Cloud Service Analysis - Assignment Example

Information Technology Cloud Service Analysis Cloud computing in general terms refers to the process by which a system whereby all the computer information and software is accessed over a dedicated internet server as opposed to the traditional hardware and residential requirements. The advantage of cloud computing is that, information can be accessed from remote locations over the internet. It, however, does not encompass elements such as information stored on a local drive in the business premise or a local business network. Cloud computing presents comprehensive work shift for many businesses since the local computers do not have to handle all the complicated tasks, the cloud is mandated with such operations (Armbrust et al. 30). Many advantages accrue from accessing data and all the information from the cloud. Such advantages are reduced hardware and software requirements for the users. With a user interface software in place on the users’ computer, they can fully access all the requirements from the cloud. Most information and technology experts agree that, there lacks a single comprehensive definition to what cloud computing is. Each definition offered for the cloud compound may be right but does not fully exhaust the integral components that make up cloud computing. As far as the definition of cloud computing may be right, they may leave out important aspects that characterize cloud computing (Armbrust et al. 20). Due to lack of well-defined standards for connecting computer systems (hardware and software) needed to make a working cloud computing, many companies offering the services define it in their way. Despite the varying interpretation of cloud computing, they all have the following basic components (Friedman 45-50); Cloud computing is always off-premise. The services are hosted away from the clients’ premises of the service provider’s location. The services are delivered over the public internet with all processing taking place outside the company network (this includes physical and securities barriers). Cloud computing is characterized by elasticity dictated by the service provider. It defines the extent to which resources can be scaled up or down rapidly depending on the end-users requirements for a given organization. Flexible billing plans characterize cloud computing of any platform. The billing of services rendered to the client for cloud computing is based on a variety of factors such as on-demand services and other forms of charging customers. Billing customers may take the form of subscription or consumption basis. Virtualization underlies the whole process of cloud computing and takes the form of abstracted infrastructure. Cloud computing service providers leverage various virtual mechanisms with the ultimate aim of reducing their operational cost. Cloud computing services, though may vary, they offer include programmatic interfaces in addition to user interfaces. They are characterized by universal service delivery to individuals authorized to access the cloud computing services. The fact that they are located away from the client premises allows high levels of resilience ensuring the client are always connected to the rendered services. Simplified management that facilitates ease through simplified automatic provision to meet client needs. The multi-tenancy platform in which the cloud computing operates isolates many organizations served by the same operator thereby pooling resources together facilitating scalability and reducing the operating costs. With service level management, the service provider can determine and service to be offered to the client. Fig. 1 IT System model One of the most recent developments in cloud computing is the ability of third party mobile application developers to submit their applications for the end users. Currently, third party mobile application developers encounter challenges in getting their applications accepted to the main application stores such as Apple Store and Google Apps (Friedman 50). It means that app developers and publishers have to go through strains such as rejection of their apps, costly expenses of submitting their apps and profit sharing with third-party application stores. There is need for service providers to develop integrated mobile web browsers that will enable users to access third party applications from websites of respective publishers eliminating the need for going to Android Market and Apple Stores. The native programming language used to develop most Apple and Android apps is high-level languages such as Objective-C and C++ respectively which are a challenge to learn for most app developer(Armbrust et al. 20). These are high level programming languages for inexperienced web programmers accustomed to HTML, CSS, XML and JavaScript. Such issues pose a challenge to mobile cloud computing given that fact that they retain an old legacy not easily upgradable. The Salesforce-like PaaS (Platform as a Service) allows external developers to create add-on apps to integrate into their main system which are the hosted on their main system. It is possible because such applications are built using JavaScript programming. Fig 2. Simple architecture diagram Strategic Impact of Cloud Computing For the cloud computing to be of maximum benefit, the strategic impact associated with the system must be well assessed. A strategy ought to proceed in four stages namely; definition, analyzing, approve and charter. In order to fully understand the strategic impact of cloud computing, it must first be categorized into two facets: external and internal analysis (Armbrust, Fox and Griffith 18). External analysis External analysis must begin with the environmental threat and the assessed opportunity profile. Some of these external strategy factors to be analyzed are political, economic, socio-cultural and technological innovations (Armbrust et al. 20). Political analysis A lot of regulation and compliance policies exist governing the privacy of personal information in clouding computing that ought to be addressed. Such laws exist across information technology systems and virtually ignore the complexities between data owners and service providers. Legislative requirements will, therefore, increase as cloud computing matures and becomes popular(Armbrust et al. 20).. The advantage is; the laws serve to protect the relationship between the service providers and the end user. Economic analysis IT financing model in cloud computing shifts the cost of variable capital expenditures on variable and operational costs. It is this focus on competence that ultimately leads to increased service and process differentiation(Armbrust et al. 21).. Socio-cultural Cloud computing promotes the notion of an integrated that enables large-scale inter-connection of functional primitives through a publicly available financial service-oriented architecture (Gartner 11). Technology Cloud computing may directly impact on all operations related to it and subsequently spawn new technological innovations such as mobile and print devices. Internal analysis These include; Agility Harnessing resources into areas of strategic specialization they can more easily provide regular innovations (Gartner 13). Core Competencies Core competencies when easily emulated they can contribute toward added value to product capabilities and quality. Product Focus The moment the sources of differentiation have been distilled into a set of core competencies, it will eventually determine how to leverage the advantages by developing and promoting the appropriate services (Gartner 14). Works cited Armbrust, M., Fox, A., Griffith, A. “Above the clouds: A Berkeley View of Cloud of Cloud Computing”.Retrieved on October, 17th 2014. Web Friedman, T. L. “The World Is Flat 3.0: A Brief History of the Twenty-first Century. Picator”. Retrieved on October, 17th 2014.Web. Gartner, I. “Key Predictions for IT Organizations and Users in 2010 and Beyond”. Retrieved on October 17th, 2014. Web. Read More