Cloud Computing is fast becoming a buzz word among the computer and internet circle. Just what is cloud computing? After receiving this question from a friend, I did some research and the below is my findings (based o wikipedia and explainingcomputer.com):
Cloud computing is a style of computing in which dynamically scalable and often virtualized resources are provided as a service over the Internet. Simply put, user can access data, software application or computer processing power from a cloud of on-line resources. This will allows individuals and organizations to reduce capital expenditure and they can purchase software or hardware as a utility services based on a by-demand concept. It is closely associated with web 2.0 technology.
In this case, there are two major categories:
Software as a Service (SaaS)
This include on-line project mangement software, on-line HRM software or even sales management software such as SalesForce.com. On the other hand, on-line office application is also gaining momentum such as headed by Google Docs and SlideRocket.
Hardware as a Service (HaaS)
Amazon is now offering an on-line computing service called Elastic Computing Cloud or EC2. user can purchase computer processing on-line based on processor power, storage and data transfer speed. Google has also introduced Google App Engine for programmer to develop Google application on-line.
Such service offers the following benefits:
- Elastic - user can reduce or increase purchases based on requiremnt within minutes.
- Flexible - user can choose the specifications on each instance of computer power purcahse
- Inexpensive - there is no dedicated capital investment required
- Reliable - depend on central server computing power of Amazon or Google
With cloud computing, user save time on configuring software, hardware as no software need to be installed on their computer. Yet, he is able to access a much wider range of data or serviec formerly not available or unaffordable to him.
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