(PDF) Cloud Computing Characteristics and Services

ADVANCED STUDY
SKILLS

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Table of Contents.............................................................................................................................2
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
MAIN BODY..................................................................................................................................1
Cloud computing, its features and its usage................................................................................1
Types of cloud computing services.............................................................................................3
Advantages and disadvantages of cloud computing....................................................................5
Current cloud computing technology trends................................................................................7
Ways in which businesses can benefit from cloud computing....................................................9
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................10
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................11

INTRODUCTION
Cloud computing can be defined as an on-demand online computer system resources such as
computing power, data storage etc. that are directly delivered to clients by hosted services
present over the internet (Baldini and et.al., 2017). In other words, Cloud computing helps in
ensuring reusability of IT resources for various purposes such as for storing large data into
databases present over the internet, hosting various kinds of complex applications, expansion of
computational power and various other on-demand services. It mainly relies on resource sharing
which further helps organizations in reducing their IT infrastructure cost and increase their
overall efficiency. There are various kinds of services that are available over the internet that can
not only be used by organizations but can be used by individuals as well. Nowadays cloud
computing is one of the most commonly and frequently used technology as it is quite easily
available at lower prices, easy to manage, secure and reliable. Other than this there are various
services and software’s that are directly and easily available on over the internet that can be used
by individual’s and organizations as well (Faheem, Kechadi and Le-Khac, 2015). It is increasing
various kinds of business opportunities of organizations in fact there are many organizations that
uses cloud computing as their one of the main business opportunities. It helps in providing
various kinds of benefits to the organizations and also helps in increasing their efficiency and
reliability of operations and data as well. This assignment will lay emphasis on current cloud
computing technology trends and ways in which business can benefit from this technology.
Other than this this assignment will way focus on cloud computing features, its usage, types of
cloud computing services available over the internet, its advantages and disadvantages.
MAIN BODY
Cloud computing, its features and its usage
Cloud computing is one of the most commonly used technology available on demand over
the internet. Cloud computing also helps in ensuring cloud security that helps in protecting data
or services from hacking, viruses, and data loss (Gai and et.al., 2015). It helps many
organizations in reducing their overall IT related cost i.e. organizations need to invest less on
large scaled infrastructures or software’s as most of these resources are already available on
internet on-demand. There are few aspects that makes cloud computing more reliable and
efficient such as: security, speed, large storage, computing power etc. There are various kinds of
shared resources available that helps in meeting clients demand. First is Cluster computing that
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helps in connecting computers at single location with the help of LAN so that combined
performance of organizations that own cluster computing can be improved. Another is grid
computing which helps in enabling collaboration between various enterprises so that they can
carryout their distributed computing jobs with the help of interconnected computers spread over
multiple locations running independently (Assunção and et.al., 2015). Next is utility computing
that helps in providing web services such as storage space, computing, visualization of various
backend services. It is one of the most commonly used physical resources available which has
also helped in laying most basic foundation of cloud computing used by most of the
organizations and individuals. Last is distributed computing that helps in connecting ubiquitous
networks or connect different devices that connects peer to peer computing (Milani and
Navimipour, 2016). Most commonly used distributed computing are ATMs, intranets etc.
Cloud computing plays a vital role and is quite important for organizations because of its
features. There are various features which makes cloud computing quite important.
 First is resource pooling where cloud providers pull computing resources so that they can
provide services to multiple customers together with the help of multi-tenant model.
 Another feature of cloud computing is on-demand self-service which is one of the most
important feature of cloud computing where users can continuously monitor server
uptime, allotted network storage and capabilities. It also helps the users to monitor their
computing capabilities.
 It is quite easy to maintain i.e. servers can be easily maintained; downtime is quite slow
in fact in many cases there is no downtime. It comes with regular updates which helps in
improving cloud service, fix any kinds of bugs if available.
 It provides users with large network access i.e. they can upload data from anywhere with
the help of internet connection and a device.
 It also helps in increase availability of data or support required by the users i.e. if users
require extra cloud storage then it allows and provides them with extra storage space with
very little amount.
 Cloud computing automatically analyse required data or support required at different
levels. Users can easily control, monitor as well as report their data or service usage. This
also helps in increasing transparency between users and host.
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 It is quite economic i.e. most of the individual’s or organizations can afford it by paying
basic monthly or yearly expense for its maintenance and if extra storage space or
additional service is required then they just need to pay a small amount (Chen, Kapoor
and Bhatia, 2016).
