Cloud computing has become one of the biggest buzz words in recent years and, if we believe the hype, it has the potential to change the way in which computing resources are accessed by businesses and the public at large. This entry introduces cloud computing and examines some of the trends put forward by the industry.
The term “cloud computing” was derived from voice telephony jargon, when networks moved from being circuit-switched to packet-switched, and the image of a “cloud” was frequently used in diagrams to represent the Internet component of a network. Cloud computing therefore speaks to the ability to access computer resources online – via the cloud. Users are typically not required to have specific hardware or software installed (other than a compatible Internet browser), as services can be accessed at anytime and from any device. An everyday example of a cloud application is web-based email service, such as those offered by Hotmail, Gmail, and Yahoo. Users are not required to install any software: they just set up an account and the service can be used at any time and from any device.
Cloud computing is available in many flavours, and many permutations exist, but it possesses some core characteristics, which is the source of its appeal. They include the following:
* Users can access cloud services as and when needed
* Clouds allows resources to be pooled together and shared by multiple users, which can increase efficiency and cost-effectiveness
* Services are quickly scalable to meet user demand
* Service use can be measured and paid for on a usage basis
* Users access services and use the facilities independent of each other.
In the industry considerable energy and resources are being expended to capitalise on the interest and enthusiasm around cloud computing. Clouds are expected to revolutionise computing as we know it, and as expected the pundits have weighed in. Five of the stated trends on how computing will change as a result of clouds are discussed below, and where necessary the likely impact on the region is considered. More
