Cloud computing has come to encompass many “services” and is now considered a catch-all phrase to describe any service delivered over the internet. Google, for example, offers “web-based messaging and collaboration apps [which] require no hardware or software and need minimal administration”. Similarly, Microsoft now offers Microsoft Online Services which are “delivered as a subscription service”.
Many vendors, who previously offered software as a client based application, now offer the same application over the web. According to Network World (March, 2009), there are six primary categories that cloud computing can refer to “applications, collaboration tools, storage, servers and processing, IT management and platforms”. Many companies offer more than one of these ‘cloud computing’ services.
Storage over the Internet
To be in the cloud computing space for storage services, vendors must ensure large amounts of storage are in place, but that is hardly all these companies offer. One of the benefits of offering storage over the internet is the flexibility to shift drive space if needed. Storage space can quickly be moved from one place to another as necessary. In this regard, there is a cost benefit for consumers because of the concept of shared resources.
According to a Gartner Research publication, “Key Issues for Cloud Computing”, Smith, Cearley and Plummer (June, 2008), state that cloud computing, “will shift the way purchasers of IT products and services contract with vendors, and the way those vendors deliver their wares”. Indeed, cloud computing services offer consumers flexibility, reliability and security that might not otherwise be available to many organizations.
Cloud Computing – Good for Business
Cloud computing services can help many companies who are looking to shift architecture, modernize technology or cut IT costs. The time will come in the next few years when every company will be using some form of cloud computing or service delivered over the web. Some companies may find the offerings so beneficial as to embrace internet services as a substitute for hosting any application or service locally.
There is no doubt that web services offer a cost benefit and a quality advantage over locally hosted services. These services are typically offered on a pay per use basis, allowing for scalable architecture and making the cost advantage extremely attractive. Cloud computing services are not just for small businesses either. Large businesses can certainly realize the benefits of web service offerings as well.
Sources:
Brodkin, J. (March, 2009). Major Shift to Cloud IT Services Inevitable, IDC says. Network World.
Smith, D. M., Cearley, D. Plummer, D. (June, 2008). Key Issues for Cloud Computing. Gartner Research. Gartner, Inc. ID Number: G00158484
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