The Cloud Computing Paradigm
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by: garyveskin
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Word Count: 573
Date: Sun, 23 Jan 2011 Time: 8:05 AM
By the term cloud, we might think that it involves a revolutionary network infrastructure that makes computing faster and more decisive. Although entirely farfetched, this is true, cloud computing is indeed location-independent computing, where servers provide resources, software, and data to computers or clients. Cloud computing is an evolvement of service-oriented design, which points that details are abstracted from consumers, they no longer need the specialized skills and proficiency in order to use these services. They are all managed by the linked chain of servers, also known as the 'Cloud'.
Detailed Definition
Cloud Computing is a specification that makes use the Internet in line with primary servers to manage applications and info. It permits consumers and businesses to use applications without configuring settings in each machine; data and other information can also be remotely accessed from any workstation, making it not only useful for the users, but also effective and reliable. An instance of cloud computing is web mails, like Gmail or Yahoo Mail. Anybody can use these mailing application software; eliminating the need to establish applications on their PC's. Judging by the budget spend on these web-based services, there are more to arrive. The best thing about cloud computing is that it is really compact, in our case, the user only requires an internet connection and basically any PC in order to access his/her mail.
While portability and reliability is enough reason to convince us to accept the cloud computing design, there are much more in the table. There are about a hundred more reasons to believe in cloud computing, here are a few.
Firstly, the cost, having a central server decreases the cost of capital venture. That means that the infrastructure will be cheaper to produce than the standard, encouraging businesses to carry out the system. Second is reliability. Disasters not unlike database failure bring about the goosebumps. Having multiple mirrored servers will not only reduce the risk of database or disk failure resulting to a loss of data, it will also decrease load on the servers and boost performance. Another justification worth mentioning is security. Cloud Computing uses centralized servers to deal with tasks. While this requires more processing power for the servers, it also provides the system with the much needed security. All resources and sensitive data are easily insured because most of them are stored and processed on the server itself. Lastly, we have maintenance. We have discussed that applications are not set up in every machine. Which may not mean much to you, but it really means a lot to the maintenance expenses. Since software and data are stored on the server, patches are only done on the server, moderately reducing cost and time in maintaining the software.
Conclusion
Intel is at present working on Cloud Computing, and promises that cloud-based architectures will work as a synergist for building the industry around open standards and interoperable solutions. While Intel expresses its views on Cloud Computing in a serious frame, it might well be just another marketing action. No one can really tell from now. Envision a digital realm where we no longer need to install a bunch load of applications on our PC. An environment that would be very reliable and fit with all of the programs we wish to use. That would be the day.
About the Author
Gary Veskin is a computer specialist working as a consultant for various IT-related businesses. He also works as a freelance writer and currently writes for Cheap Nokia Phones. Cheap Nokia Phones dot com is a site that has the latest and most extensive reviews on new nokia phones.
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