Forecast for Cloud Computing

It is very hard to keep up with the ever changing landscape that forms the World Wide Web. There is a fairly new trend (to most of us anyway) that is titled cloud computing. Unlike its dark Cumulus namesake, this form is invisible and you are probably already a part of it. Sharing information across the internet is essential to its own existence.

In the past when companies hired new employees, they had to update the information concerning registered users among other things. Cloud computing allows programs, software, e-mail systems, etc. to be combined, exported to an offsite server and distributed as needed and where it’s needed. A closer comparison in simpler terms would liken cloud computing to an electric power grid. To make it even simpler, we can call cloud computing a webhost on steroids. You should see a fat cow on steroids sometime. It’s not pretty.

There are three areas that distinguish cloud computing from traditional webhosting. Like cable TV movies, it is “on demand”. Payment is determined by time used. Secondly, it is flexible. The user has access to any amount of time desired using the service. And third, no worries or hassles for Mr. or Mrs. User. The provider assumes all management responsibilities and oversees all updates and maintenance issues. No more registered user headaches for the User’s. Cloud operated service can be public or private. The public cloud service is there for everyone on the web.

The best example of a company in the clouds currently is Amazon. Remember you read earlier that you are already part of the cloud era. The private cloud service is solely for a chosen few. This is what Mr. and Mrs. User and their company would be interested in. The main purpose of this service is to allow easy access to internet resources and the required IT management.

There are three categories that make up cloud service. Let’s take a look.
• Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) – This is the type that Amazon is using. This is where the power grid analogy comes into play. Just as electricity, fuel, and water are sold, Amazon only pays for what they actually use with cloud computing. The provider regulates the usage to add more space when needed or cut some back. Amazons provider is just like a utility company of sorts.
• Platform as a Service (PaaS) – Software and developmental tools are stored on the provider’s databases. The provider can access information from the customer’s computers to keep all systems “go”. GoogleApps utilizes this service.

• Software as a Service (SaaS) – This is the nuts and bolts and grassroots service. Your database, product inventories and email services can be run through this system. The provider supplies the hardware and the software. They communicate with the user through a portal so employees of a company can access their job requirements from any locale.

Modern technology is not standing still. It makes it very hard to keep up with it.

Author :

Biljana is writer and a blogger researching and writing on the subjects of cloud hosting, VPS hosting and the best cloud computing solutions available today.