Future is in Cloud: A Cloud Computing time
What is Cloud Computing?
Folks! though, I believe that the concept of Cloud Computing is not new to many of us now, yet it’s always beneficial to increase the level of understanding by going beyond the barrier of timeworn knowledge. In this blog, I have endeavored to offer my readers a simple and generic perception on the same matter.
Understanding Cloud Computing:
We can assume Cloud Computing as a paradigm or a prototype in which information is permanently stored in servers on the internet and stored temporarily on clients that include desktops, entertainment centers, table computers, notebooks, wall computers, hand-helds, sensors, monitors, etc. In the contemporary model of cloud computing, the cloud computing infrastructure consists of services that are offered up and delivered through data centers that can be accessed from anywhere in the world. The cloud, then, in this model, is the single point of access for the computing needs of the customers being serviced. It can also be understood that, Cloud Computing is the services in the cloud being provided by enterprises and accessed by others via the internet. The resources are accessed in this manner as a service – often on a subscription basis. The users of the services being offered often have very little knowledge of the technology being used. The users also have no control over the infrastructure that supports the technology they are using. Cloud Computing is also like having a software application running in a server room from a person's office, while the application is actually running in a datacenter. And, this datacenter doesn't even need to be anywhere near the office, either. In fact, we may not even know where the datacenter is. So, basically which means that we also don't know where the server is, what its physical properties are, or nearly anything about it. But yes, what we do know about it is its general power.
Friends, if you are still perplexed, then here you go. When talking about a cloud computing system, it's helpful to divide it into two sections too: the front end and the back end. They connect to each other through a network, usually the Internet. The front end is the side the computer user, or client, sees. The back end is the "cloud" section of the system.
The front end includes the client's computer (or computer network) and the application required to access the cloud computing system. Not all cloud computing systems have the same user interface. I think the idea is crystal clear by now.
Now, there arise a sort of question like who is responsible for the maintenance and deployment of applications and services in the cloud? Well… mates, it really depends on what type of presence we have in the cloud. The most significant difference between the cloud computing model and virtual servers is that, cloud computing provides users with a number of different options for doing what they want to do.
The three most commonly talked about options are: software as service (SaaS), platform as service and infrastructure as service.
Software as Service (SaaS)
When we actually opt for SaaS, the applications and the data used within the applications are all stored “in the cloud,” which means the user doesn’t need any additional software or hardware ground in order to use and access them, and often a standard web browser is sufficient. Software as service is the solution that eliminates the need to use licensed software. The disadvantage of this is ‘Privacy’. When we are using online software solutions, we need to be much more aware of privacy and security concerns.
Platform as service
Platform as service or PaaS, is a little different with overlapping ideas. Generally, Software as a service provides the user with a particular application whether of the shelf or custom developed. The service provider takes care of all the maintenance and delivery aspects required for that application. Platform providers take this concept to a slightly higher level by creating an environment to run more than one applications.
Advantages of Cloud Computing
With the implementation of Cloud Computing, rapid and inexpensive re-setting up of technological infrastructure resources will be possible.
is claimed to be greatly reduced and capital expenditure is converted to operational expenditure.
- · Device and location independence
enable users to access systems using a web browser regardless of their location or what device they are using (e.g., PC, mobile). As infrastructure is off-site (typically provided by a third-party) and accessed via the Internet, users can connect from anywhere.
enables sharing of resources and costs across a large pool of users thus allowing for:
- Centralization of infrastructure in locations with lower costs (such as real estate, electricity, etc.)
- Utilization and efficiency improvements for systems that are often only 10–20% utilized.
Though, managers may not be able to do much on their part when they are affected, data redundancy is made to an optimal level in cloud for data recovery.
can improve due to centralization of data, increased security-focused resources, etc., but concerns can persist about loss of control over certain sensitive data, and the lack of security for stored kernels. Security is often as good as or better than under traditional systems, in part because providers are able to devote resources to solving security issues that many customers cannot afford. Providers typically log accesses.
cloud computing applications are easier to maintain, since they don't have to be installed on each user's computer. They are easier to support and to improve since the changes reach the clients instantly.
Perhaps the biggest concerns about cloud computing are security and privacy thou at times it’s an advantage too. The idea of handing over important data to another company worries many clients. Corporate executives might hesitate to take advantage of a cloud computing system because they can't keep their company's information under lock and key.
But, the counterargument to this position is that, the companies offering cloud computing services live and die by their reputations. It benefits these companies to have reliable security measures in place. Otherwise, the service would lose all its clients. It's in their interest to employ the most advanced techniques to protect their clients' data.
Privacy is another matter. If a client can log in from any location to access data and applications, it's possible the client's privacy could be compromised. Cloud computing companies will need to find ways to protect client privacy. One way is to use authentication techniques such as user names and passwords. Another is to employ an authorization format -- each user can access only the data and applications relevant to his or her job.
If you have any questions or queries, I will be glad to respond to you. Cheers!