Cloud Computing in the 21st Century

Abstract

The constant changes in technology has posed serious challenges to top management teams, employees, and customers on how to collect, store, and process data for competitive advantage and to make better decisions. In this chapter, to address this issue, we present the managerial perspective of cloud computing that provides the infrastructure and/or tools for decision making in the 21st century. Since the year 2000, the interest in cloud computing has had a steady increase. (Mason, 2002) Not only has cloud computing substantially lowered computing costs for corporations, it continues to increase their abilities for market offerings and to access customers' information with ease. Cloud computing has allowed managers to focus more on their business plans and bottom line to enhance competitive advantage.