Different SPI Models of Cloud Computing - Case Study Example

What is cloud computing? What defines it? Oftentimes, we have heard about cloud computing in schools, offices, workplaces, and even on television but do we have complete knowledge of what cloud computing really is? Perhaps, for somebody who is majoring or has majored computer-related courses in college, or for someone who works in an IT industry, cloud computing would not sound so trivial or intriguing at all but for the laymen, it may sound awkward – clouds and computer together? What relates them? First of all, cloud computing has nothing to do with clouds. Cloud computing is actually a colloquial expression that refers to an array of varying types of computing concepts that consist a large number of computers interconnected to each other by means of an actual, simultaneous communication like the Internet (Carroll et al., 2012). Also, cloud computing is a model that is used to allow pervasive, global, and convenient network access to a common collection of configurable computing resources such as networks and servers (Mell & Grance, 2011). Essentially, the objective of cloud computing is to maximize shared resources. This has been carried out by sharing services and resources that are made available in the World Wide Web. How? At the root of cloud computing is a deeper concept of combined infrastructure and shared services. So, why the thought of using clouds as part of the phrase? Cloud computing allows shared services including servers, not actual serves but virtual servers which are interconnected to each other using the internet. These servers do not really exist in actuality; hence, they can be moved around or expanded while the end-user is not being affected at all – similar to a cloud. Cloud computing is being used in many online platforms, specifically Google and Facebook. They share the load storage to other servers and networks that are interconnected through the internet. How do different SPI models of cloud computing compare? Cloud computing has different SPI models and each of them has specific use. But first, let us learn about what SPI means. SPI is an acronym that refers to conventional cloud computing models. SPI stands for the following: S is for Software as a Service (SaaS); P is for Platform as a Service (PaaS); and I is for Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS). SaaS is specifically intended for the end-users, which are transmitted over the internet. PaaS is a collection of means or instruments meant for coding and setting up applications quickly and efficiently. And lastly, IaaS simply pertains to the hardware and software that make everything work effectively. These include servers, networks, operating systems, etc. (Mell & Grance, 2011). SaaS is normally end-user applications that are being delivered by means of the internet. There is no need for installation as long as a browser and a connection to the internet are set. One particular use of a SaaS model is that it works remotely as a Web-based service, which enables industries to gain access to business functionalities in a relatively cheaper price, especially in using or employing applications as SaaS is paid monthly. In a nutshell, it actually brings in more convenience because there is no more need to install, set-up or maintain applications. PaaS enables the efficient and expedited creation of various applications without the consequence of having to upkeep them regularly. PaaS is the best option when working in a certain task that involves a large number of developers or other parties in software development are expected to interact in the process of developing a project, task, etc. IaaS is a model that employs the outsourcing of necessary services or equipments needed to support tools such as networks, storage, applications, etc. Considerations in Cloud Computing in Relation to the Clients End Cloud computing is not as complicated and as perfect as anyone would expect. Despite the various applications, uses and advantages that it delivers, it has its own concerns as well. Perhaps, two of the most significant considerations that cloud computing is constantly dealing with are privacy and safety, particularly in relation to the end user. This is because the naive thought of transmitting information to another location through such a wide domain like the internet is worrisome and oftentimes risky. Many business leaders around the world are reluctant to employ cloud computing in their business operations because of the risks associated with it. For instance, cloud computing cannot keep the company’s important information with the protection of a lock and a key. Another consideration that cloud computing companies have to deal with in relation to their clients is privacy. Since the idea of cloud computing is centralization through virtualization of applications and by means of the internet, it means that the client can log on to his or her account anywhere in the world and at any given time. This means that the customer’s privacy is at risk. Nevertheless, cloud computing companies have been able to address this pressing concern by developing ways to ensure privacy. For instance, authentication is a commonly used tool to make sure that the customer’s account is being safeguarded. Authentication requires a username and a password as a technique to verify ownership of account. This is very common nowadays especially in various online platforms like social networking sites such as Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Every time a client intends to open his or her account, he or she has to provide a valid username and password. Another technique is by the use of authorization format, in which the client is only permitted to access information, or applications that have something to do or relation to his or her job. Considerations in Integrating Applications with the Legacy Infrastructure Legacy infrastructures use old methods, technologies, computer systems, applications, etc; therefore, in the process of integrating new applications with them, there are quite a number of considerations that cannot be discounted. First would be the level of security and privacy. This is of utmost importance because, in the case study, there is an initiative to migrate to the cloud computing service, in which the information will be transferred to external servers, compromising its security and privacy. For instance, the Fire Department expressed that confidential information might be put to risk because the information will be outsourced publicly and there is a possibility that data will be stolen or hacked. As a matter of fact, this has caused the delay to the implementation of the new and more advanced system because security requirements have not been met. Insufficient security controls in the platform jeopardizes the confidentiality of the information. Another consideration is the ability of the cloud computing company to migrate all data or information from the legacy system to the new system. This is a concern that the cloud company in the case study was not able to satisfy. In the case study, certain group of personnel were required to delete all unimportant e-mails, archive e-mails that are 25 MB of size or bigger, and it did not support several features of the legacy infrastructure: it did not support classifying outgoing e-mail as High, Standard, and Low Priority. Hence, the cloud computing company must be able to carry out the migration of data completely and efficiently even with the integration of new components, and changeovers of applications among others. Finally, although this has nothing to do with the technicalities involved in integrating new components with the legacy infrastructure, the additional costs that may be incurred adds burden to the client. The longer the cloud computing company is able to meet the standard requirements, the more costly the transition becomes and that cannot be discounted. References Read More