It's hard to keep up with all of the new jargon that's used around computers at times, especially in business. One of the things you might have come across a lot at the moment is cloud computing. Cutting through the sales pitch, this is a way of putting the essential programs that you'd usually install on each computer separately onto one server, and then lets any permitted computer access them. The server is the thing that does the processing work, while the user can work as normal from their PC.
This isn't exactly what all cloud computing does, but it gives you a good idea of the basic principle. In fact, what you might just call a network is sometimes referred to as infrastructure as a service cloud computing. This means your data is being stored on a server, and the system is being partially managed through that too. Software as a service is a step up from this where programs can be run using the server to host them. Platform as a service means the whole operating system is hosted by the server.
The reasons for this are numerous. For one thing, you can extend the lifespan of your individual computer terminals. Usually these would need to be update every two years, but thanks to the fact that the processing is being done elsewhere, you don't need to keep upgrading the power of the terminals themselves. This means you can double their lifespan, which halves costs over time. It also makes it a lot easier to manage the network, supply updates across the whole system, and also keep things within a business secure from outside interference.
The downside to this is that you do need a really fast network connection otherwise it just won't work as it's supposed to. Also, some workers worry about the invasion of privacy that such a controlled system can lead to.
Incredibly, people with smartphones can make their own mini cloud these days by using their PC as a hosted virtual desktop, thanks to some nifty apps. So this really is a thing of the future for everyone.
This isn't exactly what all cloud computing does, but it gives you a good idea of the basic principle. In fact, what you might just call a network is sometimes referred to as infrastructure as a service cloud computing. This means your data is being stored on a server, and the system is being partially managed through that too. Software as a service is a step up from this where programs can be run using the server to host them. Platform as a service means the whole operating system is hosted by the server.
The reasons for this are numerous. For one thing, you can extend the lifespan of your individual computer terminals. Usually these would need to be update every two years, but thanks to the fact that the processing is being done elsewhere, you don't need to keep upgrading the power of the terminals themselves. This means you can double their lifespan, which halves costs over time. It also makes it a lot easier to manage the network, supply updates across the whole system, and also keep things within a business secure from outside interference.
The downside to this is that you do need a really fast network connection otherwise it just won't work as it's supposed to. Also, some workers worry about the invasion of privacy that such a controlled system can lead to.
Incredibly, people with smartphones can make their own mini cloud these days by using their PC as a hosted virtual desktop, thanks to some nifty apps. So this really is a thing of the future for everyone.
About the Author:
Find out everything you need to know about hosted virtual desktops at www.Vesk.com.
Cloud computing comes into focus only when you think about what IT always needs: a way to increase capacity or add capabilities on the fly without investing in new infrastructure, training new personnel, or licensing new software. Cloud computing encompasses any subscription-based or pay-per-use service that, in real time over the Internet, extends IT's existing capabilities.
ReplyDeletecloud control