 One of the best features of cloud computing is cloud security. It creates a snapshot of the
data so that data does not get lost even if of the server is damaged. It also helps in
protecting the data stored in the database from hacking.
These features increase the value and importance of cloud computing for both individuals
and organizations. These features many organizations are getting benefited from cloud
computing and its usage is also increasing continuously. Cloud computing has made it much
easier for the organizations to store their data with complete security and unlimited storage
space. There are various kinds of software’s of services that are available on cloud that can be
used by individuals or businesses such as online file storage, online video making or editing
software’s, online data analysis software’s, online file convertors, online anti-virus applications,
various e-commerce shopping websites, backup storage spaces, disaster recovery space. There
are many organizations that completely run on cloud computing i.e. they store their data on
cloud, and does all of their work on cloud because if its unlimited storage space, backup facility,
low cost and speed.
Types of cloud computing services
There are three main types of cloud computing services that are most commonly used by
the organizations or individuals. These services are:
Infrastructure as a service (IaaS): it is a kind of cloud computing model where virtual
infrastructure is offered to businesses or individuals and managed by the cloud providers (Qin
and et.al., 2016). It is mostly used as a storage solution by organizations for servicers, storage,
for data centre spaces, for connecting cloud computing components through internet that offers
similar functionalities. It helps the users to manage, insert or delete the data in an efficient
manner. Some of the most commonly used infrastructure as a service are automatic policy driven
processes such as: backup service, monitoring, recovery, clustering, website hosting or internal
networking and many more. Cloud computing service providers are majorly responsible for
building servers and storage, network security and firewalls, maintaining and updating physical
data centres. Some of the key players or large organizations that provide IaaS services are
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Microsoft Azure, Amazon E2C, GoGrid, Google Cloud platforms, RackSpace, DigitalOcean and
many more. These companies offer storage solutions using virtual servers and data storage disk
where users can easily access, delete or insert data at basic nominal charges. There are some
cloud service providers that provide IaaS service for free of cost but in limited amount with
limited services available and ask for changes when users want to access additional service or
storage.
Platform as a service (PaaS): Platform as a service is built on Infrastructure as a service where
cloud vendors or service providers delivers computing resources to the users (Tsakanikas and
Dagiuklas, 2018). Both cloud hardware and software infrastructure components like operating
system, middleware are provided to the users for development and testing of applications. In
other words, a development platform is provided to clients so that they can create their own
cloud experience based on the role of the service. PaaS environment enables cloud users to
access the webpage and then install or host data sets as a development tool or business
applications that can be used for analytics. But this does not include maintenance or building of
necessary hardware components. There are various organizations that provide PaaS services to
their clients and most commonly known organizations or businesses are salesforce.com,
Bluemix, Google App Engine, CloudBees, AWS, Heroku, OpenShift, Microsoft Azure, oracle
cloud and SAP. There are many other service providers as well that are not well known but
provides these services.
Software as a service (SaaS): Software as a service is one of the most important type of cloud
computing service that incorporates both IaaS and PaaS in it. In this service providers deliver
entire software’s to the users based on pay per use model which way better then developing
one’s own application. Some of these services are even offered free of cost to the users. SaaS
allows the users to access applications like emails easily over the internet (Obeidat and et.al.,
2015). Most commonly used SaaS examples are: Adobe creative cloud, Microsoft Office 360,
AppDynamics, Google G Suit, Salesforce, Zoho, Marketo, Oracle CRM, SAP Business
ByDesign and Pardot Marketing Automation.
All of these three services combined create Cloud Computing industry that provides
various kinds of service to their users depending upon their needs and requirements and based on
user’s budget they choose the type of service provider they want to select as some of them
provide free applications and some of the provides all the models or services with some fixed
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charges. These services are useful for both the users and service providers as users get to access
these services at free of cost and services providers get to increase their overall revenue.
Advantages and disadvantages of cloud computing
Cloud computing is one of current trend that is spreading all over the world because of its
various important and multifunctional operations. There are different advantages and dis
advantage of cloud computing which are need to be considered to know more about this
technology.
Advantages
Less Cost: Cloud computing does not require too many devices and hardware equipment’s
and this is major advantage of it. Devices and particular hardware used in cloud computing is not
that expensive. This technology is affordable for everyone (Chovancová, Vokorokos and
Chovanec, 2015). User can utilize this technology by making small financial investment. This
can save cost of expensive devices for user.
