Knowledge, information and electronic data of all forms are stored by the majority of the world’s population on complex range of devices and storage facilities. From large computer servers to personal tablets and mobile devices, storage has expanded in direct proportion to the advances in the capability and capacity in computing. In 2014 the number of mobile devices exceeded the number of desktop and laptop computers worldwide. Users are relying less and less on fixed storage devices and individual computer capacity. Entrepreneurs have quickly recognised the individual’s proclivity for gadgets, communications, photographic and video devices, as well as text and internet connections and communications, and have taken advantage of the spontaneous order which can arise from the chaotic juxtaposition of new technology, social media and the human spirit. The inevitable next step has been the creation of central storage facilities and computer resources to provide a reliable rapid use facility for all individuals.

Cloud computing promises fast, efficient and convenient storage and access networks and resources that are permanently at the fingertips of users. The promise may be premature as users evaluate the security and privacy risks. A reasonable and considered definition of cloud computing is:

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) lists five essential characteristics of cloud computing:

The uptake of these centralised facilities has been described as a: