Cloud Computing...What it is?

   

Sorce: http://vista.blorge.com/2012/03/18/cloud-computing-is-expected-to-create-14-million-new-jobs-worldwide-by-2015/

"Demand for “cloud-ready” IT workers will grow by 26% annually through 2015, with as many as 7 million cloud-related jobs available worldwide, according to an IDC White Paper sponsored by Microsoft Corp.

However, IT hiring managers report that the biggest reason they failed to fill an existing 1.7 million open cloud-related positions in 2012 is because job seekers lack the training and certification needed to work in a cloud-enabled world.

The chart above, taken from this White Paper, highlights the growth of cloud-related jobs in various industries across Asia. As can be seen, the growth from 2012 to 2015 in every single sector is expected to be phenomenal!"

The statement above is what I saw when I opened one e-mail sent to me recently. I've been invited to attend an intensive course on Cloud Computing. So the big question is.Should I go? But what really matters for me now is...to understand what is Cloud Computing is all about. 

What is cloud computing?

It is difficult to come up with a precise definition of cloud computing.  In general terms, it’s the idea that your computer’s applications run somewhere on the “cloud”, that is to say, on someone else’s server accessed via the Internet.  Instead of running program applications or storing data on your own computer, these functions are performed at remote servers which are connected to your computer through the Internet or other connections.

Who provides cloud computing services and what services do they provide?

Google operates several well-known cloud computing services.  It offers its users applications such as e-mail, word processing, spreadsheets and storage, and hosts them "in the cloud"--in other words, on its own servers, not yours.  So, for example, you can type a document without maintaining any word processing software on your computer.  You can use Google’s software “in the cloud”.  All you need is an Internet capable device.   It doesn’t even need to be a computer.

Cloud computing services also may allow us to synchronize files between our Internet accessible devices, so that we can see a file from your home or office computer on a mobile device.  Some of best known consumer-oriented cloud services include:

• Google Drive

• Dropbox

• Microsoft Skydrive

• Apple iCloud

• Evernote

Other examples of cloud computing include:

• Web-based email services such as Yahoo Mail

• Photo storing services such as Google’s Picassa

• Spreadsheet applications such as Zoho

• File transfer services such as YouSendIt, etc.

The above services are ready to use “out of the box”.  In addition, many cloud computing companies offer customized cloud computing services tailored to the specific needs of businesses and other organizations.

Some of the major players in cloud computing include:

• Google   

• Yahoo

• Microsoft

• IBM       

• Amazon

• Salesforce

• Sun Microsystems

• Oracle

• EMC

• Intuit

• Apple

What are the benefits of Cloud Computing?

Cloud computing offers  business many benefits. It allows us to set up what is essentially a virtual office to give us the flexibility of connecting to our business anywhere, any time. With the growing number of web-enabled devices used in today's business environment (e.g. smartphones, tablets), access to our data is even easier. There are many benefits to moving  business to the cloud:

Reduced IT costs

Moving to cloud computing may reduce the cost of managing and maintaining IT systems. Rather than purchasing expensive systems and equipment for business, it can reduce costs by using the resources of the cloud computing service provider. We may be able to reduce operating costs because:

·         the cost of system upgrades, new hardware and software may be included in the contract

·         no longer need to pay wages for expert staff

·         energy consumption costs may be reduced

·         there are fewer time delays.

Scalability

Business can scale up or scale down the operation and storage needs quickly to suit our situation, allowing flexibility as our needs change. Rather than purchasing and installing expensive upgrades ourself, the cloud computer service provider can handle this for us. 

Business continuity

Protecting our data and systems is an important part of business continuity planning. In the cloud ensures it is backed up and protected in a secure and safe location. Being able to access  data again quickly after any distraction  allows  to conduct business as usual, minimising any downtime and loss of productivity.

Collaboration efficiency

Collaboration in a cloud environment gives  business the ability to communicate and share more easily outside of the traditional methods. If we are working on a project across different locations, we could use cloud computing to give employees, contractors and third parties access to the same files. we could also choose a cloud computing model that makes it easy for us to share our records with your advisers (e.g. a quick and secure way to share accounting records with  accountant or financial adviser).

Flexibility of work practices

Cloud computing allows employees to be more flexible in their work practices. For example, we will have the ability to access data from home, on holiday, or via the commute to and from work (provided we have an internet connection). If we need access to  data while weare off-site, we can connect to your virtual office, quickly and easily.

Access to automatic updates

Access to automatic updates forIT requirements may be included in the service fee. Depending on the cloud computing service provider,  system will regularly be updated with the latest technology. This could include up-to-date versions of software, as well as upgrades to servers and computer processing power.

Source: http://www.business.qld.gov.au/business/running/technology-for-business/cloud-computing-business/cloud-computing-benefits & http://www.business.qld.gov.au/business/running/technology-for-business/cloud-computing-business/cloud-computing-benefits