tor. These servers consume large amounts of energy and take up a great deal of space. Computers used for storage are now also able to take advantage of efficiencies attained by virtualization. Data stored in different database formats (for example, Microsoft SQL VS. Oracle) can be stored on the same physical computer by using virtualization able to separate files by operating system. Thus, the databases of various customers can be stored on the same storage server, resulting in server consolidation, both for storage and for running applications. Security in the Cloud Security is a major concern when organizations move applications to the cloud. While cloud services are often more secure than those provided at small and medium- sized companies that don't have the resources to hire top security staff, they are not without risks. Cloud applications in which large numbers of customers access the application are the most vulnerable to hacking attacks. There is often a conflict between making sites easy to access and having sufficient authentication requirements to protect against intrusions. According to Alert Logic, a www.TechnicalPDF.com cloud security and compliance firm headquartered in Houston, Texas, sites with high amounts of financial, health, and other personal information are at particular risk. Information gleaned from hacking these sites can be sold for millions of dollars. Moreover, because of their high-profile, large cloud providers are particular targets. The cloud's most vulnerable link is often the staff and customers that access cloud-based applications. Important ingredients in protecting against hacker attacks are customers that shield the secrecy of their log- on credentials. Consumers that use cloud services may share their log-on credentials with friends or log in from public Wi-Fi where their passwords and user IDs may be stolen. Many public Wi-Fi services in cafes and other public areas don't provide encryption, making these transmissions vulnerable to being hacked, and people's log-on creden