What is Cloud Computing?

Cloud computing does not have anything to do with working in the skies although it involves remote access. The cloud is a metaphor used to refer to the Internet.

A Little Analogy

Cloud computing can be compared to electricity. End users only need to turn on relevant switches to power their devices. They do not need any technical knowledge about electricity to use the power from the grid and they do even have to know where the grid itself is or the route the electricity follows to reach them.

In cloud computing, end users do not have to know where the services they use come from or even how they operate. Some of the things offered include data access, software, storage and general computation services. The services and systems delivering them are located remotely and the users do not need to know their configurations.

The Basics

Users need little hardware and software resources on their local computers, as most of the workload is performed in computer networks that make up the cloud. The main requirement on the local computers is interface software that communicates with the cloud. This may be a simple application like a Web browser.

Many people have actually been using cloud computing for quite some time without realizing it. For example, such Web-based e-mail services as Hotmail, Gmail and Yahoo allow users to access their accounts from any computer connected to the Internet via a Web browser without running local e-mail programs.

However, the services have nowadays been taken a notch higher. Organizations can now operate their businesses in the cloud, where employees can log on and work from remote locations.

Cloud Computing Sections

Cloud computing is basically divided into 2 sections: front end and back end.

• Front End: This is the side that the client or user sees. It is composed of the user’s computer or network of computers and the necessary application for accessing the relevant cloud.

• Back End: This is the section that forms the cloud, which provides storage and server systems among others. Generally, every application has its own server, with a central server administering the entire system. The central server uses protocols or a set of rules and middleware, which is a special software allowing communication among networked computers.

Advantages of Cloud Computing

Apart from the flexibility of working from different locations, cloud computing also helps organizations to lower their operating expenses significantly. It is no longer necessary to buy a new computer along with relevant software for every employee. All that is necessary is loading a single application to log on to relevant workspace.

In a nutshell, here are some of the benefits for organizations.

• Dynamic availability of IT infrastructure and applications irrespective of location.

• Optimization of IT resources to achieve maximum cost benefits.

• Lowering costs related to having data centers and power required for operation and cooling.

• Fostering of business innovation by exploring new options quickly and cheaply, including expanding to new areas or countries without opening local offices.