Cloud Services (Edexcel IGCSE ICT): Revision Note
Exam code: 4IT1
What is the cloud?
The cloud is a word used to describe the use of the internet to:
Store data
Access software
Data & software accessed locally are confined to the resources of the specific device you are using
Data & software accessed using the cloud rely on an internet connection
Hosted & local software
What is hosted software?
Hosted software is software accessed using the internet
Unlike local software where installation files are stored on local secondary storage, the software is stored on a remote server
Hosted software can also be called web applications (web apps)
Software is hosted on a server and accessed through a web browser
Common examples of hosted software include:
Microsoft Office 365
Google Docs/Sheets/Slides
Hosted software operates on a subscription model
Advantages and disadvantages of hosted software
Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
Access from different types of device | Can only be accessed using an internet connection |
Combined with online storage, can save files online | User experience is affected by:
|
Features that enable collaboration | Not as many features as locally installed software |
Updates & security managed by someone else | Privacy concerns, who has access to your data |
Cost effective (pay monthly plans) | Hidden fees can add up |
What is local software?
Local software is software that is installed directly onto a device's secondary storage (such as an HDD or SSD) and runs from that device without needing an internet connection.
Installation files can come from a download, a CD/DVD, or a USB drive
Once installed, the software runs using the device's own processor, RAM and storage
Local software is usually purchased with a one-off licence fee, although some products now offer subscription options
Common examples of local software include:
Microsoft Office (desktop version)
Adobe Photoshop
iTunes
Advantages and disadvantages of local software
Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
Works without an internet connection | Can only be used on the device it is installed on |
Generally runs faster as it uses the device's own resources | Higher upfront cost (one-off licence fee) |
Often includes more advanced features than web-based equivalents | The user is responsible for installing updates |
The user has full control over their software and files | The user is responsible for security (e.g. anti-malware) |
No ongoing subscription required for many products | Takes up space on the device's secondary storage |
Online & local storage
What is online storage?
Online storage (cloud storage) is a term to describe long-term (secondary) storage of data that resides in a remote location, accessible only via a wide area network (Internet)
Data is stored on remote servers, typically using magnetic storage (HDD), but increasingly using solid state (SSD)
The three types of online storage are:
Public cloud - The customer and the cloud storage provider are different companies
Private cloud - The customer and the cloud storage provider are a single organisation
Hybrid cloud - Combines both public and private cloud options and allows for sensitive data to remain private whilst providing public cloud services for less sensitive information
Advantages and disadvantages of online storage
Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
Data can be accessed from anywhere | A stable internet connection is required to use cloud storage |
Data can be accessed by anyone with the relevant permissions, making it quick to share files and collaborate with others | Storing data in the cloud may be vulnerable to security breaches |
Data can be accessed on any device with an internet connection | The user is dependent on the storage provider for the availability and reliability of its services |
Allows customers to increase or decrease their storage capacity as needed | Should the company dissolve or cease to exist, all cloud data may be lost |
Providers often use multiple servers to store and backup data, reducing the risk of data loss due to hardware failure | As the amount of storage or bandwidth required increases, the service may become expensive over time |
Providers offer advanced security features, such as data encryption and multi-factor authentication multi-factor authentication, to protect user data from unauthorised access | |
There is no need to hire specialist staff as IT services being provided by the cloud storage provider |
What is local storage?
Local storage is the long-term (secondary) storage of data on a device's own internal or directly connected storage media
Data is saved directly to the device and accessed without needing an internet connection
Local storage can be internal (HDD, SSD) or external/portable (USB flash drive, external HDD, SD card)
The user has direct physical control over where their data is kept
Common examples of local storage include:
Internal hard disk drive (HDD) or solid state drive (SSD)
USB flash drive
External hard drive
SD memory card
Advantages and disadvantages of local storage
Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
No internet connection needed to access files | Limited capacity compared to cloud options |
Faster read and write speeds, especially with SSDs | Vulnerable to device loss, theft or physical damage |
The user has full control over their data and privacy | If the device fails, data can be lost without a backup |
One-off cost, no ongoing subscription fees | Harder to share files and collaborate with others |
Works on devices that are offline or have poor connectivity | The user is responsible for their own backups and security |
Worked Example
Explain one drawback of using cloud storage to back up a digital music library
[2]
Answer
Uploads will take a long time [1] because bandwidth is limited / file sizes are large [1]
Increased cost [1] as data often charged per Mb used [1]
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