CLOUD COMPUTING

Why cloud computing?

In the digital age, information is the currency of competing and progressing in society.  In the business world, many of the new entrepreneurs who wish to enter markets do not have the capital or the resources to immediately start providing their market offering. But through cloud computing the induvial can have access to a customized IT infrastructure with developed software, servers, and a data center to integrate all operational data for monitoring and completing the strategic objectives. Cloud computing is much better than the local premise for data storage because in the case of cloud computing data systems as you expand you will pay the reducing cost but in a physical location, there is a fixed cost in the form of rent for a limited scale. Furthermore, there is no server space required and there is also no need for IT specialists as all the regulations can be done through a centralized data management location. On the on-premise, the security is poor due to the high cost involved in software whereas in a cloud system it is designed to cater to all possible hacking and damage issues otherwise it cannot work. Lastly, there are fewer chances of data recovery in local premise sever than on cloud software due to its backup data replication.

What is cloud computing?

Cloud computing is a flexible IT infrastructure designed to cater to the needs of users and organizations in terms of information processing and storage. The medium used by cloud computing in performing all its activities is the internet. Cloud computing allows the individual to gain access to software, emails, and files outside their internal computing environment which are stored in the cloud. In other words, cloud computing is basically renting a digital capacity from a cloud service provider and must pay only for the desired resources rather than buying the whole IT equipment, which is too costly,

 

Types of cloud computing

There are two main categories upon which cloud computing is divided, the Development model and the service model. The development mode is further classified into three types that are public, private, and hybrid cloud. In terms of service model, there is software as service, infrastructure as service, and platform as service.

 

Development model

• Public cloud

This is a classic cloud computing model in which all the cloud services are available to everyone on the internet. The organizations responsible for providing cloud servers have their own servers and are used due to being less costly and having high flexibility towards customer demands. Examples of public clouds can be Google and Microsoft.

 

• Private cloud

Although the public cloud provides convenience, for sensitive applications and files there is a chance of potential hacking and exposure. For this reason, private clouds are servers managed by a third-party opt. There are developed for a sole organization and used for private projects. They contain self-running data centers that monitor resources and security details of the organization's selected projects. But the downside is that they are very costly as customized preferences on setup and information stored require a physical footprint, allocation of space, hardware, and environmental controls. Economies of scale are not achieved in this cloud.

 

• Hybrid cloud

This is a combination of private and public clouds. The secure data is protected behind a huge firewall that is guarded but is accessible online all over the internet. This can only be used by selected individuals through passwords or paid sequences. Hybrid cloud allows connecting on a public cloud while maintaining and regulating data by structuring it into sensitive and non -sensitive data.

Service model

• Software as Service (SaaS)

This cloud service is used for small businesses. The user has access to all operating software on the internet browser. The software host is the administrator and has all the configuration and update controls and only provides service to the user. The user can download all the software and gain after-sale service support as done by Microsoft 360.

 

• Infrastructure as service (IaaS)

This service provides server power and space on the cloud from the provider for the automated processes. This option allows accessibility through a private network or internet. A service provider like Amazon maintains physical computer management systems such as connectivity, storage, and processing units. Attractive for firms that build customized applications and want to control nearly all the elements themselves, but it does require companies to have the technical skills to be able to provide services at that level.

 

• Platform as service (Paas)

This service provides underlying storage, networking, and virtual servers which will include tools and software that developers need to build applications and for projects could include middleware, database management, operating systems, and development tools. Integrated software is created through vast library data available on the platform.

Benefits of cloud computing

Some of the benefits of cloud computing are:

•  It provides convince, accessibility, and efficiency in handling operations
•  Information flow is allowing responsive allowing organizations to maintain accurate communication and avoid the bullwhip effect.
•  Flexibility in supply and demand is possible through cloud computing in which firms can fulfill the customer requirements as well as maintain inventory levels. Forecasting demand through software also allows distribution before any external issues in the environment.
•  Accounting and cost of any organization can be done easily as cos of hiring financial analysts and accounting experts that can potentially swindle organizations is reduced.

Disadvantages of Cloud computing

The disadvantages of cloud computing are

 

• There are possibilities of hacking and technical difficulties with regards to the private and public cloud that can hinder productivity
• For large products that have confidential information makes it costly to set up and operate
•  In developing countries where load shedding is common can corrupt and create an overload on the cloud computing servers.

Although cloud computing has its drawbacks it is still the most effective tool for storing and handling vast amounts of data online.