The Concept of Cloud Computing - Literature review Example

Cloud Computing Student’s Name Institution Affiliation Cloud Computing Introduction The advancement in computer technology has led to increased generation, processing and sharing of information in various ways (Hurwitz, 2010). The rise of new applications in the market has given way to numerous uses for such applications partly because they stimulate the development of computer technology. Continued search for new forms of systems with the capability of processing larger amounts of data in a faster and efficient way has led to the rise of organizations. These entities are developing such systems either for internal or external use. Hence, the emergence of computer systems meant to provide such services to various organizations and even individuals. The availability of such needs and services in the market has led to the concept of cloud computing. Huwitz (2010) defines cloud computing as the networking of remote servers in order to facilitate the storing of data in a centralized way besides enabling online access to such data. In addition to this definition, he also states that the hardware that facilitates this storage and accessing of information is known as the cloud-computing environment. Overview of Cloud Computing Rountree and Castrillo (2013) posit that one of the major functions of cloud computing is the facilitation of resource sharing. This sharing of resources is very helpful for modern organizations since it often results into saving on costs. Convergence of infrastructure enables the sharing of resources, which in its own way ensures that organizations can achieve economies of scale in relation to information access and usage. Sosinky (2011) observes that cloud computing greatly enhances strategic reinvention. This achievement is mainly due to the removal of obstacles facing businesses especially in the access to computing infrastructure. Cloud computing facilitates businesses to adopt their products to the changing tastes and preferences of consumers hence the businesses are able to keep abreast with market demands. She observes that these changes are achievable through cloud computing without businesses having to change their information technology infrastructure. Such is the reach of cloud computing in enhancing today’s operating environment for businesses. A vital focus for cloud computing is on promoting efficiency in the use of the common resources (Huwitz, 2010).He opines that the necessity of this role cannot be overlooked due the sharing of resources by various users as well as the need to allocate them as per demand. He points out that such efficiency contributes to the maximization of the use of computing power as well as reducing pollution since fewer resources will be put in use. Hurwitz (2010) also suggests that to sum the case for cloud computing is the avoidance of infrastructure costs that would be incurred by companies if cloud computing were not a reality. This advantage coupled by the need for less maintenance means that cloud computing is the choice of any business intent on minimizing costs while at the same time accessing quality infrastructure and information. Service Models In Cloud Computing Rountree and Castrillo (2013) claim that due to various computing challenges that face users, cloud computing is based on an architecture that is service oriented. This quality facilitates breaking down of the user problems into services that then undergo integration in a bid to solve them. As such, all resources attributable to cloud computing are provided in terms of services whose provision is based on service models. There are three service models namely Infrastructure as a service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS) and Software as a service (SaaS). i. Infrastructure as a Service Rountree and Castrillo (2013) define Infrastructure as a service as the virtual pooling of computer technology, networking as well as the provision of storage services. In this service model, providers usually install clusters though in a virtual way upon which they endeavor to operate their software racks besides maintaining them. Notable is the fact that this model enables the users to be in control of the integration of the model setup with their software. In relation to this, the service provider’s duty is to ensure that the hardware is available and operational. This case also applies to the availability of networks, which also falls under the role of the service provider. Besides that, they further explain the concept of infrastructure as a service as the availing of resources belonging to the service providers for use by organizations that are not physically connected with this infrastructure. The main reason for the uptake of this service model is that it enables organizations to increase their capacity without necessarily having to incur infrastructure expenditure. Instead, such organizations pay as per usage, which also factors in the changing market demands. ii. Platform as a Service Under this service model, the service providers provide a computing platform (Chorafas, 2011). Such a platform provides features such as an operating system and even databases among others. This platform mainly serves to facilitate the developing of programs, for instance, by application developers without such people having to incur hardware and software costs. This bypassing of investment in physical infrastructure promotes the developing of web applications since through this service, much of the costs are absorbed. Rountree and Castrillo (2013) sum it all by writing that through Platform as a service, application developers