacks that want to harm them by
any means possible. These attacks could result in data stolen, lost or corrupted. When these
incidents occur, that can have multiple consequences to businesses, or organizations using cloud
computing technology. For instance, larger organizations working within federal or state
regulations would suffer setbacks if their databases were compromised. Work progress would be
halted, resulting in loss of revenue until databases are up and running. Business owners working
on a smaller scale, would have their clients' data compromised opening the possibility of legal
action against them.

Point 5: Pointed out as one of two mainly used options for cloud computing usage is the private
cloud option. Mainly used for larger organizations, for example federal and state agencies, this
cloud offers more protection of secured data.
Reason 5: Running on the pricey side, this option allows limited access to the public. With
secure data reported to federal and state agencies, there is a less likely chance of having data
altered. For example, business owners specializing in accounting or income tax, rely on certain
databases run by state and federal agencies. Every quarter of the year, accounting firms must run
quarterly reports for client's businesses. A quarterly report is a summary of the company's
financial statements, such as balance sheets and income statements, reported within that quarter.
With all the information gathered and inputted, a list of data is given and must match was is
reported to state agencies. In the state of Texas, these reports must match with the numbers
reported to the Texas Workforce Commission. Verifying these numbers give cloud computing
users a peace of mind, knowing that no mistakes were made. Using these databases allows
business owners to progress more effectively.

Point 6: Pointed out as the preferred method for cloud computing usage, public cloud usage is
shown to be integrated within users' daily life, from checking email, text messages to social
media platforms.
Reason 6: This option is mainly preferred due to the low cost along with many of the providers
offer more services. Users have more advantages using these applications. Applications like
Office 365, Google applications allow users to simplify daily work objectives and increasing
work output. This option is mostly preferred by businesses and the public.

Point 7: What is the number one question consumers ask themselves? What do they need to do to
save money? The simplicity of this action is answered by using cloud computing technology.
Reason 7: Cloud computing technology is stated to save consumers with significant savings.
Business owners are always looking for ways to save money but increase their cap revenue.
Using cloud computing within businesses reduces the cost of upkeep with data applications and
decrease the need for multiple expenditures of IT requirements. Many providers offering these
services have applications that offer an all in one bundle. It is more simplistic to pay for one
application with multiple uses instead of paying for multiple apps that would do the same thing.

Point 8: As business owners look to the future and see the opportunity for growth, they will
investigate the options offered. The first step to transition businesses into adopting cloud
computing technology is for owners to understand what this process is
Reason 8: Business owners first need to discover the needs and wants they desire for their
company. Any smart owner will take the time to study their options and ask expects any
questions or concerns they might have. Once their wants are mapped out, the next step is
identifying the services that would be more beneficial to business owners. Businesses that have
been established longer must take the initiative to update their business networks in order to
compete with up and coming businesses. By observing these trends, businesses look to what the
public is interested in and cater to the needs. Without fully understanding this new technology,
businesses have a greater chance of failing.

Attaran and Woods' main objective is to give the reader in a depth look at what cloud
computing is. Giving a detailed explanation of what makes up this technology. The authors
provide the audience with a detailed scenario on the process businesses would need to do to
successfully adopt cloud computing technology into their business. With providing multiple
advantages like being cost-efficient, increased workplace collaboration, and increased efficiency,
would be ideal for any business owners looking to modernize their business. Thus, allowing
business owners the same opportunities that are available to large-scale companies. For every
positive there is a negative, there is a multitude of risks a business owner could face for adopting
cloud computing technology within their businesses. With the cost of upkeep, the possibility of
having data compromised, and without the proper understanding of what this technology is,
could greatly affect businesses. Businesses could suffer work performance, open themselves to
possible lawsuits, are one of the few possibilities that businesses could suffer from adopting this
technology.
The authors” article was detailed and accurate. Giving a simplistic overview of what
makes up this technology. Allowing the reader to get an understanding of how this technology is
broken up into multiple categories, on how these services are delivered and the various
applications that provide a multiple of services to users from complex accounting applications to
something as simple as responding to an email. Reading this article, explained how simplistic
and futuristic this technology is. This article was very informative and easy to follow along,
giving the reader the ability to see the natural flow of the article. Even though some
repetitiveness of some information was found here and there, it was interesting to see how it all
tied the paragraphs together. Personally, this article gave more insight on makes up cloud
computing technology. Along with the wide range of opportunities, this technology has given the
public. This technology is a never stopping force in this day and age, having users look to the
future to see where this technology leads them.
Cloud computing technology is a growing trend that a multiple of users and business
owners have taken a liking to. For its simplicity and multiple applications that make daily
objectives easier to handle, many businesses will take the leap into adopting this technology.
Research shows that within the next few years, providers like Microsoft, Google, and so on will
see an increase in users along with an increase in profit margins, making cloud computing usage
a wave of the future.