The basic Cloud package is free. They offer upgrade packages at different rates. It really depends on the needs of your business. For most small business needs the basic package is adequate.
Cloud computing is directed towards businesses. If you want it for personal use then you have to ask around. EMC may be a good place to start for cloud hardware's. Microsoft is another option.
Cloud computing is something that you can use on various devices to get some extra storage for your data that does not fit. You can use it online for free.
Open source is a type of software that is free to use unlike licensed software. Cloud computing is where servers store data away from the physical computer. Combining the two means that cloud computing open source is free software to store your data remotely.
Actually, companies used to make use of servers to control and program websites with loads of data on it. This often results in a server breakdown, though, so cloud computing has become an advantageous technology for businesses.
The quick answer to your question is Yes. Cloud computing is both a free service and one that charges based on your computing and storage needs, and the time you need to use them.
Cloud computing, as a technology, is still in its infancy. Firms involved in the development of cloud computing are still analyzing this new method of data storage and coming up with new findings regarding its efficiency and costs. Those who are interested in learning more about cloud computing can find white papers on the Internet that analyze the technology as a whole and discuss specific cloud services. InfoWorld, HorizonWatching, BusinessWeek and Infosys all contain readily available white papers on the subject of cloud computing.
Yes, cloud computing is reliable. I would use it for my business or personal use.
EMC is more for big businesses, there are smaller Cloud computing firms geared more for personal use. Such as DropBox, Amazon Cloud, as well as a few others.
It's difficult to tell precisely how many companies use cloud computing today. The technology is being used in many ways, however. From businesses to governments, to education and telecommunications -- it seems there's a use for the cloud technology nearly anywhere!
There is a good explanation of cloud computing at http://www.infoworld.com/d/cloud-computing/what-cloud-computing-really-means-031. I think you can learn most of what you need to know there.
Yes, as a matter of fact cloud computing is available in India. India is actually a place where cloud computing is growing rapidly in use and popularity.
Cloud computing is better then normal grid computing as its cheaper to buy, use and maintain. Cloud computing can offer web hosting also which grid computing can not.