Categories of Cloud Computing - Research Paper Example

?Cloud Computing Cloud computing is an internet based technology that makes people access different applications through internet on any computer system. Users do not need to install those applications in their computer systems rather they can access those applications through internet. Schauland (2011) states, “Surfacing in late 2007, cloud computing is used to allow services used in everyday practice to be moved onto the Internet rather than stored on a local computer”. Cloud computing helps people perform business related activities by eliminating the need of any specific place or a particular computer system. The only requirements for a person to access the applications include a computer system and an internet connection. “As long as a computer has Internet access it will be able to use the application” (Cheow 2010). Categories of Cloud Computing Cloud computing falls into three major categories, which include utility computing, web services, and Software-as-a-Service. SaaS SaaS is the simplest way of computing because it is a single application. Cheow (2010) states, “Because there is only one application it is very easy for the company to maintain”. SaaS model helps companies save their expenses on buying hardware and software. This model also removes the maintenance costs of the computer systems and applications. “This type of cloud computing delivers a single application through the browser to thousands of customers using a multitenant architecture” (Knorr & Gruman, n.d.). Utility Computing If we talk about utility computing, we can say that it is, at present, a supplemental kind of computing because it is used for the fulfillment of such needs that are not very critical in nature. “Early enterprise adopters mainly use utility computing for supplemental, non-mission-critical needs, but one day, they may replace parts of the datacenter” (Knorr & Gruman, n.d.). Web Services The third type of cloud computing .i.e. web services is used by the companies for a variety of purposes, such as, making online presence of the company, dealing with online customers, and performing web based business activities. Knorr and Gruman (n.d.) state, “Web service providers offer APIs that enable developers to exploit functionality over the Internet”. Importance of Cloud Computing Unlike traditional business applications, cloud computing eliminates the issues of hardware and software failure for its users. In traditional settings, companies need to install, configure, test, and run every application on their own. However, with cloud computing, companies run their business processes in the form of clouds where they do not need to worry about any technical failure or information misuse. Using cloud-computing system, an industry can experience a considerable amount of workload shift because many of the tasks are performed online. Strickland (n.d.) states, “Local computers no longer have to do all the heavy lifting when it comes to running applications”. Disadvantages of Cloud Computing Along with a number of advantages of cloud computing, there also exist negative aspects of using cloud-computing services. Two of the drawbacks of cloud computing include security and privacy concerns and loss of control due to increased dependency. Security is the biggest concern because users of cloud computing services usually do not feel safe while sending their private data to the cloud service providers. Moreover, increased dependency on cloud service providers is also a negative aspect of cloud computing. Companies Providing Cloud-Computing Services In traditional settings, companies need to design, configure, implement, and maintain the business applications. They need to hire experts who can perform the role of application development but with cloud computing, companies run their business processes in the form of clouds where they do not need to worry about any technical failure related to hardware and software. There exist some cloud-computing services providers, which provide management services, such as, Customer Relationship Management services to the companies through internet. The companies just need to contact such companies to get quick and reliable assistance in the Customer Relationship Management processes. Using cloud-computing services providers, companies can experience a considerable amount of workload shift. The reason is that the service providers take responsibility of many of the business processes related to sales and service management. For companies, some of the main advantages of using such services include no requirement of ease in running applications, low capital investment, ease of integration with proprietary systems, intuitive interface of software applications, and improved ROI. Some other advantages for the companies, which make them switch to such services providers include low risk, improved organization of business processes, and improved customer service. There is no expense related to design and implementation of software applications, rather services providers bear all expenses while providing a better mechanism to the companies related to management of sales and customer service. “The only thing the user's computer needs to be able to run is the cloud computing system's interface software” (Strickland, n.d.). Digitization and organization of sales records are some other benefits of using services providers. Digitization and improved organization of business processes help companies track the records of the customers accurately and find more clients from the international markets. Cloud-computing services providers provide user-friendly applications to the users. Users of the applications do not find the applications complex rather they find them very easy and understandable. The interface of such applications is usually very attractive and easy to operate. Moreover, the applications are bug free and companies can use those applications without any concern regarding security of data. Cloud-computing services providers assist companies in many areas. Some of those areas include customer relationship management, marketing automation, call center management, and sales force automation. They also provide many other advanced facilities, which may include flexible and reliable mobile access, in-depth business reporting, and point-and-click customization of applications. Customer satisfaction is the primary concern of almost every company. It is a key towards success of a company in competitive markets. A company can never achieve success without providing quality customer service to the customers. Cloud-computing services providers help companies achieve customer satisfaction by providing the companies with effective customer service tools and software applications. Conclusion Summing it up, cloud computing is an internet-based technology that helps people access different applications through internet using any computer system. Low cost of implementation, decreased expenses, improved efficiency, optimized runtime processing, standardized architecture, provision of energy efficient servers, and increased reliability are such advantages of cloud-computing services providers, which make them very beneficial and resourceful for the companies. References Cheow, C. (2010). All About Cloud Computing. Retrieved from http://ezinearticles.com/?All-About-Cloud-Computing&id=3992771 Knorr, E., & Gruman, G. (n.d.). What cloud computing really means. Retrieved from http://www.infoworld.com/d/cloud-computing/what-cloud-computing-really-means-031?page=0,0 Schauland, D. (2011). What is Cloud Computing?. Retrieved from http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-cloud-computing.htm Strickland, J. (n.d.). How Cloud Computing Works. Retrieved from http://computer.howstuffworks.com/cloud-computing/cloud-computing.htm Read More