Cloud Computing: Advantages and Disadvantages - Research Paper Example

?CLOUD COMPUTING Cloud Computing Affiliation Introduction Cloud computing is a latest information technology trend that many corporations are adopting because of its money savings, environmental aspects, mobility, scalability and energy effectiveness. Additionally, cloud computing allows businesses to access all their applications, tools and files from anyplace in the earth, thus releasing them from the restrictions of the desktop and allowing extensive group partnership. In addition, cloud computing offers a lot of advantages to the businesses (Modavi, 2010; Miller, 2009). This paper presents a detailed overview of cloud computing. This paper also discusses the benefits offered by this modern technology. Cloud Computing The trend of cloud computing is rapidly growing. Cloud computing methodology is vastly ubiquitous in this technological period. However we can define cloud computing technology as an idea or a trend. In this scenario, cloud computing is a useful technique for accessing various applications with storage capacity from a distant location via internet link. Thus it is not an advance standard approach. On the other hand, the cloud computing is an ideal solution for the management and provision of applications, information and data as a service. Additionally, these services are provided over the internet, often on a consumption-based model. In this way we can say that cloud computing is a technological aspect that is used in main servers and internet to sustain information as well as programs. Usually it is known as a grid of computers that are useful for serves like a service oriented structural design. Hence this design is used for delivering software along with information. Moreover cloud computing facilitates its users and business related modules to make use of applications without paying any cost. Therefore users may access their private data and information through computers, which have internet connection. Cloud computing technological aspects facilitate us through well-organized and resourceful computing with centralizing memory allocation, storage space, bandwidth and processing (Cleveland, S, & Lewis, 2011; TechTarget, 2007; Hartig, 2009). Cloud computing brings a lot of opportunities and solutions for business related problems in organizational matters and for individuals. In this scenario, a straightforward example that fits best to cloud computing is of email servers such as Gmail, Yahoo mail and Hotmail etc. We use these applications without installing any additional hardware, software or any server on our personal computer. Hence the concept of installing any hardware or software (that might be of any sort) is eliminated. In this scenario, users only need to have an internet link and they can start sending or receiving e-mails. The approach behind the central server and email management application is on the internet (cloud). The user makes use of it alone or in community and benefit from its aspects. However cloud computing is broken down into 3 important components. These are following: 1. Infrastructure 2. Applications 3. Platforms In this scenario, each component/segment carries out a different job furthermore offers versatile application for individuals and business purpose round the globe (Cleveland, S, & Lewis, 2011; TechTarget, 2007; Hartig, 2009). Information and storage recovery are important features offered by the computers. In addition, we can simply accumulate our private information like that most wanted songs and children photographs or download movies on them. Thus these utilities are widely adopted and used in broader terms. In this scenario, Flicker is a well known name, which is a major example of cloud computing. Flicker allows us to access our videos, important data or images. It does not rely on our location (location is not a matter) and kind of tool we are using. Thus while uploading the essential material we can easily access them from our laptop, personal machine or from I-phone handset (Nations, 2011). Second aspect that is necessary to discuss here is that Flicker facilitates us to share multimedia data like that images. Therefore we can easily share these images with our friends. In addition, there is no need for storage space or allocate them on a flash drive. Another most important aspect is data security. In cloud computing technique Flicker provides necessary security of data that may be critical for the organizations. Moreover in case of loosing our valuable data we can generate backup on the web. In straightforward cloud computing, methodology can be defined as getting the work done through distribution along with resources and programs of a system environment, with no concern about ownership (Nations, 2011). Technological Description Cloud computing provides us a lot of benefits. However a true fact is that cloud computing technique has emerged from the distributed computing, parallel processing with grid computing technologies. Additionally, these technologies are in existing mode. In this way we can say that they may perhaps a little bit identical to each other however their functionality is diverse from one another. In this scenario, the idea of cloud computing technology has evolved as an emerging standard approach in the field of computer science. Moreover, the name of cloud computing is consequent from the survival of applications and data on a “cloud” of several web servers (Cloud Computing Technology, 2010). If we discuss various technological aspects of cloud computing methodology, it will be clear to us that with the help of this technology resources and required data for the work will be managed easily. As we know that cloud computing technology has made growth rapidly along with existing parallel processing. However, location discussion is very important, if a user is at distant location, user will be no longer limited/restricted to one’s private computer but are hosted somewhere else. Following are most important aspects that relate to cloud computing methodology directly or indirectly, these technology related aspects are: (Cloud Computing Technology, 2010) Grid Computing Grid Computing is a standard technique for sharing various tasks over several computers. In this way cloud methodology can be described as an expanded parallel and distributed computing approach through which a virtual computer and super computer relays on a number of networked computers and loosely joined machines that helps us in performing huge tasks (Cloud Computing Technology, 2010). Utility Computing