Advantages and benefits of Cloud Computing
In simple words we can define Cloud computing is the way of providing an integrated platform for some computer with web based service. In cloud computing rather using many computer at a time , all computers are connected to one cloud based system. All the information, resources data and other e work is shared and connected to each other by network which we call it cloud. Let discuss in simple language about this interesting topic.
Cloud computing is a recent development in terms of networking. Earlier developments were servers and LAN connectivity. Although this is also little or more similar to these but only the working procedure has been changed. So without wasting time let's understand the DNA of this new technology.
Let's start with a supposition that I have small organization and I am working on a project. Now project without hesitation will need several computer or individual computers for working employees. One problem with this is that I have to keep every computer with software and other hardware which will in return would cost me more for every computer. This problem becomes intense when we have a small organization. The money involved in doing whole this is very large, so we need something cheap and convenient and the answer to this is 'cloud computing'.
Now there is a solution to this multi computer operation problem. Soon, there may be a substitute for this problem for people like me and you. Now there will be no need to install the different application in different computer, you only need to install a single application in the form of virtual cloud and all the workers can asses it. That application would allow workers to log into a Web-based service which hosts all the programs the user would need for his or her job. This process is called cloud computing and it has the potential to change the way we use the computing.
Cloud computing focuses on workload shift from user side computers. By using this technology we are no more handling our application from our own computer. The applications will be handled by some bunch of computer which makes up the cloud. It is obvious from it that Hardware and software demands on the user's side will decrease. I gone tell you that we all have used the clod computing and we are using it. If you have an account with India study channel. Let understand this by this way that all the information which you are seeing on this site is not stored in your computer but still you can use it and wok on it. Now that all information is stored in network called cloud or servers. You need no to buying some application that can provide knowledge on every topic. Only thing to do is enter the web address of the site and you are connected to some remote computer and you are assessing the information. This same thing applies to your email provider. So that how we do it. Now definitely you will be eager to know how cloud is made or what the structure of cloud computing is, let's see this in our next heading.Cloud Computing Structure
We are listening the word cloud computing in last one year but its development and usage is around us for many years. It came in existence itself when we made the word called 'Internet' and yes the introduction of servers. Although for people from non technical ground this cloud understanding is little bit confusing. But don't worry to make it understand I have divided the cloud computing in two parts which are as following:
1) Front end or user end
2) Back end or cloud
Cloud are also of different type namely:
a) Public cloud
b) Community cloud
c) Hybrid cloud
d) Private cloud
e) Inter cloud
Front end is the end where user or client sees the application or anything which he is working on. Well we can define the back end as the server or good to say it as cloud, where the application is actually there. The user access the application from cloud. Below is the diagram to understand it clearly. We use internet explore for access various information but networking connecting different could will not be same. In simple word like I won't be accessing my data using internet explorer, there will be different software for accessing it and lot of money will be involved in it.
Now you will ask if server were doing all these things why we need to make cloud based system. Well the answer is proper utilization of server. If the users using a server are less and it's processing power is going waste. So in order to maximize the use of a server, we divide the server into virtual section. This is called Server virtualization. Each of this section will be carrying limited amount of users. So we are not at a single time using the whole server. It's awkward to imagine that we are using a virtual server but that is the benefit of cloud computing.
Now I am talking something technical language which is involved in it. In fact like court administers the country same here a central or main server administers the system, monitoring the traffic and client demands to make sure that the whole thing runs smoothly. It follows a set of rules called protocols and uses a special kind of software which we call them middleware or connectors. Middleware permit networked computers to converse with each other. Cloud computing is related to things namely grid computing and utility computing.Utility computing is a type of business model where one firm pays another company for access to their data storage and other applications.It is very beneficial from the point that if I have the small company and I don't have that much resource to buy this cloud based computing. I can use the utility computing for my work and pay the owner in return. In a grid computing system, networked computers are able to access and use the resources of every other computer on the network. In cloud computing systems, grid computing usually only applies to the back end same like our email providers.
Now if I am using a cloud computing services and I have lot of users to login. It will require me to need large storage devices and that to large in number. In our own computer we need storage devices but in cloud computing we need double to that off. The reason for this is simple as we don't want our data to be loosed in case any breakdown occurs so one is used as backup of data. Making copies of data as a backup is called redundancy.
Now let's see the application related to the cloud computing.Applications of Cloud Computing
Want to know who are the company involved in making of this of this technology ,here the some names-Google, Microsoft, Apple, International business machine (IBM) .These companies are doing work night and day on making cloud computing user friendly and more efficient. This project is being done by investing lot of money and workforce. Results of this research are coming down but slowly. If I name the application of cloud computing then it likes some large mountain to tell. Cloud computing can do any work better then the own computer. It can do any working from playing movies to playing video games and yes also the heavy programming. Below some points are given which gives advantages of cloud computing.Advantages of cloud computing
1) It could take hardware costs down. So less money invested on hardware and yes less electronic waste. We will not be requiring very heavy software and hardware to run programs. Only few things like monitor keyboard and mouse we will need and yes little bit processing speed for access the middleware. This will reduce the cost of handling of hardware and software and no more back up problem.
2) No boundaries for computing as we will be able to access their applications and data from anywhere at any time. We don't need any wire or permission; we will easily connect to our work through internet. There is no problem of breakdown also.
3) Company now anymore not needs to buy that expensive software's and put money on their maintenance. Instead, half of that money they can give to cloud hosting company.
4) Cost saving in maintenance of hardware and no support department required. No more problem of operating system.
5) If need to do heavy calculation like scientists and other scholars do for a project we can use these heavy cloud for doing calculation and save time. It will be useful in space research and medical sciences.
6) No more need of those heavy and cumbersome mechanisms of storing data. We can givecloud hosting companies for storing data.
7) For colleges and universities there will be an single cloud library rather having several library.
As everything comes with some effect also. Here some effect and threats with cloud computing.Security issues with cloud computing
Since we are using network based service so the threats of hackers and leaking information is problem. One of activity hackers may do with this is called key logging. Under key logging the hackers try to steal the login name, passwords or other access information. Hacker can use network to go into a cloud and hack information. It is difficult at back end level but very easy at user level or front end.
Here are the some of the disadvantages of cloud computing.Disadvantages of cloud computing
1) Concerns about cloud computing are security and privacy.
2) Hosting company can misuse or leak the client company details.
3) Money required for establishing the cloud service and keeping the goodwill in the market
4) Lack of satisfaction and trust between client and maker.
5) Information can be asses from anywhere so it is problematic for defense systems.
6) There was no way to store information locally on a terminal.
7) Threat to the manufacturing and repair firms related with electronic products.
8) Less human resources require so more unemployment.
9) An initial cost of applying this service is costly.
10) New wavelength and network band are needed.
11) Internet connectivity should be perfect and no breakdown should occur.
12) Threat to banking services and research work.
Fantastic information. This resource was very useful for me. Thank you ashu :). I feel much grateful if you can clarify my doubts ashu. I completed my B.Tech in 2011, I got selected for a company in Hyderabad. I have to work on GIS. I got to know that career growth in my company is very slow, i thought of learning any course and shift my field after few months, will cloud computing be a better option for me or android technology? And what are the prerequisites for learning cloud computing?