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Cloud Computing What Is It?

By Vickie J. Scanlon




Cloud computing what is it? And how do you use it? And, could you be using it already? At least, those were my first questions.

Cloud computing is Internet-based computing,  where you use shared resources, software, and information from an outside source. These multiple services can potentially come from multiple locations.

However, you will need to know the entrance location to access the services.

How does cloud hosting differ from traditional hosting? It is sold on demand, either by the minute or by the hour. Thus, a user can have as much or as little of the service at a given time as they want. And, the service is managed by the provider. What does the consumer need, only a computer and Internet access.


Cloud Computing Private or Public?

A cloud can be either private or public.

A public cloud, as expected, sells services to anyone on the Internet. You may have experienced the use of a cloud  without even knowing it, Have you used Hotmail, Yahoo!Mail or Gmail? If you have, then you've experienced this new technology.

A private cloud is reserved for network or data centers that supplies hosted services to a certain number of people. This type of "cloud", in my view, may be the way of the corporation. Why? Let's take a quick example:

Instead of installing software on many computers, you'd only load one application. That one application will be accessed on the worker's computer by way of a log-in. A Web-based service will host all the programs for the user to do his or her job. Yes, if you surmised that it will be remote computers/servers owned by another company running an email program, word processing program or more complicated programs you're right.

You'll soon find that local computers will not have to do all the grunt work when running applications. Instead, it will be a network of computers that make up the cloud that will handle it instead. Which means, hardware and software demands on the user will decrease. What will the user's computer need to run the cloud system? The user will utilize "interface software" (which can be as simple as a Web browser).

But is this practical for the Enterprise? No.


The Enterprise 

Some forward thinking corporations are beginning to use cloud computing. But not in the same method as that discussed above.

Enterprises are keeping their cloud in-house (private) in their data centers. This allows them to promote greater automation, application sharing, as well as, giving their IT departments more opportunities to focus on innovation. However, as you can well imagine, it also will help to reduce capital and operational costs.



Is Cloud Computing the New Way?

 The method they choose (old or new) will depend on what the company wants and can afford. But here are some reasons why this method of computing may take hold? 

1. Applications can be accessed anywhere and any time.

2. It brings hardware costs down. Computers would no longer have to be the fastest, or with a certain amount of memory to run all your applications, nor will you have to have a large drive.

3. Companies can pay a metered fee to a computing company for all their computer applications, instead of buying a set of software or software licenses to get the applications they need on all the company computers that will need these applications.

4. Streamlined hardware, could mean not as much IT support. Or possibly, you could see changes in IT function.


Are There Problems?

Cloud computing technology sounds great, but I can see some problems. This is my take. 

1) Storage- if everything is stored online, not only will you need storage for incoming data, but also provide backup for that incoming data.

And, no matter how good a system is, all systems break down, no matter how well maintained they are. And, let not forget the human factor - no one is perfect, whether they think so or not.


2) Privacy- Companies will have to determine if they want to stay in-house  or venture beyond their own networks.  Privacy is an important factor, to consider.

3) Security -Is it Hacker proof? Key logging could cause  companies using this technology some major problems. If you don't know what key logging is, let me give you a quick definition. 

Key logging defined: key logging programs records keystrokes. If the hacker succeeds in getting the user names and passwords to a system, they can cause a lot of damage.


The cloud computing technology can offer many benefits, whether the technology is used publicly or privately. However, the issue of privacy and security will always be major concerns to consider before any company thinks about stepping in the "cloud ". 


About Author:

Vickie J Scanlon-Visit her site at: My Affiliate Place an Affiliate Marketing-Internet Marketing Information site for the affiliate marketer/internet marketer, as well as, offering affiliate deals on tech and tech accessories and  business computers and home and home office computers.