Flexibility of Time: The services provided by the internet services provider are continuous.
These services are available any time. This feature provides high flexibility of time to user that
can improve the time management of individual operator. The application provided on the cloud
computing are available all time and can be accessed at any time. Some application of cloud
computing is available for offline use that can improvise working or user in no network
connection condition.
Flexibility in Capacity: There are no limitation of cloud computing. Features can be added
any time just by asking the service provider and making payment for it. This service can be
stopped or started any time as per the need of user. This is how user can get better functionality
with cloud computing feature.
Mobility: This is most important feature of cloud computing. Most user are using cloud
computing because of this feature. In this feature operator can access their account from
anywhere on the globe just by their login Id and password (Marinescu, 2017). They also do not
need to keep their hardware devices along with because cloud computing allows the user to store
information and data over virtual storage to provide more convenience to user.
Automated Updates: Updates are common on the computer and networking technology. On
the regular basis different updates are provided to user to improvise the experience of user and
provide more clear and high performative features to user. The main advantage of cloud
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computing is automated process for software updates. User do not require to put extra efforts to
update their current software. When updates are available for particular application they are
automatically downloaded as ideal internet connection is achieved, this feature reduce load for
individual user.
Security: The security features provided in the cloud computing are of advance level and it
is difficult for hackers and offenders to penetrate the security levels of cloud network (Ali, Khan
and Vasilakos, 2015). There are multiple security level are used by service providers to prevent
any kind security breach in network. Also, the data and accounts of users are provided with
firewall, password protection and anti-virus software to prevent any unauthorized access for
particular account.
Carbon Footprint: This is important for organizations and users to be sustainable in the
operations to full fill their need that are associated with use of internet. Cloud computing is
advance technology that does not need any extra equipment’s for efficient operation and this
feature of cloud computing increases the sustainability of cloud computing which is good for
environment. Cloud computing is providing scope to prevent the production of E-waste to save
nature and traditional resources.
Enhanced Collaboration: Sometimes, users work in groups and this is not possible for them
to work on single system from the different locations in the traditional computer system. Cloud
computing provides the feature of collaboration which can be used by various groups and
organizations to work together on same project and same panel (Sen, 2015). This is how cloud
computing provide better opportunity to users to make collaboration to perform different
activities.
Control Over Documents: before the cloud computing different other methods are used to
store, manage and share files and documents. For example, E-mails, and other applications are
used to share complex files. There is huge risk in those methods of data loss and sending errors.
This can cause major data loss to user but Cloud computing comes with the features of data
storage, manage and sharing. This can help the user to keep their data safe and secure for longer
time.
These are some benefits of cloud computing that can help the user to perform their
operations with high efficiency.
Disadvantages
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Network Dependency: The dependency on the internet is the biggest disadvantages cloud
computing. Only few features of cloud computing are available on offline feature. This is major
problem of it. For the areas with good internet connectivity cloud computing is efficient but for
remote areas this feature become worst and it reduces the efficiency of user and slow down their
actions. In case of slow network connection operations of this technology are useless and time-
consuming.
Limited Features: Service providers provide this service to user on the specific bandwidth
and these criteria is limited from the end of services provider. This can't be increased without
major changing in the hardware networking devices (Rittinghouse and Ransome, 2017). The
features provided in the cloud computing are not good enough for utilization in every action. The
feature of this technology are high but the actions of user are limited by protocols.
Security: This is major threat for the cloud computing services access or visiting of any
unauthorised malicious site can infect the server or network of cloud computing. This infection
can cause huge data and security in the virtual server which is not good for privacy and security
of user. This can affect the user in the multiple ways also it can cause financial problem to
individual user.
Technical Issues: This is easy to use the cloud computing for personal use but there are
different technical errors are possible in it. This error could be of different type, it could be issue
in hardware, software or security. This is not possible for user to fix this problem on their end. It
requires technical expertise to solve complex problem of cloud computing errors.
Current cloud computing technology trends
Cloud computing industry is continuously growing with various number of emerging
trends. Below are current trends that have helped in changing the way industry operates.
Massive growth: This trend is expanding in a drastic way i.e. other than IaaS, PaaS and SaaS a
new service has evolved which is known as Function as a service (FaaS) and Backend as a
service (BaaS). Cloud market in today’s date is growing quite aggressively (Buckholtz, Ragai
and Wang, 2015). This market is growing continuously and is expected to grow in future as well
even when a particular industry is experiencing a slowdown.
