Principles and Practice of Cloud Computing - Research Paper Example

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Introduction Information technology is the use of computer technology in communication. Thisinvolves storage of information and its retrieval and transmission. Information technology is often applied in virtually all the organizations, be they profit or non-profit. It works well in a well-designed framework called IT infrastructure, which includes computer networks, database management, computers, information centers and systems that regulate data transmission. This research paper explores the history and significance of information technology, and how it has been criticized. History Information technology began from analog devices where “Antkythera” is the first known analog computer from about first century BC. In the late 1930s, the first electronic computer was invented. It uses relays in transmission of information. According to ( ), Zuse Z3 was first put to use in the early 1940s, as the first programmable computer in the whole world. So far, it is the first machine in the world to perform complete computing. The first digital computer invented is Collosus, which can only execute one task at a go. It was invented during Second World War to aid in collection and dissemination of data in Germany. This machine lacked data storage memory. Manchester Small Scale Experimental Machine was the first among the modern electronic digital computers in the market. Since then, great advances have been made in the IT industry with new model computers of low power consumption and high efficiency. Annan (2002) notes that the information society is a way for human capacity to be expanded, built up, nourished, and liberated by giving people access to tools and technologies, with the education and training to use them effectively. There is a unique opportunity to connect and assist those living in the poorest and most isolated regions of the world. Informatization of society is a major hurdle that most nations, especially developing countries, are encountering. The information society or information age is a phenomenon that began after 1950, which brings challenges as we seek to integrate and expand the universe of print and multimedia sources. The two terms are often used to describe a cybernetic society in which there is a great dependence on the use of computers and data transmission linkages to generate and transmit information (Bruce, 1995). The African Information Society (AISI) document (2005) argues that Africa should build, by the year 2010, an information society in which every man, woman, child, village, public and private sector office has secured access to the use of computers and telecommunications media. The objective is to provide every African with the possibility of using the communication and data processing services available everywhere else, just like any other citizens of the world. Significance of IT Information technology is very vital in the modern world. In the research done by Crede & Mansell, for developing countries to grow economically there have to be well-developed information communication systems. Important developments in economic, communication, learning and transport industries are achieved by information technology. As technology continues to evolve, businesses continue to embrace the cloud. The following is a small report on cloud technology ready to be used for a small website design company. The report asserts that cloud technology is an innovative method of business file storage, file sharing as well as online communication and collaboration with colleagues and clients over distance. Cloud technology can be defined as a platform for delivering services of information technology whereby resources are obtained from the internet using applications that are web-based, as opposed to a direct connection to a server (Weinman, 2012). This technology was named “cloud” because to a lay man, the information or data is found in the “clouds”. What this means is that one should not be in a specific place to gain access to this information. Usually, data and software packages are laid up in servers. In cloud technology, its structure makes it possible for users or interested parties to gain access to data or information as long as they can access the web with an electronic device (Mell, 2011). The following are various advantages of cloud computing to a business. One of the major advantages is on disaster recovery. A company that begins to rely on cloud technology does not have to invest resources on disaster recovery, which can be costly. The providers of this technology take care of disaster recovery, something they achieve faster than a business because they can focus on the same. Researchers have established that, for example, companies that used the cloud technology could resolve issues in about two hours, which is almost four times the speed of companies that were not cloud users. The ability of employees working from anywhere is another benefit of cloud technology. All that is needed is internet access. This flexibility has a direct impact to the productivityof employees, the majority of whom would choose telecommuting. Another benefit of cloud technology is security. Considering the ease with each one can loose his or her laptop in an airport, for example, the need to store their information in the cloud, thereby enabling them to access it anytime without regard to what happens on the laptop reveals an invaluable benefit. When compared to on-site servers, cloud technology uses limited carbon footprint, therefore less energy is consumed. These advantages notwithstanding, there are issues that have been raised with cloud technology. Security threats tops the list of concerns. Cloud technology basically refers to computing on the Internet. Researchers have recommended businesses to avoid using the technology’s applications that are about using or storing information they are not comfortable having online. Reliability of the business Internet connection is another disadvantage, because when the connection is offline it means the business is offline as well. This also raises