What is Cloud Computing?
Cloud computing is a computing model that makes it possible to access software, storage resources, and servers over the web in a self-service manner. Originally, there is a need for users to purchase, install, and manage these resources on their own computer. However, with cloud hosting, users can finally access and use these resources over the internet. It is called cloud computing simply because the access is made available through the cloud.Yes, it is true that the process is made possible because and over the internet. Why not call it internet computing? Technical people have used cloud icons as a representation for data centers, infrastructure, technologies, and services that make use of the internet. Hence, it is called cloud computing.In this modern world, everything, even the computing tasks, can already be done in the internet/cloud. As a matter of fact, a lot of users have already tried using several cloud solutions like SaaS which stands for software-as-a-service, or on demand business applications. Apparently, not all cloud computing solutions are made equal. That is why businesses are advised to carefully assess their needs for security, reliability, support, and performance before finally moving beyond the trial service.Cloud computing providers are advised to completely show their features including how they protect data and how they value regulatory compliance. These providers should also be able to provide detailed explanation as to the measures to undergo if the client or the provider decides to terminate.Other examples of cloud computing are free web services like Google Gmail or Microsoft Hotmail, and even social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook. At the same time, there are online backup solutions and they also make use of clouds to store their files therein. Moreover, cloud computing systems are being created by service providers to cater to the needs of common businesses or research entities and these services include:
- Virtual IT
- Software
- Network Storage
In other words, cloud computing is used by entities to configure and utilize remote servers, utilise commercial software applications as well as develop applications, and backup or archive data across the cloud to a provider without having the need to know where the storage is actually located. Obviously, scalability is the common denominator of this services and it is something that cloud computing provides to make it possible to support large numbers of customers and their demands.Cloud computing has its upsides and downsides. Usually, cloud hosting providers are accountable for installing and maintaining software and other applications within the cloud, a model that some customers would go for because of its reduced manageability burden. However, in this model, it is hard for customers to have direct control over the system’s stability.Cloud computing systems are also made to track all system resources. Hence, providers are allowed to charge their clients depending on the resources they consume. This billing approach of cloud computing which is similar to how water is billed is one of the reasons why customers prefer cloud computing over other solutions. At the same time, there are also cloud computing providers that over flat-rate fees since there are also customers that want to pay for fixed charges monthly or yearly.Lastly, in cloud computing, users are required to send data over the cloud and store it on a third-party server. This makes privacy and security risks inevitable that is why alternatives must be thoroughly weighed.