are provided with a stage to develop their ideas in a programming environment. This environment includes web interface and services as well as database integration. Sosinky(2011) notes that the platform as a service is the link between Software as a Service (SaaS) and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) service models. iii. Software as a Service (SaaS) This service model facilitates the access to software as a service with the infrastructure being run by the cloud providers. In this case, the provider just owns the software whose execution occurs in the infrastructure of the organization. This service model involves the online delivery of software to the clients. In the process of offering software as a service, the duty of the service providers mainly lies in managing data belonging to the user besides providing storage services as well as backup. This service model is preferable since it facilitates customer interaction through its wide range of access. Cloud Deployment Models These models are mainly used for indicating the person responsible for managing the servers of the cloud and the processes of managing them. The three deployment models include private, public and hybrid clouds. (a) Private Cloud This model facilitates real-time access to the service provider’s resources on the user’s internal systems (Rountree & Castrillo, 2013). It provides for any security concerns to be addressed by the user since all services are available via the user’s firewall. Hence, it offers a high degree of control to the user hence enhancing the security of data. (b) Public Cloud . Under this model, the privacy needs of the user are very limited. This limitation is because with public cloud, anyone has access to the resources in the database (Huwitz,2010). However, despite the lack of privacy, public cloud is still on demand because it does not require investment in any data infrastructure. Data control is a major concern in the public cloud in addition to the performance of the systems. (c) Hybrid Cloud This model is a combination of various public and private clouds. It requires the use of data and application tools that can facilitate migration between various clouds. These models are preferable since they offer both the qualities of public as well as a private cloud. Concerns about Cloud Service Providers (a) Access Privileges It is imperative for businesses to enquire about the access privileges to their information before engaging a cloud services provider (Chorafas, 2011). Such inquisition is aimed at realizing whether the controls in place are adequate to justify the administrative delegation of the business’ information. It is also a chance for the business to check on the hiring and oversight processes to ensure adequate privacy. (b) Regulatory Compliance Chief among the concerns for a business is the need t ensure that the service provider respects and complies with the regulations governing their practice. This compliance is because despite their data being available through the service providers, businesses are still accountable for it. (b) Business Continuity The need to ensure continuity is inherent in all enterprises (Chorafas, 2011). Hence, before choosing a service provider, businesses need to enquire about the portability of their data. This portability acts as a shield against any loss of data in case the business fails. Continuity also ensures that any information in the custody of the service provider is safe from loss or destruction. (c) Data Segregation This concern mainly involves businesses that are aiming to store their information in public clouds. Due to the fact that public clouds provide a shared environment, the segregation of data pertaining to the client is a significant concern before the engagement of a service provider (Rountree & Castrillo, 2013). As such, businesses have a duty to enquire and obtain guarantees concerning the segregation of data by the service providers. Before engaging the service provider, they must demonstrate the ability to segregate data in the face of multi-tenancy. (d) Monitoring and Reporting. There is a need to monitor the activity of a public cloud. Such monitoring enables businesses to ascertain the information needs of their customers as well as ensuring that desired information is reaching them. It also determines the kind of products and strategies that such businesses will use to reach their clients (Huwitz, 2010). As such, there is the need for businesses to prove the ability of potential service providers to conduct such investigations before engaging them. Conclusion In essence, each organization should consider the various service and deployment models in order to approach cloud computing in an effective manner that will ensure optimum benefits. Businesses also ought to consider various factors as discussed above before choosing a service provider in order to ensure maximum benefits are derived from cloud computing. As such, there is a need for organizations to strike a balance between compliance, risk and data security as they make cloud-computing choices. Such factors are considered alongside costs and the potential benefits from this technology. References Chorafas, D. N. (2011). Cloud computing strategies. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press. Hurwitz, J. (2010). Cloud computing for dummies. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley Pub. Rountree, D., & Castrillo, I. (2013). The basics of cloud computing: Understanding the fundamentals of cloud computing in theory and practice. Burlington: Elsevier Science. Sosinsky, B. A. (2011). Cloud computing bible. Indianapolis, IN: Wiley. Read More