What is Cloud Computing?
Anyone who has used email lately
or purchased on online software is part of the growing majority of people using
“the Cloud”. The term “cloud computing” was popularized by Eric Schmidt in 2006
but a vague history of publications and failed trademark history seems to
suggest that the term itself was being used in the technology industry in the
late 1990s.3 Cloud computing is a system of pooled
services, software, and data processing or storage options accessible on the internet. If we think of technology as following the same evolution as food production, then it would be similar moving from individual specialized farm stands to grocery stores to grub-hub. Technology started with individual vendors for software and hardware, then moved to larger vendors that consolidated those resources with services, and recently to an online accessible version of infrastructure, platforms, and software.2
services, software, and data processing or storage options accessible on the internet. If we think of technology as following the same evolution as food production, then it would be similar moving from individual specialized farm stands to grocery stores to grub-hub. Technology started with individual vendors for software and hardware, then moved to larger vendors that consolidated those resources with services, and recently to an online accessible version of infrastructure, platforms, and software.2
There are different types of
clouds, usually grouped into categories of public, private, or hybrid clouds. Vendors
on the web offer different services to businesses. A public cloud offers those
services, like Microsoft or Adobe, to many different types of businesses. A private
cloud offers a service to only a single business. The space that is used is
only accessible to that particular entity, limiting the security risk. A hybrid
cloud combines both of these to offer both security and accessibility, an
example being a company that would need to keep customer information secure while
still having data that is accessible for analysis or review by the public.2
The benefits of cloud computing are
that companies no longer have to invest a large amount of capital into
infrastructure. Previously a company that wanted to use a certain program or
platform would need to purchase it. It often meant that a company would have to
justify the purchase with multiple projects, which limited both exposure for the product and
production opportunities for the company. Fast access to technology means that
commerce can move forward with enough speed to meet public demand. Gone are the
days when only technology companies used the latest software.2
In a world where it is increasingly
imperative for everything to be accessible on the internet, the cloud makes it
possible for sectors that were previously excluded to have online visibility.
It provides opportunities because it allows a business or individual to
purchase what they need for only the time that they need it. The technological
field is fast moving to a series of subscriptions rather than an investment in
physical capitol. Pricing for services can vary based on the subscription. Using
internet calculators, like awstcocalculator.com or calculator.s3.amazonaws.com/index.html,
to determine pricing can be convenient but not
always reliable for larger businesses that may qualify for discounts or quantity-based
deals.2
Concerns about the Cloud extend
almost exclusively from questions of its data security. Previously, when technology
was purchased by businesses, they owned the infrastructure, anything
that they produced from the infrastructure, and any data involved was protected
by limited access within a company. Now, infrastructure is leased, and both the
products and the data used to create them can be accessible by a myriad of
unseen entities. Data security is a complicated process due to the lack of
efficacy in the legalities of cloud regulation. Differences in international interpretations
of the proprietary ownership of ideas and remote access by users add to the
difficulty in policing the cloud. Future breaks in accessibility are also an issue.
Services and software are not guaranteed past a subscription, forcing
businesses to constantly upgrade staff proficiency by either training or an
influx of new hires.1
The Cloud is relatively new in
the technology world but has already made a huge impact as the need for data
storage and platforms increase exponentially. The benefits allow business to quickly
change their service and software needs based on the market without heavily investing
in infrastructure. The issues the cloud and its users will face will be in data
security and the impact on human resources. The movement to a global economy
will also necessitate global resources, further impacts its dynamic scope. Even
with its complexity, the increasing need for technological services and data storage will make cloud computing a
necessity for the future.2
References
1.
Determann, L. (2014). What happens in the
cloud: Software as a service and copyrights. Berkeley Tech.LJ, 29, 1095.
2.
Lawrence S. Gould. (2019). What's "cloud
computing"? Retrieved from https://www.adandp.media/articles/whats-cloud-computing
3.
Rajaraman, V. (2014). Cloud computing.
Resonance, 19(3), 242-258.
This was a really nice intro to cloud computing. I know that it is somewhat of an abstract concept to some of us, and this was a really nicely done overview without getting too technical. I had also not previously thought about the constraints of installing large software onto devices vs just pulling it from the cloud. I love articles that make me go hmmmmmm!
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