A Beginner's Guide to Cloud Computing

Cloud computing is a concept that can simply be defined as reliance on a widespread computer network for satisfying computing needs. The computing needs may be processor-based, disk storage-based, or application-based. It usually refers to computing through the Internet, and it has been used in this meaning for quite some time. But aren't web browsers doing the same thing from time immemorial? But what is different is that you now use software that can be remotely hosted across servers spread worldwide, and the web browser is only a tool to access those software and services.

It is not necessary that you need a web browser to take part in cloud computing. You can use gadgets like tablet PCs, iPhones, and Sun SPOT objects to get the cloud computing experience.

Cloud computing seems to be a buzzword these days. A good example of an application of cloud computing is Google Apps, which breaks the traditional model of desktop computing where you install software for use on a computer. Using Google Apps hosted on a server, you only need a web browser to gain access to computing applications. Another web-based '˜operating platform' is EyeOS.

Cloud computing relies on data and applications stored in data centers across the world. Servers may utilize vitalization technologies to host other servers themselves. Computers can access cloud resources from any connected place in the world.

Cloud computing can lead to lower costs in computing. This does not mean quality will suffer. This is because there are service level agreements and quality of service agreements when going for commercial cloud computing services. Cloud computing typically allows you to use hosted software and services on a '˜pay for use' model.

Cloud computing has been adopted by major software companies including Microsoft, HP, Sun and Intel. There are providers like SalesForce and Amazon that have built viable business models utilizing cloud computing. Amazon, for example, offers EC2 (Elastic Compute Cloud) that allows you to use expensive computing resources on a pay as you go model. It changes the economics of computing by needing payment only for the actual capacity you use.

In a recent report, Gartner has said that the projected shift to cloud computing will result in substantial growth in IT products. Cloud computing may be a form of economic globalization that spans across country boundaries. You are no longer limited by your country's infrastructure.

Cloud computing offers many advantages in addition to the obvious cost advantages. These are location and device independence, professional performance monitoring, scalability, reliability, industrial-grade security and sustainability. The biggest advantages to cloud computing seem to be in utilizing the cloud as a place to store data. Professional providers like Amazon S3, Live Mesh (Microsoft), and Nirvanix CloudNAS leverage the storage capacity of the cloud computers to allow offsite secure data backups.

Cloud computing is not without criticism. The biggest criticism is based on doubts about the cloud infrastructure providers. The security and the uptime of data availability may be dependent on how good a provider is. It is known that even Amazon EC2 was down for a while during 2008, affecting many businesses. Data privacy also seems to be a major concern for corporations hesitant to jump into cloud computing.

In any case, the benefits of using cloud computing seem to outweigh the disadvantages. Cloud computing is a concept that seems to be here to stay.