Week 20 - Cloud Computing

Cloud Computing

What is cloud computing?

In cloud computing, one can have secure access to all applications and data from any device such as tablet, smartphone, laptop, desktop and other resources with web browser. There are three types of cloud services which are the following:

• SaaS (Software as as Service) - The service provider build the software, and the end users can configure it depending on their needs but cannot change or modify the software.
• Paas (Platform as a Service) - Platform will be offered to clients for different purposes. In PaaS, the storage space for user data may increase or decrease depending on the requirement of the applications.
• IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service) - It offers infrastructure on demand which can be storage servers, applications and operating systems. When using IaaS, space, expenses and personnel required can be saved.

Here's a video to show an overview of what cloud computing is:

Advantages of Cloud Computing
Cloud computing has a lot of advantages which are the following:

• Remote Accessibility - With cloud computing, services can be accessed from everywhere simply using your ID and password. Therefore it is not restricted to a particular location.
• Security - Clouds are more secure than other models although people are uncertain. If something occurs, cloud offers backup and therefore less data will be lost. Also clouds are less prone to hacks and Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks because people will not know where the data is.
• Easy Expansion - If one needs to expand, one can quickly access more resources.
• Environmentally Friendly - It also reduces electricity expenses because you do not need to buy equipment to cool off computers and other components.

Disadvantages of Cloud Computing

Although cloud computing has advantages it also has some disadvantages:

• Reliant on network connections - Cloud computing relies on network connections, that is, if the network will be running slow, the work will be running slow as well. Also if the network goes down, you have to wait until it will run again.
• Expense - Although cloud computing will benefit from financial expenses, it will not be cheap if you will be using it on a smaller scale.
• Legal Ownership of Data - As regards ownership of data, most providers have different terms and conditions. If the provider disappears, one has to check what happens when the data is lost and also check distribution rights.

Conclusion

Right now, people are still scared of cloud computing since everything is online and you can access it from anywhere. I think that in the future, people will start understanding what cloud computing really is and the majority of people will start using it.

References

http://www.brighthub.com/environment/green-computing/articles/10026.aspx
http://ezinearticles.com/?Disadvantages-of-Cloud-Computing&id=6151901