First Things First: What is it Exactly Cloud Comptuing?

Currently most businesses handle their software and IT infrastructure in house. There’s a set of staff that’s responsible for setting each employee up with access to software and programming. But now, thanks to the development of cloud computing, a lot of that is done through a third-party network. Through cloud computing, instead of one person installing an array of software programs for each individual computer station, employees need only load a single application. This third party would house all the companies purchased software through a web-based service.

Next, a remote server, which is owned by a different company, runs the entire suite of programs employees need to do their jobs effectively. We’re talking e-mail and word processing, as well as extremely complex programs that analyze data.

This magical system is called cloud computing, and before you know it you’ll be using it everyday.

You’re Probably Already Using it

If you take advantage of web-based email services from the likes of Gmail, Yahoo, or Hotmail, you’ve likely been using cloud based software for years now. Instead of running an email program on your computer like you would with programs such as Outlook, you log into a website and access your email remotely. The storage space and affiliated software aren’t housed on your computer; they’re on a computer cloud.

But What’s a Computer Cloud?

A computer cloud is essentially a huge server that hosts all the functionalities of a set of computer systems. It has two parts: the front end (that’s what you see) and the back end (that’s the cloud part). The two parts are joined through a network or internet connection.

Front End

The front ends includes your computer itself, and the network of computers with which they’re affiliated; typically an entire company’s computer systems, and the application used on the computers to log into the cloud computing system. The user interface varies from program to program, but they all work of the same premise of running by a single application on a computer network.

Back End

The back end is the part that you as the consumer don’t see. It comprises computers, data storage systems, and servers. This is what completes the cloud computing system. Imagine the external hard drive you purchased to store all the high-resolution photos you didn’t want taking up space on your computer. It’s a remote place to store your files that’s connected through an internet connection or a cable. Cloud computing runs off that same concept, only on a much, much larger scale.

How Does it Affect Me?

Quite frankly, it opens up opportunities. The ways in which cloud computing can be applied are virtually without limits. Through cloud computing, clients can access programs and files on any computer with internet access. That means no more being tied to a desk -- you can take your work with you on the go. Just log into the program and you’re all set.

• Cloud computing makes data storage easier, so the size of a computer’s hard drive is much less important when you’re shopping for Laptops or Desktop Pc.
• It reduces hardware costs by shifting the focus off the idea of looking for the fastest computer with the most storage. You’ll just need a steady internet connection, a monitor, input devices such as a keyboard and mouse, and you’re good to go.
• You’ll save space you previously rented to store your companies servers and databases.

Security and Privacy Concerns

Of course, as with any new technology trend, there are concerns people commonly have about cloud computing. Possibly the largest concern is security and privacy. How do you ensure your privacy when you’re logging into a huge network that houses all of your information off site? What’s keeping it from getting into the wrong hands? Well, as far as the security issue, a cloud-based system that compromised its clients’ information would do itself a disservice, as no one would hire them.

Privacy is a whole different ball game. Cloud computing companies each have their own way of protecting client privacy. Authentication options such as individual usernames and passwords are a start. It’s important to explore all the security and privacy options before taking part in a cloud-based computing system.

While it’s still in its infancy stage, before you know it, cloud-based computing will be a household term, everyone will know what it is and how to use it. It’s a growing trend that is certainly worth watching. What are your main concerns regarding cloud computing?