Technically speaking…
Cloud computing is Internet-based computing, whereby
shared “resources” (servers, disk space, firewalls, backup, software and the
services needed to install and support it) are provided to users to their
personal computer, laptop and other devices on-demand, like a utility
(electricity, water, etc.). SaaS, or “software as a service” is a cloud
computing service. The hardware, software and support required to host and
deliver the application is the sole responsibility of the SaaS provider, not
the end user. The end user only pays for the service of using the software on
an as-needed, subscription basis, or simply uses the service. Some examples of
cloud-based applications are Quickbooks Online, Office 365, and DeskSpace
Attorney,etc. Some examples of free cloud applications are Facebook, Gmail and
even your bank’s online access.
What is cloud
computing?
The best way to illustrate what cloud computing is and
why it’s spreading like wildfire is to compare it to the modern electric
utility industry. On September 4, 1882, Thomas Edison opened the Pearl Street
electricity generating station in New York city, introducing the concept of
electricity as a utility. There were four key elements introduced by Edison’s
concept of electricity as utility that were, previously, unheard of: 1)
reliable central generation, 2) efficient distribution, 3) a successful end use
(in 1882, the light bulb), and 4) a competitive price. Up until 1882, factories
or other entities requiring electrical power were required to build and
maintain their own generators – a very expensive, time consuming distraction
for most companies whose core business centered on producing a product or other
service. The idea of being able to pay for electricity as a utility as opposed
to producing it on their own was a highly-attractive proposition for businesses
who didn’t want the cost and distraction of producing their own power.
Cloud computing is essentially offering the same
promise to businesses today. Until recently, the cost of building and
maintaining your own computer network in house has been a “necessary evil” of
running a business. But now, thanks to major advancements in Internet
connectivity and technology, businesses can simply pay for basic IT necessities
on a “utility” basis. Of course, cloud computing isn’t ideal for everyone just
yet and we will see a period of hybrid networks where businesses have some
applications in the cloud and others on site; but it IS a much smarter,
lower-cost way of meeting basic computing needs (e-mail, spreadsheets, word
processing, backup, and file sharing for example).
What cloud computing
is NOT:
The term “cloud computing” gets thrown around a lot
and is often used to describe the following services, which are only pieces of
a cloud computing solution:
- A data center
- Colocation of data in a data center
- Managed hosting or hosting
- A simple “aaS” platform (IaaS, PaaS or SaaS )
Why would a business
owner choose cloud computing over a traditional network?
There are a few key advantages:
- The cost of buying, installing and supporting a computer network goes down dramatically.
- You gain greater flexibility in accessing your computer network (files, applications, etc.) remotely and from various devices (laptop, iPad, Blackberry, etc).
- You gain the benefit of having built-in disaster recovery and data backup.
- You can purchase cheaper workstations (devices) and get them to last longer since the computing “power” is in the cloud and not on the individual workstation.
- Since you are paying for the service like a utility, it’s cheaper and easier to add and remove workers from your network.
- You avoid hefty network upgrade costs.
- You no longer need to pay for someone to maintain your network (server, firewall, patch management, backups, etc.)
