As the internet continues to evolve along with computer technology, we have seen the introduction, and popularization, of cloud computing. Aware of it or not, cloud computing is now a regular part of computer users everyday lives. When someone logs onto a computer and connects to the internet via a web browser they are accessing a large network of data being stored in various locations across the world. An easier way to think about the concept of cloud computing is to consider email. Nearly everyone has one, you are even assigned one when you enroll at a college, and yet we do not have to download any new software to access our new email accounts. Everything is located on the cloud that is Google mail, and so we can access this cloud from any computer that has an internet connection. It may not seem like a revolutionary concept, but in reality cloud computing makes for easier access and transfer of data, as well as increase security while decreasing costs. Despite still being relatively new this idea of cloud computing has changed the face of the internet and will continue to evolve as it becomes more widely accepted.
Upon first hearing of it, cloud computing may sound like a bunch of technical nonsense, but beyond all the minor details it is really a simple concept. It all starts with a person who has created software that they want to share with everyone. This is no easy task, since people are more likely to try the software if they can use it without downloading it there needs to be a way they can host the software for everyone to use. However, hosting software for potentially thousands of people to use requires adequate hardware, which could turn out to be very expensive. Here is where the cloud comes into play. Designers use third party infrastructures to host their software so they do not have to. This means there is no need to buy large amounts of hardware, essentially cutting out the fixed costs and leaving only the variable costs of using a third party’s system. Programmers take advantage of third party infrastructures like Yahoo who have “tens of thousands of machines to process data” (Yahoo). There is an incentive for companies who provide the hardware because they do not give out space on their systems for free. Programmers often have to rent the space on a per-use basis, which costs them less than it would to buy the hardware they need. An example of this is seen in cargo shipping; it makes more sense for multiple people to load their goods on one ship rather than each person to use their own individual ship (Kaliski). Also, using a larger third party system provides them with increased security, as well as increased speed, including faster rebooting times.
Of course, as with almost every public good, cloud computing runs the risk of servers being overused and losing speed and security. This is why some providers, like rmsource, are building new servers which boast all the same advantages of cloud computing, but in a private setting. Making it private they can restrict the number of people who use their servers, and ensure that speed and security are not compromised (rmsource).
Although it may sound like cloud computing works better when put in a private setting, the ability for anyone to use public servers is what makes cloud computing so desirable. A public cloud reduces the start up costs for new businesses, as well as improves the business process for already established firms allowing workers to open files no matter their location. An “open” cloud allows designers and providers to “share data and applications in the cloud, allowing everyone involved to focus on the business process instead of the infrastructure that hosts it” (Open Cloud Manifesto 6). With reduced costs of renting space on a public server compared to purchasing hardware to build a new server, companies have the option to put their saved money towards something else. Several large firms have pledged themselves to the cloud manifesto, such as Sun Microsystems and IBM, and hope to establish a world of open clouds where every business can thrive.
Even now we can see cloud computing moving toward the future and the prospect looks bright. With large firms joining in cloud computing has moved past the initial stages and is now ready for action. The EU teamed up with IBM to launch a new form of cloud computing called RESERVOIR. This new initiative is to enhance technological research in an open environment across the EU. “A typical use of RESERVOIR could be to simplify the delivery of online entertainment” (Jowitt). Although different than most of the other examples, RESERVIOR is a look into what the future may contain for cloud computing and how it may contribute even more to our everyday lives.
Works Cited:
Jowitt, Tom. "IBM and EU launch cloud computing initiative." Techworld 06 Feb 2008 Web.28 Jun 2009.
Kaliski, Burt. " Multi-tenant Cloud Computing: From Cruise Liners to Container Ships." Third Asia-Pacific Trusted Infrastructure Technologies Conference 17 Oct 2008 1. Web.28 Jun 2009.
"Open Cloud Manifesto." Open Cloud Manifesto. Spring 2009. 28 Jun 2009 <http://www.opencloudmanifesto.org/>.
"rmsource, Inc.; rmsource, Inc. to Open State-of-the-Art, Private Cloud Data Center. " Computer Business Week 2 Jul 2009: Sciences Module, ProQuest. Web. 28 Jun. 2009.
"Yahoo! Inc.; Yahoo! Raises Commitment to Cloud Computing with the Availability of Yahoo! Distribution of Hadoop. " Computer Business Week 2 Jul 2009: Sciences Module, ProQuest. Web. 28 Jun. 2009.