the issue of legal ramiifications that may befall a company in a new country (ISACA, 2011). Features and services of cloud technology are classified into the following three platforms (called layers in the industry) of delivery: Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) layer, Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) layer, and the Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) layer. Because of their functions, these platforms are known as the Infrastructure services layer, the platform layer and the application layer, respectively. The first platform provides special benefits to micro-sized, small and medium-sized businesses. Worth noting is that presently, PaaS is provided like a utility such as electricity or water. There are applications on the Application layer that Web users can gain access to (Mahmood & Hill, 2011). According to Shapiro, although research evidence exists regarding the negative effects of video gaming on children and adolescents, there is need for a balanced approach on the topic that also explores some of the positive impact associated with the video games (n.p). The study provides a summary of research evidence suggesting that video gaming has positive effects to people and society. Firstly, the study argues that playing as first person shooters is likely to improve individuals cognitive abilities manifested in improved neural processing abilities, improved creativity and problem solving skills. Secondly, according to this study, observes that video gaming enables children to develop the ‘incremental theory of intelligence’, which acts as a motivational tool for the children to continuously seek to improve themselves. Thirdly, the study argues that video gaming has the potential for eliciting positive feelings among children and adolescents, which ultimately leads to emotional stability and control. Fourthly, according to the study, video games played within the cooperative multiplayer mode enable players and children to interact with other players within and outside the gaming context thus improving the social skills of players. Similarly, Tumbokon (n.p) explores some of the positive and negative effects associated with playing video games. This study observes that although video games have several negative effects on children, it also has some positive effects and argues parents to choose video games carefully in order to benefit their children. According to the study, video gaming improves the development of the mental ability of children, introduces children to the technological world, encourages bonding and teamwork among the players and encourages the development of the creative ability of the children among other benefits. In her conclusion, Kotz argues that although video games contain both negative and positive impacts, they are good for people, especially children, if properly moderated and controlled (n.p). However, despite the obvious positive impacts of video gaming among children and adolescents, many still argue that these games are not good for people and society. The most common argument is that video gaming causes social isolation among people and may lead to development of negative and antisocial values because people are always glued on their computers for most of their free time (Tumbokon n.p). Apart from this, research evidence indicates that video games promote the development of violent and aggressive behaviors among players through active interaction, repetition of plays and rewards that come with winning. Research evidence also suggests that excessive engagement in video gaming has negative effects on the health of the players. According to Gentile (n.p), video gaming promotes development of sedentary lifestyles and lack of physical activity, which increases risks of obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases later in life. Conclusion Information technology is the use of computer technology in communication. This involves storage of information and its retrieval and transmission. Information technology is often applied in virtually all the organizations, be they profit or non-profit. Annan (2002) notes that the information society is a way for human capacity to be expanded, built up, nourished, and liberated by giving people access to tools and technologies, with the education and training to use them effectively. Information technology is very vital in the modern world. In the research done by Crede & Mansell, for developing countries to grow economically there have to be well-developed information communication systems. The following are various advantages of cloud computing to a business. One of the major advantages is on disaster recovery. A company that begins to rely on cloud technology does not have to invest resources on disaster recovery, which can be costly. Despite the obvious benefits of video gaming articulated above, I still believe that video game ‘revolution’ is not good for people. I believe that we are social beings and value the idea of social interaction and development References Hill, R. (2013). Guide to cloud computing: Principles and practice. London: Springer. Information Systems Audit and Control Association. (2011). IT control objectives for cloud computing: Controls and assurance in the cloud. Rolling Meadows, Ill: IASCA. Mahmood, Z., & Hill, R. (2011). Cloud computing for enterprise architectures. London: Springer-Verlag. Mell, P. (2011). NIST Definition of Cloud Computing . National Institute of Standards . Weinman, J. (2012). Cloudonomics: The business value of cloud computing. Hoboken, N.J: Wiley. Gentile, A. Douglas. The Effects of Video Games on Children: What Parents Need to ` Know. Pediatrics for parents, 2012. Web. 1, March 2014. ` Kotz, Deborah. Do violent video games have an upside for kids? Boston, 29 Nov. 2013. ` Web. 1 March 2014. ` http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/health/blogs/daily-dose/2013/11/29/violent-` video-games-have-upside-for-kids/t27Zpp9wGaVJE7sKF7PVBK/blog.html Shapiro, Jordan. 4 Reasons Video Games Are Good For Your Health (According To ` American Psychological Association). Forbes. 27 Nov. 2013. Web. 1 March ` 2014. Read More