Cloud computing……What is this? 
Category:  Knowledge Base 
Group:  Best Practices 
Product:  All versions

There are so many definitions of Cloud Computing that most of us feel that are heads are in the clouds! Hopefully, we can try to clarify this term for you so that we can all understand this fast emerging style of computing.

The definition of cloud computing is in part due to the increased demand of outsourcing for resources that are scalable, cost effective (pay as you go) with more availability and agility.

There are three general types of clouds:

• Internal cloud – a group of shared resources. Access is limited. Resources are retrievable over a secured and private intranet and is usually controlled and managed by the company’s internal IT division. This also allows them to share IT services.

• External cloud – this is when well known Domains offering web/cloud services on the public internet. Some examples of these types of company’s would be Microsoft, Salesforce.com, and Google App Engine.

• Hybrid cloud – this is a blend of the external and internal clouds. Services from each domain is integrated and combined together with a preferred outside vender

The most commonly used cloud service models which combine internal and external clouds would be as follows:

• Software as a service (SaaS) – applications/services that are scalable to the demands of the customer. The supporting data is hidden from the user. (E.g. NetSuite, Saleforce.com).

• Platform as a Service (PaaS) – a managed, hosted external framework for setting up applications and services. This model will normally be comprised of databases and development studios. (E.g. Google App Engine, Force.com).

• Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS – accessibility to servers (compute power), storage capacity and system bandwidth. (E.g. Rackspace, AT&T).

You will also come across cloud enablers. They help to set up and maintain these types of cloud models. They can provide the technology that creates the infrastructure (E.G. VMware, Citrix Systems¸ Inc) or IT organization (managed services). These companies are pushing the way of multiple Cloud computing services to the forefront due to the fact that they are always trying to make their applications easier to use and more secure.

Cloud Brokers are also becoming popular. They often establish connections with a variety of cloud service providers. They are often system integrators who offer other services in addition to cloud computing services. They are seen as the middle man (consultant) who may also provide valuable information to a company that is not familiar with cloud services. They may review different cloud service providers so that you get the services you really need at the right price.

Cloud computing is one way to get the latest Web2.0 IT services today!

(Publish Dt) 03/31/2011
Buzz: Cloud computing,software as a service,SaaS,platform as a service,PaaS,IaaS,

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