Cloud computing

The Definition
Cloud computing is a model for enabling convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g., networks, servers, storage, applications, and services) that can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort or service provider interaction(NIST, 2011). Style of computing in which scalable and elastic ITenabled capabilities are delivered as a service to external customers using Internet technologies (Gartner, 2009).

Cloud computing : Essential characteristics

NIST On demand self service Broad network access Rapid elasticity Measured service Resource pooling Gartner Service based Uses Internet technologies Scalable and elastic Metered by use Shared

Types of cloud computing

Software as a Service (SaaS) The capability provided to the consumer is to use the providers applications running on a cloud infrastructure. The applications are accessible from various client devices through either a thin client interface, such as a web browser (e.g., web-based email), or a program interface. Platform as a Service (PaaS) Provides virtualized servers on which users can run existing applications or develop new ones without having to worry about maintaining the operating systems, server hardware, load balancing or computing capacity. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS). Provides grids or clusters or virtualized servers, networks, storage and systems software designed to augment or replace the functions of an entire data center.

Deployment types
Public cloud- is based on the standard cloud computing model, in which a service provider makes resources, such as applications and storage, available to the general public over the Internet. Community cloud -shares infrastructure between several organizations from a specific community with common concerns (security, compliance, jurisdiction, etc.), whether managed internally or by a third-party and hosted internally or externally. Hybrid cloud -is a composition of two or more clouds (private, community, or public) that remain unique entities but are bound together, offering the benefits of multiple deployment models. It can also be defined as multiple cloud systems that are connected in a way that allows programs and data to be moved easily from one deployment system to another. Private cloud -is infrastructure operated solely for a single organization, whether managed internally or by a third-party and hosted internally or externally.

Virtues and vices from the clients perspective

Virtues
Cost effectiveness: metered cost pay-asyou-go approach for storage, processing and applications; little or no capital investment and maintenance cost Levels the playing field - Cloud computing providers offer small and mid-size businesses access to more sophisticated technology at lower prices Moves as quickly as your business Cloud hosting is extremely fast to implement, it matches your current needs Quick deployment adds capacity or applications almost immiediately

Vices
Loss of control to another partydependency on the vendor Security and privacy issues-it not a good solution for companies that deal with sensitive data; security and privacy laws differ all around the world Immature security and quality standards Monitoring and maintenance tools are not mature yet visibility into the cloud is limited Immature security and quality standards Transformation cost

Bibliography
Fogarty K. (2009) Cloud Computing Definitions and Solutions CIO webpage avaialable at: http://www.cio.com/article/501814/Cloud_Computing_Definitions_and_Solutions?page=1&taxonomyId=3024

Gartner, Inc. (2009) Five Refining Attributes of Public and Private Cloud Computing
IBM (2011) IBM cloud computing. Rethink IT. Reinvent business available at : http://www.ibm.com/cloud-computing/us/en/ KPMG (2010) Business, operations and technology implications of cloud computing video available at: http://www.kpmg.com/Global/en/IssuesAndInsights/ArticlesPublications/Techwatch/Pages/Business-operations-and-technology.aspx KPMG (2010) the cloud computing model video available at: http://www.kpmg.com/Global/en/IssuesAndInsights/ArticlesPublications/Techwatch/Pages/The-cloud-computing-model.aspx KPMG (2010) Customer perspectives on cloud computing video available at: http://www.kpmg.com/Global/en/IssuesAndInsights/ArticlesPublications/Techwatch/Pages/Customer-perspectives-on-cloud-computing.aspx KPMG (2010) Unified security view of cloud computing video available at: http://www.kpmg.com/Global/en/IssuesAndInsights/ArticlesPublications/Techwatch/Pages/Unified-security-view-of-cloud-computing.aspx Mell P., Grance T. (2011) The NIST Definition of Cloud Computing. Recommendations of the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Special publication 800-145 The National Institute of Standards and Technology U.S. Department of Commerce. Gaithersburg, MD 208998930