Cloud Computing

Introduction

Cloud computing is Internet- ("cloud-") based development and use of computer technology ("computing").

In concept, it is a paradigm shift whereby details are abstracted from the users who no longer need knowledge of, expertise in, or control over the technology infrastructure "in the cloud" that supports them.

Cloud computing describes a new supplement, consumption and delivery model for IT services based on Internet, and it typically involves the provision of dynamically scalable and often virtualized resources as a service over the Internet.

Comparisons

Cloud computing can be confused with:

1.    Grid computing — "a form of distributed computing and parallel computing, whereby a 'super and virtual computer' is composed of a cluster of networked, loosely coupled computers acting in concert to perform very large tasks"

2.    Utility computing — the "packaging of computing resources, such as computation and storage, as a metered service similar to a traditional public utility, such as electricity";

^3.       Autonomic computing — "computer systems capable of self-management".

Definition

Cloud computing is a general term for anything that involves delivering hosted services over the Internet.

These services are broadly divided into three categories: Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS).

The name cloud computing was inspired by the cloud symbol that's often used to represent the Internet in flow charts and diagrams.

Characteristics of Cloud Computing

A cloud service has three distinct characteristics that differentiate it from traditional hosting.

It is sold on demand, typically by the minute or the hour;

it is elastic -- a user can have as much or as little of a service as they want at any given time; and the service is fully managed by the provider (the consumer needs nothing but a personal computer and Internet access).

Significant innovations in virtualization and distributed computing, as well as improved access to high-speed Internet and a weak economy, have accelerated interest in cloud computing.

Surveys on Cloud Computing

In June 2009, a study conducted by VersionOne found that 41% of senior IT professionals actually don't know what cloud computing is and two-thirds of senior finance professionals are confused by the concept, highlighting the young nature of the technology.

In Sept 2009, an Aberdeen Group study found that disciplined companies achieved on average an 18% reduction in their IT budget from cloud computing and a 16% reduction in data center power costs.

Applications On Demand (Software as a Service)

So far the applications segment of cloud computing is the only segment that has proven successful as a business model.
 By running business applications over the internet from centralized servers rather than from on-site servers, companies can cut some serious costs.
Furthermore, while avoiding maintenance costs, licensing costs and the costs of the hardware required to run servers on-site, companies are able to run applications much more efficiently from a computing standpoint.
Companies offering SaaS

The companies below are already established in the On-Demand software or SaaS business. These companies charge their customers a subscription fee and in return host software on central servers that are accessed by the end user via the internet.

• Salesforce.com
• Google 
• NetSuite 
• Taleo 
• Concur Technologies

Platform as a Service

The platform segment of cloud computing refers to products that are used to deploy applications.

Platforms serve as an interface for users to access applications provided by partners or in some cases the customers.

Some examples included Salesforce.com's platform force.com, which allows subscribers to access their applications over the internet.

NetSuite, Amazon, Google, and Microsoft have also developed platforms that allow users to access applications from centralized servers.

Companies offering Paas

The following companies are some that have developed platforms that allow end users to access applications from centralized servers using the internet. Next to each company is the name of their platform.

• Google  - Apps Engine
• Amazon.com  - EC2
• Microsoft  - Windows Live
• Terremark Worldwide  - The Enterprise Cloud
• Salesforce.com  - Force.com
• NetSuite  - Suiteflex
• Mosso - Mosso, a division of Rackspace
• Metrisoft - Metrisoft SaaS Platform

Infrastructure as a Service

Infrastructure vendors provide the physical storage space and processing capabilities that allow for the all the services described above.

The products in this segment are slightly more varied than those in the other areas of cloud computing but include ones such as managed hosting, and development environments (such as Google gears) that allow users to build applications.

Cloud storage, such as Amazon's S3, is also considered to be part of the infrastructure segment.

Companies offering Iaas

Below are companies that provide infrastructure services:

o    Google - Managed hosting, development environment

• International Business Machines (IBM) - Managed hosting
• SAVVIS - Managed hosting
• Terremark Worldwide - Managed hosting
• Amazon.com  - Cloud storage

Advantages of Cloud Hosting

Hosting our information on an outsourced system (that is maintained by a third-party) can really free up space and cut costs.

With cloud hosting, we can

• Access our data at all times – not just while in the office
• A physical storage center is no longer needed
• Most have a pay structure that only calls for payment only when used
• Relieves burden on IT Professionals and frees up their time in the office
• Easily scalable so companies can add or subtract storage based on their own needs

Disadvantages of Cloud Hosting

If you are going to move all of your information to data centers situated outside your company, then security should be of utmost importance.

• Lost control comes with handing over our data and information
• Depending on third-party to ensure the security and confidentiality of data and information
• If our cloud host disappears, where does our information go?