Having access to web-based business functions is, well, downright convenient.

But even though everyone’s using it – no one really knows what their using.

Case in point:

My colleague took an inner-office poll last week, asking everyone if they knew anything about “cloud computing.” Most everyone looked at my colleague, shrugged their shoulders, and said it was “some sort of IT thing.”

Cloud computing, when applied to business, is having computer applications – such as payroll, accounting, sales management, data backup, even word processing – hosted on a Web-based service rather than on a desktop or server computer.

If you use a web-based email program (like Yahoo Mail, Gmail), you are using a form of cloud-based computing. Your email data is stored on the Web.

Sounds simple enough, right?

Wrong.

As sweet as it sounds to be riding the Web-based clouds of cyberspace, there are advantages and disadvantages of cloud computing.

Tech columnist at Hartford Business, Rhonda Abrams, offers up this:

Cloud Computing Advantages:

- Always have the latest upgrade, without paying extra.

- Predictable costs, usually a low monthly subscription.

- More features than you could devise yourself.

- No internal tech staff required.

- Can access and use from any computer with a fast Internet connection.

- Information secure and backed up.

- Reduces need for an office computer network.

- Easy to learn and use.

Cloud Computing Disadvantages:

- Need fast, reliable Internet connection.

- Ongoing monthly cost, even when you don’t use it.

- Privacy concerns, especially if you’re not careful.

- If the company goes out of business, you may lose your data.

As you can see the advantages of cloud computing outweigh the disadvantages, even the all-important privacy issue.