Cloud computing is the latest buzzword in tech industry. Despite all the attention it receives, little is known about it.
Cloud computing is a service that allows you to store your data at remote storage facilities and access computer support services for a fee via the internet.
The cloud service provider buys and houses both the required hardware and software resources that enable you to run your applications.
This eliminates the need to purchase the necessary resources to do so on your own.
Cloud computing not only saves you money, but also allows you to access your data from anywhere. Here are the basics of cloud computing.
Requisites
In order to access cloud services, reliable internet connection is required. This can be obtained through wired or wireless internet or through mobile broadband service.
Imagine the convenience of accessing a file by downloading it on your phone instead of dashing to the office to copy from your desktop. That is the beauty of cloud computing.
Levels of Cloud Computing
There are four levels of cloud computing that you can register for based on your needs. These are:
1. Private Cloud: A private cloud is a cloud service created specifically for a certain organization or group. Access is allowed to that organization only.
2. Public Cloud: This type of cloud service is accessible to anybody with an internet connection without any restrictions.
3. Community Cloud: This cloud service is created for two or more firms that have similar requirements and hence able to share the service without any hitches.
4. Hybrid Cloud: A hybrid cloud is created from an amalgamation of two or more clouds such as public, community or private cloud.
Selecting the Cloud Service Provider
Depending on the level of the cloud, each service provider performs a specific role, allowing subscribers certain degree of control over their cloud.
You will need different level of cloud based on your needs. As such, the type of cloud you require for business use is different from that for your own personal use.
The cloud for business use needs more storage space than that for home use. Cloud providers can be classified into three types based on level of control and the services provided by the cloud provider.
1. Software as a Service: This one offers subscribers the lowest degree of control over the cloud. You can access both applications and resources and eliminates the need to install cloud software on your computers.
2. Platform as a Service: This one is more superior to Software as a Service as it allows you to obtain the components that you need to create and run applications via the internet.
3. Infrastructure as a Service: This setup allows you to wholly outsource all the software and hardware resources that you need to the cloud provider.
Security Considerations
Information stored on the cloud can be accessed by hackers with malicious purposes in mind. This means that you should evaluate whether there are security measures in place to ensure that your information is secure.
Check your cloud provider's security measures such as the encryption method available, the firewalls and presence of back-up storage facilities.
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Reads:432Posted: July 16th, 2012 under Benefits of Cloud Computing, Web Applications.
Tags: Basics of Cloud Computing, Cloud Computing, Cloud Computing Basics