Like Grid computing, utility computing is also a service where organization charges according to usage. Although when the resources allocated are used in computing process like a metered service similar to electrical energy or a conventional public utility (Cloud Computing Technology, 2010). Autonomic Computing Autonomic computing consists of those systems that are proficient of self management. We can say that autonomic computing is the future generation of computer technology. This integrated technological aspect will facilitate networks to control them through non professional or human intervention. Furthermore this technique is named following to the human being autonomic nervous structure (Cloud Computing Technology, 2010). Technical Specification Below given table outlines the technical description of cloud computing features: (Umbrella Cloud, 2011) Essential Services Google maps Applications Interface, Web services, Flicker Applications Interface, Storage space Cloud environment applications Google apps, Web based applications and programs Operating system requirements Rent a preconfigured operating system and then add required applications We have an example of DNS server Cloud servers/ virtual servers Rent a cloud server and then deploy a VM snap and then configure your individual software stack Physical remote servers Compute grid along with HPC applications Advantages Cloud computing is an innovative technological approach that is adopted by a lot of businesses due to its cost management, ecological concerns, mobility, scalability and energy effectiveness. In this scenario, cost management or saving is one of the key advantages that cloud computing is offering to businesses. In this way a lot of corporations know how to save cost. It has been analyzed that up to 80 % of the expenses that would generally compensate for securing servers, licensing or registration for software with associated expenses. Hence this marvelous saving facilitates business executives to invest in essential things in the corporation (Modavi, 2010). One more key benefit that cloud computing methodology offers for businesses is the capability to enhance to several users in months. Corporations have no longer to forecast expansion. But if scaling up is necessary, business just notifies their vendors to release access for new users along with the extra charges will appear in the monthly report. Moreover decrease in carbon emissions by operating with in the cloud. Corporations that decrease the quantity of energy addicted by trade, server usage and thus take away carbon emissions in the society where the company operates. Hence it results in reduction of energy expenses. Cloud computing also facilitates telecom options. This methodology provides mobile access to its employees, a facility to access applications round the globe (Modavi, 2010; Kumar & Callow, 2011; Kumar S. , 2011; Miller, 2009). Leveraging Cloud Computing An important aspect of cloud computing is that we do not need complicated hardware and software installation to leverage even the majority of business applications. Hence it means even smaller business can utilize trade aptitude tools that are accessible to just larger corporations/companies. Thus we can instantly cut expenses by switching to online workplace such as Zoho and Google Docs. Both of them are spreadsheets and word processing solutions for information management and databases that might be available for us at distant locations. In addition, there is no need to be concerned about backups furthermore the ability to access our data from all over the world, from each distant place, almost from every mechanism that can be linked with the internet. In this scenario, we can also utilize online storage space services such as Ubuntu and Drop-Box (both are available on all key platforms). Moreover, online applications similar to Aviary can simply facilitate us to hold out basic tasks required for image editing. Thus, there is no need for installment of an intense graphic editing tool on our laptop or personal computer (Hallan, 2011). Conclusion Researchers and analysts have indicated that cloud computing will be vastly adopted in the future. Additionally, we can make use of this technological aspect in cloud based models and hence we can elaborate cloud models for software deployment with content storage. This paper has presented a detailed overview of this modern technology. Cloud computing is a modern technology which brings a lot of benefits and opportunities for the businesses. Moreover, at the present, organizations are adopting this trend in order to reduce their expenditures. In this way they spend these expenditures in other essential business activities. References Cleveland, D., S, K., & Lewis, A. (2011). Cloud Computing. Retrieved April 03, 2011, from WikiInvest.com: http://www.wikinvest.com/concept/Cloud_Computing Cloud Computing Technology. (2010). Cloud Computing. Retrieved April 02, 2011, from http://www.cloudcomputingtechnology.org/ Hallan, A. (2011). What is cloud computing and how to leverage it. Retrieved April 02, 2011, from HubPages.com: http://hubpages.com/hub/what-is-cloud-computing-and-how-to-leverage-it Hartig, K. (2009, December 13). What is Cloud Computing? Retrieved April 05, 2011, from http://cloudcomputing.sys-con.com/node/579826 Kumar, A., & Callow, R. (2011, February 04). The Advantages of Cloud Computing. Retrieved April 03, 2011, from Bright Hub Inc.: http://www.brighthub.com/environment/green-computing/articles/10026.aspx Kumar, S. (2011, March 23). Cloud Computing: Best Practices. Retrieved April 03, 2011, from Tech2Date: http://www.tech2date.com/cloud-computing-best-practices.html Miller, M. (2009, February 13). Cloud Computing Pros and Cons for End Users. Retrieved April 03, 2011, from Inform IT: http://www.informit.com/articles/article.aspx?p=1324280 Modavi, J. (2010, October 18). The Advantages and Challenges of Cloud Computing Technology. Retrieved April 02, 2011, from All Things CRM: http://www.allthingscrm.com/crm-news/cloud-computing/the-advantages-and-challenges-of-cloud-computing-technology/ Nations, D. (2011). What is Cloud Computing? Examining and Defining Cloud Computing. Retrieved April 05, 2011, from About.com: http://webtrends.about.com/od/enterprise20/a/cloud-computing.htm TechTarget. (2007, December 28). Cloud Computing. Retrieved April 04, 2011, from http://searchcloudcomputing.techtarget.com/definition/cloud-computing Umbrella Cloud. (2011). Technical Information. Retrieved April 04, 2011, from http://www.umbrellacloud.com/business-model/technical-information Read More