Trends in Cloud Computing - Assignment Example

?Trends in Cloud Computing Introduction This present paper mainly seeks to present a critical discussion on the key trends in cloud computing technology. The paper will begin with a brief overview of cloud computing technology/ concept and in the subsequent sections it will discuss some of the latest trends in cloud computing and their overall impact on the workings of the technology. Cloud computing According to Saboowala et al. (2013) cloud computing deals with information technology infrastructure such as data centers and remote servers, it is a style of computing in which dynamically scalable and often virtualized resources are offered via the World Wide Web. The users of the technology need not to have knowledge of, expertise in, or control over the technology infrastructures "in the cloud" that supports them. Buyya et al. (2009) stated that the concept incorporates infrastructure as a service (IaaS), platform as a service (PaaS) and software as a service (SaaS) as well as Web 2.0 and other recent technological trends that have the common theme of dependency on the Internet for meeting computing needs of the users. Examples of such providers are Dropbox.com, Salesforce.com, and Google Apps, which all provide common business applications online that are accessed from a web browser, while the software and data are stored on the servers. Referring to the writings by Cohen (2012) the term cloud is used as a metaphor for the Internet, based on how the Internet is depicted in computer network diagrams, and is an abstraction for the complex infrastructure it conceals. The diagram below helps to demonstrate the architecture of cloud computing and how it incorporates the use of other technologies in order to provide a variety of applications of services. Figure 1: Graphical representation of cloud computing Sources: http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/comparing-public-private-and-hybrid-cloud-computin.html In the writings by Saboowala et al. (2013), they stated that cloud computing mainly involves software as a service and utility computing. Under Software as a Service, cloud computing is known for providing an application via the internet, which ends up being used by millions of people located in different corners of the world. Under utility computing, it is noted that cloud computing provide storage and virtual servers that users can easily access on real time basis. The top trends in cloud computing In the writings by Cohen (2012), he noted that the latest trends in cloud computing are because of continued application of cloud computing in various forms, and therefore, the technology has been realigning itself to the changing needs of providers and businesses, which has created new utility options for the technology of which key among them is big data analytics. Big data analytics According to Schlesinger (2013), big data analytics is one of the latest trends in cloud computing and it refers to the capability of cloud computing to manage big amounts of data from various sources. Therefore, the latest trends is the analysis of big data that is available “in the cloud” in a single approach without any sub-division of data into manageable chunks. The big data analytics enables organizations to carry an analysis of data that that is generated from a long period of time from multiple sources using a common approach. For example, Buyya et al. (2009) stated that within the public cloud, access can be obtained to individual files containing variety of data from different businesses within the same industry and the analysis of such data will provide a global outlook of the entire industry. Big data analytics services by cloud computing provide key benefits of reduced cost in analyzing wide data and shortened duration of analyzing data. Increased application of hybrid clouds Cohen (2012) wrote that as businesses are increasingly identifying the benefits of cloud computing they are equally increasing their adoption of the use of cloud computing for various business purposes. This has resulted in a trend whereby businesses are opting to use more than one cloud service to satisfy various business needs and this include the use of both private and public infrastructures as a service of clouds. However, Schlesinger (2013) stated that this trend comes with a worrying challenge of whether the businesses will be able to keep track of their expenses as well as resources and ensure that they gain expertise in all the clouds that they are using. The worry is not an issue of concern since there is a steady trend of enterprise adopting the use of both public and private cloud in a hybrid manner and underneath this trend there has been massive migration of workload belonging to businesses to the public cloud, which was initially excluded for mostly start-ups, mobile and web applications. Figure 2: Graphical representation of the concept of hybrid cloud Source: http://www.eweek.com/virtualization/vmware-surprises-few-with-new-hybrid-cloud-service/ Small and medium business application protection As more small and medium businesses are expressing their desire to utilize cloud-computing technology, the cloud providers are exploiting ways in which to reduce the cost of checking for cloud safety. This particular need led to the development of the trend of cloud application protection whereby companies can scan the source code on the web applications to identify any change and thereby deter possible cyber attacks. Integration of cloud into the Software Development Lifecycle Knorr (2013) stated that more businesses are keen on reaping the benefits of cloud computing and in order to enhance its capacity businesses are increasingly integrating cloud computing into the software development lifecycle so that they can build applications in a different manner that will tap into the advantages offered by cloud computing. Knorr (2013) added that this latest trend in cloud computing will enable businesses to continually enhance their cloud computing applications through continuous development in order to respond to changes or technological improvements that are taking place. Conclusion Cloud computing technology provides a new opportunity for businesses to maintain their database in the virtual space and even conduct some of their critical functions in this same space. This technology has witnessed wide adoption across various segments and it is because of this increased uptake as well as other technological advancement that new trends for cloud computing have been developed. These trends in cloud computing basically aim at maximizing the capabilities of cloud computing, making it more accessible to different parties, and even in-tandem with the current business needs. References Buyya, R. Yeo, C. Venugopal, S. Broberg, J. Brandic, I. (2009). Cloud computing and emerging IT platforms: Vision, hype, and reality for delivering computing as the 5th utility. Future Generation Computer Systems Vol. 25 (6) 599-616 Cohen, R. (2012). The Past, The Present, and The Future of Cloud Computing. Intel Technology Journal Vol. 16 (4). 16-32 Cohen, R. (2012). End to End Cloud Computing. Intel Technology Journal. Vol 16 (4) 23-41 Knorr, E. (2013). 9 trends for 2014 and beyond .Retrieved from: http://www.infoworld.com/t/cloud-computing/9-trends-2014-and-beyond-230099. Accessed on [08.11.2013] Saboowala, H. Abid, M. and Modali, S. (2013). Designing Networks and Services for the Cloud: Delivering business-grade cloud applications and services. Indianapolis, Indiana: Cisco Press Schlesinger, L. (2013). Cloud Strategies Weigh In: Top Trends in Cloud Computing. Retrieved from: http://www.rightscale.com/blog/cloud-industry-insights/cloud-strategists-weigh- top-trends-cloud-computing. Accessed on [08.11.2013] Read More