What is the Cloud?

The latest frontier in the ever expanding world of technology is The Cloud or Cloud-based computing. So, what is the Cloud? The Cloud is literally a reference to ‘space out there’ where the Internet resides. Since its inception, the Internet has only multiplied in size: First along with its users, each wanting their own email address or two, then with the advent of social networking, and large, international companies advertising their wares online, and now with diverse local and international companies of various sizes even plying their trade online. Many companies now actually reside on the Internet, or in the Cloud, working to and from their own or remote servers, through web-based applications and databases.

What is the Cloud supposed to resolve?

A few minutes ago, somewhere in the world, an HR Manager sighed happily, because he had almost finished updating the company’s register and records of employees, using a program similar to QuickBooks. For whatever reason, the manager’s ten- year old computer could continue working no longer and in turn had a hard drive failure, which, in turn, froze the screen. While it may seem that now the HR Manager’s agenda has by now changed completely, from a simple update, to saving his job, because he’s been too busy over the last few months to create backup files for his work, because normally a large amount of crucial data would now have disappeared into the same ‘nowhere’ that deleted files go. Luckily for him, because the files were stored in the Cloud, nothing was lost.

Cloud computing essentially allows for computing to be used as a service, rather than as a product in itself. It is Internet-based technology, and works in a manner similar to pulling on a switch in order to use electricity; simply connect to the Internet, and you have access to all you need. In short, what is the Cloud? The Internet Cloud is the avenue through which you may increase the capacity and add capabilities to your activities as and when required, in real Internet time, without investing in new infrastructure, licensing new software or even training new personnel. And this nebulous IT revolution is only beginning.

What is the Cloud supposed to do?

Instead of purchasing the usual computer packages and installing them individually in each office computer, each employee simply logs in to a reserved company space within the Cloud, and works from that space, using any applications and other software that they would like. Through network sharing connections, from this space, any person with permission may, for example, access information from a shared database (actually lodged in a server in another country), work on it, and save it in its new form for the next interested user. Next to them, another person may have logged on and be working on another aspect of the same document. Yet another employee, running late, may begin working on the bus or train on their way to work, by logging in through their phone. A few others may not be formally employed, and will have been working online from home, overnight. Computing becomes like a utility, rather than an end unto itself and the need for technical know-how is no longer a priority. No matter where they are and what time it is, any person required to go into action simply has to log in and work. Indeed Cloud computing has opened up a pathway into new larger and more intricate ways of group collaboration.

What is the Cloud computing architecture?

The Cloud computing architecture illustrates how the Cloud works. The moment an internet protocol connection has been set up between a group of computers anywhere, any range of services they chose may be shared between them, depending on the level within which they reside.

The Client Level: A Cloud client refers to the computer-ware that relies on the Cloud in order to be put to use. This includes laptops, operating systems, mobile phones, browsers etc. Without being able to connect to the applications hosted by the Cloud, they are of no effective use.

The Application Level: A Cloud application service eliminates the consumer’s need to install and run an application on his own phone or computer. They use it directly from within the Internet Cloud, by simply connecting to it. For companies, this also eliminates the general need for maintaining computer systems through IT support services, and thus translates to lower costs.

The Platform Level: A Cloud platform service hosts and supports your desired Cloud infrastructure virtually, by, for example sustaining those applications that you use. This is another cost-cutting solution for companies, who no longer have to invest in the require bulk of necessary hardware and software, nor pay for their maintenance.

The Infrastructure Level: A Cloud infrastructure service negates the need for multiple servers, data-center space, and networking equipment by offering a raw storage space and networking facilities that you need directly from within the Cloud. The pay-per-use method for financing this facility makes it the lowest, most cost-effective service available.

The Server Level: The Cloud server is typically carefully designed to deliver all the Cloud services needed, including the running of Cloud-specific operating systems, and multi-core processors.

What is the Cloud cost?

The Cloud’s cost to you is generally directly related to how much you use it. This remains a much cheaper option, because not only are you still able to spread costs around, but you will never have to pay for anything you do not use. Buying computer packages or computer deals in bulk will no longer be a necessary corporate evil.

What is the Cloud benefit list?

The Internet having brought about a complete shrinkage of the planet, the benefits of Cloud computing is almost innumerable, ranging from low cost to mobility, with instant software updates and unlimited storage capability as milestones in between. For companies in particular, in their global bid to maximize profits, the option of using the Cloud to minimize all of their costs, from their IT to their Human Resources requirements is no longer even debatable. As they find out what is the Cloud, and its capabilities, they are becoming more and more able to perform maximum work at minimum cost. They may, for example, have cheap employees in India that they have not yet, and may never meet. They may additionally have an operations department in China, and a database running in Finland, all of which function as parts of a proper registered company in the US, whose only physical manifestation may actually simply be a garage, where a single server is housed.

What is the Cloud risk?

Because of the enormous potential and range of facilities for sharing information, there continue to be substantial concerns about information security, and legal information jurisdiction, especially with regard to Top Secret government documents.

What is the Cloud?

The Cloud is the far-thinking CEO’s solution to

• Instant access to greater computing strength;

• Cheaper IT, HR and other costs;

• Any amount of flexibility in company operations and practices, leading to greater efficiency at minimal cost.