The Future of Cloud Computing: A SWOT Analysis and Predictions of Development

This paper deals with the future development of cloud computing. A detailed SWOT Analysis examines the most important factors to be considered for the future of cloud computing. Based on the outcomes, the real value of cloud computing is discussed, followed by the challenges for the future development of cloud computing. Those points finally lead to a statement regarding whether cloud computing represents a new paradigm or if it is just an upcoming trend of the IT industry. The result is that cloud computing is on its way to become the new hosting paradigm. However, there are many issues that will have to be dealt with along the way. As small enterprises start to accept and integrate cloud structures, even bigger enterprises and global players will be introduced. In order to become the new hosting paradigm, further development and an adoption of non-standard technologies by a broad spectrum of users will be necessary.