Cloud Computing: A New Paradigm in IT that has the Power to Transform Emerging Markets

Cloud computing offers utility-like availability of computing resources and applications via the Internet at low cost. It has the power to transform enterprises in emerging markets offering access to advanced IT infrastructure and applications that many of them couldn’t afford. An informed understanding of cloud computing and its benefits, limitations and risks are the keys to successfully embrace the opportunities this new computing paradigm offers. This article presents an overview of cloud computing concepts, cloud services, cloud hosting models, and applications. It also identifies potential risks and discusses the prospects of clouds and what businesses and individuals can do to successfully embrace cloud computing. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/icter.v4i2.4672 International Journal on Advances in ICT for Emerging Regions 2011 04 (02) : 04 – 1