Cloud Computing

Cloud computing refers to the provision of services and resources to users through the use of internet-based computing, such that the technical implementation details of the programs are abstracted from the users. Basically, all the programs are hosted and processing is performed on remote machines. The workers just need to connect to this remote machine through a web-based service and utilize it to access the required functionality.

Cloud computing is an uncomplicated concept, but it can have an enormous impact on the business of an organization. It can be described as a better way to run a business. When using cloud computing, instead of running their applications internally, the organizations run them on a shared data center outside themselves, which is referred to as a “Cloud”. The users only need to connect to the cloud, configure and customize it, and start using it. The user is not aware of, and does not need to be concerned with what goes on inside the cloud.

The cloud manages numerous infrastructures across multiple organizations and consists of one or more frameworks overlaid on top of the basic infrastructure binding them together. In this manner, cloud computing provides a way to enhance capacity or provide additional capabilities dynamically without the need to invest in new infrastructure, train new personnel, or license new software.

In cloud computing, all of the necessary resources are bundled together in to one package, which can be obtained for a predictable monthly subscription. This means that an organization has to pay for only the resources that it ends up utilizing and is saved from wasteful expenses.

Some other benefits of applications running on cloud computing are that they’re more secure, more scalable, and more reliable than most of the existing applications. In addition, the separation of application logic and user interface ensures that any upgrades to the application, such as security or performance enhancements, get incorporated automatically on the user end. Finally, cloud applications don’t over-utilize an organization’s valuable IT resources, allowing them to focus on deploying other applications, new projects, and innovation.

Following are some of the main characteristics of cloud computing:

• The consumers do not own the physical infrastructure; instead they rent it from a third-party provider.
• The service is completely managed by the provider. The consumer only needs a personal computer and a high speed internet access.
• Significant cost reduction and increased speed in application development can be achieved due to the improved utilization rates caused by sharing of perishable and intangible computing power among multiple users.
• The customers consume resources as a service and pay only for resources that they use- a user can have as much or as little of a service as they need at any given time.
• Equal response times can be achieved at multiple sites due to increased high-speed bandwidth from centralized infrastructure.