Cloud Computing Explained

Monday, 15 June 2009 13:08

Since 90% of people have never heard of it, I thought I’d post an explanation. Mostly sourced from Wikipedia:

What is it :

A style of computing where the user pays for applications and services provided by an external provider over the internet. They access the services via a browser, and the data …is stored on servers owned and managed by an external provider. The user does not need to invest in physical infrastructure such as hardware, knowledge or expertise but pays for the services they use. Some cloud computing models can be compared to our use of utilities such as power – we don’t all have generators in our back yards.

Why do it:

  • Primarily to reduce the capital expenditure involved in setting up computer networks.
  • You only pay for what you use
  • Low management overheads
  • Utilisation rates can increase if server use is spread out (i.e. no peaks and troughs) over time periods
  • Reduces barriers to entry and risk associated with investing in upfront costs
  • Potentially better performance (speed, reliability, security) for companies who can’t afford specialists to deliver optimum performance networks
  • Flexibility in terms of user location and device

Concerns:

  • Vendor lock in and questionable ethics may lead to spiralling costs over time that the user is unable to break from
  • Can only use services the vendor offers which may be restrictive
  • Unable to install new applications at will or in a timely fashion
  • Data is stored with third party so privacy and security of data may be at increased risk
  • Multiple regulatory environments as ‘the cloud’ spans multiple geographical jurisdictions
  • Physical co-location of data may increase risk by association
  • Data and services (and therefore operation of users business) reliant on viability of provider organisation

Well known examples:

  • Skype
  • Facebook
  • Microsoft’s Software plus services that offer services such as email and document management, collaboration and CRM tools
  • iPhone (for application delivery)
  • PayPal
  • Google Maps
  • Amazon Simple Storage

See this video Explaining Cloud Computing if you want an explanation with pictures.

Some supporters say it’s the way of the future, particularly for small and medium businesses. I suspect they’re right, but I guess we’ll see... remember the hype round Thin Client....

Tags:
< Prev