Cloud Computing
Introductio
n to Cloud
Cloud computing relies on sharing of resources to achieve coherence and economies
of scale, similar to a utility (like the electricity grid) over a network. At the foundation
of cloud computing is the broader concept of converged infrastructure and shared
services.
Cloud computing, or in simpler shorthand just "the
cloud", also focuses on maximizing the
effectiveness of the shared resources. Cloud
resources are usually not only shared by multiple
users but are also dynamically reallocated per
demand. This can work for allocating resources to
users. For example, a cloud computer facility that
serves European users during European business
hours with a specific application (e.g., email) may
reallocate the same resources to serve North
American users during North America's business hours with a different application
(e.g., a web server). This approach should maximize the use of computing power thus
reducing environmental damage as well since less power, air conditioning, rack space,
etc. are required for a variety of functions. With cloud computing, multiple users can
access a single server to retrieve and update their data without purchasing licenses for
different applications.
The term "moving to cloud" also refers to an organization moving away from a
traditional CAPEX model (buy the dedicated hardware and depreciate it over a period
of time) to the OPEX model (use a shared cloud infrastructure and pay as one uses it).
1
Cloud Computing
P roponents claim that cloud computing allows companies to avoid upfront
infrastructure costs, and focus on projects that differentiate their businesses
instead of on infrastructure. Proponents also claim that cloud computing
allows enterprises to get their applications up and running faster, with improved
manageability and less maintenance, and enables IT to more rapidly adjust resources
to meet fluctuating and unpredictable business demand. Cloud providers typically use
a "pay as you go" model. This can lead to unexpectedly high charges if administrators
do not adapt to the cloud pricing model.
The present availability of high-capacity networks, low-cost computers and storage
devices as well as the widespread adoption of hardware virtualization,service-oriented
architecture, and autonomic and utility computing have led to a growth in cloud
computing. Companies can scale up as computing needs increase and then scale down
again as demands decrease.
Cloud vendors are experiencing growth rates of 50% per annum.