Understanding cloud computing first step toward optimum use
The Cloud: Many people have heard of it, some people are using it for 100% of their business, but for the most part, many people don’t understand what it is. Most people think of The Cloud as a magical place where all of an organization’s (or individual’s) data exists, free of any of the perils of storing that data at home.
Companies like Apple® and Google® have done a fantastic job of promoting cloud services. But one problem remains: most people don’t understand what cloud computing is, and they do not know the best ways to use it. To understand, one must start with its definition:
• According to Wikipedia, the cloud (or cloud computing) is the use of computing resources (hardware and software) that are delivered as a service over a network (typically the Internet)
This probably does not sound nearly as magical nor mysterious as one might think. In essence, cloud-based services have been around for years. So, why is there so much interest in cloud computing now, as opposed to several years ago? One explanation cloud computing has gained in popularity has to do with the speed of typical Internet access and the lower cost of disk storage systems. Another reason may be that cloud services companies have managed to find ways to charge by the “unit” for their services, and many more of those companies are offering their systems on a fractional basis.
Amazon® is a prime example of the above scenario. Amazon® offers a cloud-based “disk” system, amongst other cloud-based products, where one can purchase a set amount of storage space on its cloud servers for a set amount each month. If your storage needs grow, you simply pay more for more storage, and the trend continues. Google, specifically Google Drive, is another system that charges by the Gigabyte for “drive” space — basically a virtual disk in the sky.