Simply put, cloud computing allows a user to use services and applications over the Internet, rather than possessing the software and hardware on their own device. No longer does a local computer have to do all the heavy lifting to run a software program, but instead a network of computers and servers handle them instead (1).
The idea itself may come from John McCarthy in the 1960’s who thought that computation would someday be organized as a public utility such as electricity or plumbing. It was not until the 1990’s that the the concept came to fruition as telecommunications companies shifted from point-to-point data circuits to Virtual Private Network (VPN) services. This allowed these companies to optimize their resources through load balancing which not only allowed them to get their work done more efficiently, but much more inexpensively (2).
How it Works
When talking about the cloud computing architecture, one can think of it in two parts: the front end system - being the clients computer who is running the interface connected to the cloud, and the back-end system which includes the servers and data storage systems. A central server helps administer the system - guiding traffic and user demands through a set of rules called protocols (1). The front end system could be using an application saved to the computer that connects to the servers, or can be simply accessed using a browser. In addition, the back-end system will likely have twice the amount of storage space in order to keep all the users information stored and backed up in case the servers breakdown. This is known as redundancy. Furthermore, in this system is middleware which allows computers connected to the central server to communicate with each other.
Applications of Cloud Computing
If you have sent or saved information over the Internet in the past few years or worked in a large company, it is likely that you’ve already used cloud computing. For example. using GoogleDocs to put together a group paper or using Microsoft word at a company computer is already working in a cloud. A company will use cloud computing systems so that they do not have to buy software for every employee as well as save information to central database rather than a user’s hard drive where it could be potentially lost. One of the first companies to utilize cloud computing was Salesforce.com in 1999 which allowed smaller companies to use enterprise applications that they might otherwise be unable to afford through their website platform. This is known as using SaaS, or Software as a Service.
The Future of Cloud Computing
In a survey by the Pew Research center for the Pew Internet & American Life Project, amongst 895 diverse stakeholders and critics, 71% agreed with the following statement:
"By 2020, most people won't do their work with software running on a general-purpose PC. Instead, they will work in Internet-based applications such as Google Docs, and in applications run from smartphones. Aspiring application developers will develop for smartphone vendors and companies that provide Internet-based applications, because most innovative work will be done in that domain, instead of designing applications that run on a PC operating system."
Conversely some 27% agreed with the opposite statement, which asked:
"By 2020, most people will still do their work with software running on a general-purpose PC. Internet-based applications like Google Docs and applications run from smartphones will have some functionality, but the most innovative and important applications will run on (and spring from) a PC operating system. Aspiring application designers will write mostly for PCs." (3)
Some Potential Issues with Cloud Computing
Privacy
With the cloud, much personal information has been stored on central company databases that have benefited customers in terms of service and overall satisfaction. However, there is much debate over what should be stored. For example, Verizon and AT&T have stored millions of American's phone calls which many might say violate the constitution.(6)
Security
There is much concern about the availability of public and private information, especially when the vehicle behind the cloud that the information is transmitted across is run by a third part source. Furthermore, sensitive information about individuals that are used to validate their identity on the Internet and then stored are subject to intrusion.
For further explanation on cloud computing, check out this video
(1) http://computer.howstuffworks.com/cloud-computing.htm
(2) http://www.cloudtweaks.com/2011/02/a-history-of-cloud-computing/
(3) http://pewresearch.org/pubs/1623/future-cloud-computing-technology-experts
(4) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJncFirhjPg
(5) images from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cloud_computing
(6) Cauley, Leslie (2006-05-11). "NSA has massive database of Americans' phone calls". Usatoday.com. http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2006-05-10-nsa_x.htm. Retrieved 2010-08-22.
posted by: Mark Alexander
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