What are the drawbacks of cloud computing? Do you think these ever outweigh the benefits, and if so, in what cases?

What will be an ideal response?

Students should be able to identify at least two drawbacks. Drawbacks include:
1. placing data storage and control in another firm's hands,
2. security risks in having critical systems and data entrusted to a firm that does business with other firms,
3. loss of business capability if cloud infrastructures malfunction,
4. dependence on cloud computing provider and switching costs. Student answers regarding the relative weight will vary, an example is: The disadvantages of cloud computing outweigh the advantages, except if any data lost is irreplaceable or creates harm to others. For example, a database of financial information should remain the responsibility of the original firm so that they can be held accountable.