An Overview of Cloud Computing

Cloud Computing is the use of networks over the internet to store, manipulate, process and share data. It involves delivering computer resources over the internet where they are held at various locations.

It provides services to businesses and the public with access to the internet. Cloud computing is facilitated by cloud service providers on a network. Its services span over the planet, each with specific features.

It involves network providers which provide cloud service.

Potential users with internet access can sign up for the service after which they can access the resources while paying a usage fee. The information is stored on servers maintained and controlled by Cloud service providers. A user can access this information using the internet. Information on Cloud can be shared if the user chooses to and the public can access it as long as they have internet access. Cloud computing has features which control sharing. There are features which a user can use to only show certain information to the public.

Information is stored by sending information to the service provider which in turn ensures the data is stored in another location, instead of being stored on a personal device. the information stored can be accessed and edited at any time and on any device with internet access.

Worldwide Access- through cloud computing, the information stored in it can be accessed anywhere on the world due to it being stored at different locations. Also more people can access the same document without having to be at the same place. Automatic Updates- the cloud computing provider takes the responsibility for making sure updates are available so they just have to be downloaded. This saves time and is simple to do. Reduced Costs- this is so because the billing model is pay per usage and there are no maintenance costs due to no infrastructure being purchased.

More Storage-cloud computing has increasing storage so there is no need to worry about a device running out of storage space. Easy to set up- once individual settings are in place along with passwords and devices to connect with, the resources available can be accessed in a matter of minutes. Flexibility- with businesses developing rapidly, the speed to deliver becomes critical. Thus Cloud computing focuses on getting applications deployed the market quickly.

Security- by storing information by cloud computing, it is actually being put in the hands of a third party making it possibly accessible to the world. The presence of hackers is what arises this concern. Loss of Control- it is the cloud computing entities that control the users. The user depends on them for updates and backups. In some cases the server never stops operating leading to the potential loss of information and control. Internet Reliance- in order to access information stored by cloud computing, internet access is required.

iCloud is a cloud computing service provider which enables users to access information present on apple devices. It allows users to store documents and media files. Apple’s other apps are able to work well with iCloud. It offers rates of depending on the storage use such as US$20 for 10GB.

Google cloud Platform is a portfolio of cloud computing products by Google, that is offering hosting in the same supporting infrastructure that Google uses internally for end-user products. One of its services is connected with Microsoft which allows the user to interact with Microsoft office. A user can also save secure copies of each document and use other Google products. It enables users to access information present anywhere. It is priced at $5 per user per month or $50 per year.

IBMSmartCloud is a line of enterprise-class cloud computing technologies and services for building and using clouds. It usually provides for large companies so that they can develop applications in Cloud or use it as a backup. An estimated cost of usage has to be determined based on times used and additional requirements. For example, monthly, it is priced at $1300 for each unit.

Information provided is easier for all CXC participants to access

Modifications to information can be made at any time.

Information can be accessed anytime, anywhere. Updates of the service will be provided

automatically to CXC. Information can be sent out and made available

to the public very quickly if chosen. Specific information can be picked to be shown to

the public. Large amounts of information can be stored

using cloud computing reducing the cost for hardware.