The Cloud at Your Service

Chapter 3. The business case for cloud computing

This chapter covers

• The economics of cloud computing
• Where the cloud does and doesn’t make sense
• Using the cloud in zero-capital startups
• Using the cloud in small and medium businesses
• Cloud computing in the enterprise

Chapter 1 gave you the “what” of cloud computing. Delving into the technology behind cloud computing in chapter 2, you learned the “how.” Let’s now look at the “why” and “when.” These two questions have to do with the economics and the broader business issues that you need to examine when and if you consider moving to the cloud. You’ll need to know how to make the transition, the type of cloud that makes sense, and when is the right time to make the move.

In looking at the ...