Implementing Cloud Computing Programs - Research Paper Example

Implementing Cloud Computing Programs Introduction The advancements pursued in the field of science and technology has brought about significant adjustments across various sectors of the economy. One of the main innovations in computer science and information technology, for example, is cloud computing. Cloud computing refers to the use of isolated servers accommodated in the internet to store, manage, and at the same time process information. Stakeholders in the field of IT share the ideology that it is advantageous, as it enables interested entities use relevant resources as a utility, without having to put up and consequently maintain servers within a given locality. This research paper aims to provide insight on some of the strategies of implementing cloud computing, as well as some of the risks that come with implementing such programs. Strategies for Implementing Cloud Computing Programs The process of implementing cloud computing programs is detailed particularly because of the several steps that the interested parties need to go through in the course of undertaking the project. As such, all entities should consider employing strategies that are in line with their ventures. The next section highlights some of the strategies that are far-reaching in ensuring a successful implementation of cloud computing programs. Planning Planning is particularly imperative because it provides the interested parties with the opportunity to analyze and re-evaluate their ability to handle the key steps of the implementation process contentedly. This includes forecasting on the entire process and the parties who will be involved in procuring all the needed hardware and software as well as the mechanism of going about the installation process. Similarly planning entails forecasting on how the installed software, hardware, and the backup systems will be tested (Gulla, 2013). Also, planning is far-reaching given that it enables the interested parties understand the alternatives at its disposal, the scope of technology and the business model. Ensuring the Availability of Personnel Given the number of cloud installation programs that are currently going on as well as the planned ones, it is important to take note of the fact that there may be lack of enough expertise and talent to handle all of them. In that regard, it is imperative for organizations to ensure that they have key cloud computing experts at their disposal. Interested entities should, therefore, consider not only recruiting, but also training and retaining available staff. This should include engineers, architects and developers (Babcock, 2010). This routinely provides an upper hand and goes a long way in ensuring that the installation and management process is well under control, particularly because of the sensitivity of work involved in cloud programming. Security of Data As highlighted in the introduction, cloud computing involves the process of using servers in an isolated location instead of installations within a given locality. The process of transitioning into the remote servers may be quite challenging, particularly because the process of installing cloud-computing programs is gradual (Babcock, 2010). As such, it is of great significance for the entity involved to ensure that the process of transitioning to the remote servers is free of hitches. This includes establishing a framework for evaluating thereby eliminating the risks and liabilities that may be associated with the transitioning process. In that regard, it is important to ensure that security is managed properly in the course of the transition. This comes in handy in ensuring that only the right people can access the information contained within the cloud program. Risks behind Implementing Cloud Computing Strategies Cloud computing programs have routinely been celebrated as the savior of IT, predominantly because it makes it easy for several organizations to manage bulky data without any difficulty. Nonetheless, recent events have pointed towards the fact that cloud computing may not be as perfect as it was earlier expected. This section aims to shed more light on some of the risks that have often been associated with the installation of cloud computing programs. Shared Access Multitenancy, which refers to the aspect of unrelated clients sharing the same storage and memory facilities is one of the most disturbing concerns associated with cloud computing. This is particularly because a client’s private data may leak to a different user, an event that amounts to an invasion of privacy. In like manner, this concern is worrying because in some situations the clients who acquire information that is not theirs may be tempted to take up a different identity that is not theirs. The aspect of shared access has in the recent past also resulted in multitenant exploitation, which is the aspect of a user exhausting resources that belong to a different client. Cyber-attacks Another troubling concern that comes with cloud computing programs is cyber-attacks. It is often known that the storage of data within the internet puts the users at a huge risk of cyber-attacks. In fact, cloud computing worsens the situation, for a large amount of data is often stored within its storage space, hence making many people vulnerable (McDonald, 2010). It is presumed that just as security measures and other technological aspects become refined, do cyber-attacks. This is proved by the fact that in as much as cloud companies often get security concerns right; the hackers often become more creative and even hack personal accounts. Government Intrusion Government intrusion is one of the most recent concerns that cloud users have to put up with. This is particularly because quite often governments are forced to invade the privacy of their citizens and other organizations for national security reasons. Lack of Cloud Standardization Another major concern associated with cloud programming is the lack of standardization. This is particularly because there are no set guiding principles that govern the cloud programming, a fact that makes it possible for other cloud providers to have superior cloud systems (McDonald, 2010). Additionally, the fact that different sectors of the economy deal in various fields and have diverse expectations makes it challenging for a cloud provider to know the extent of the safety of their cloud program. Conclusion Cloud computing is unquestionably one of the revolutionary advancements in the world of technology. The fact that cloud computing makes it easy to store, manage and process data is an added advantage given that most of the organizations always have to deal with bulky data. Any organization that is intent on implementing cloud computing should therefore consider going about a comprehensive planning process, for that ensures that all aspects of the implementation process are taken into consideration. Over and above, organizations should ascertain that they put all the necessary systems in place, for that guarantees that some of the concerns highlighted above, such as invasion of privacy are averted. References Babcock, C. (2010). Management strategies for the cloud revolution: How cloud computing is transforming business and why you cannot afford to be left behind. New York: McGraw-Hill. Gulla, J. (2013). IBM Systems: Implementing Cloud Computing Takes a Complete Strategy. Accessible at: http://www.ibmsystemsmag.com/mainframe/trends/Cloud-Computing/cloud_project_management/ McDonald, K. T. (2010). Above the clouds: Managing risk in the world of cloud computing. Ely: IT Governance Pub. Read More