Increased storage capacity: Another current cloud computing trend which is growing is
increase in storage size. In 2017, this growth expanded up to 600 EB (Exabytes) and is expected
to grow up to 100 ZB (Zettabytes). People today are also increasing this number as today
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maximum number of people share their personal information online through services such as
Google Drive or DropBox. Other than this as it is already known that storage service provided in
this industry is provided at cheap price because of which many people prefer to save their
information online on available cloud storage without any fail.
Serverless cloud computing: Server less cloud computing is gaining more popularity today
other than any other service. Initially when cloud computing was introduced them most of the
companies required to include servers within their systems for processing but today
organizations store their data online where there is no need of server integration (Jonas and et.al.,
2017). This technology was developed to allow the developers to built as well as run application
services without requiring any kind of infrastructure. This technology has driven the cloud
market to an exceptional level and made development of applications much easier. Cloud service
providers are responsible to provide all the helpful tools and other kind of required services to
users or developers for development of application.
Cloud based container system: This trend today is replacing existing hardware-based systems.
In other words, today virtual machines are being replaced by cloud-based container systems.
These packages contain complete packages i.e. an application, libraries, binaries, all software or
hardware dependencies, configuration files required to run the software or application (Chen,
Liang and Hsu, 2015). These packages are developed in such a manner that it can be deployed on
any system, irrespective the system’s complications. Users of the package need not to worry
about loading and installing of entire software package which is required by virtual machines to
run the entire software. Due to this cloud-based container system, these software’s are quite fast
and smaller as compared to virtual machines. Some most commonly used container systems are:
Red hat open shift container platform, CoreOS’s tectonic and Rancher Lab’s Rancher.
Backup and disaster recovery: Today. Cloud computing also provides disaster recovery and
backup solutions. It is one of the most common service which is being used by organizations and
is in trend today (Pisano, Pironti and Rieple, 2015). Today many cloud computing provides like
Amazon web service etc. backup and disaster recovery solutions and infrastructure security to
their users so that their data is protected and secured.
Artificial Intelligence platforms: Latest and most effective cloud computing trend used by
many organizations is utilization of artificial intelligence for processing of Big Data for
collection of business intelligence data. These AI platforms support faster, effective and efficient
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approach to work together with team members and various other data scientist. It can help
organizations to reduce their overall cost in various ways such as: it helps in making normal task
automated, prevents duplication effort, reduces some expensive tasks like extraction of data and
many other. Most of the cloud computing service providers are trying to develop such AI
platforms as many organizations are trying to switch to these platforms.
Ways in which businesses can benefit from cloud computing
Usage of cloud computing is increasing continuously. As cloud computing is expanding
usage and dependency of business organizations of cloud computing applications and services is
also increasing (Satyanarayanan, 2017). Most of the businesses today are shifting their
applications or data to cloud computing environment and are using emerging technologies so that
their business can get benefitted from it. Below are few ways in which business are getting
benefitted from cloud computing such as:
First and the foremost benefit of using cloud computing within business is that it helps the
organizations to save money and provides good return on investment. Organizations do not need
to remain dependent upon installation and buying of hardware of software systems as everything
today is available or is provided by cloud service providers. Businesses need not to focus on
physical data storage space and data’s security as everything today is provided by cloud service
providers. Business can easily switch to new technology or update their existing cloud
computing environment. They need not to rip and preplace their existing system. This is one of
the main benefits that organizations get from cloud computing.
Another benefit of cloud computing for businesses is that all the cloud computing services
are heavily automated due to which manual work for the organizations is reduced. Due to this
organizations can easily and efficiently respond to customer’s demands, needs as well as
feedbacks i.e. response time of businesses decreases (Ghahramani, Zhou and Hon, 2017).
Another benefit of cloud computing for organizations is that it helps the business to increase
portability of business i.e. most of the cloud applications are portable due to which data can be
easily sifted from one application to another without any difficulty and with increased flexibility.
This benefit further helps in maintaining the security of the organizational data. It is one of the
main benefits for the organizations as most of the business completely depend upon their data
and its security and because of which they cannot compromise with its security. Cloud
computing helps in securing business data completely. This further helps the organizations to
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stand and compete with their competitors in this competitive environment without compromising
with their services, products and data security. Another one of the biggest benefit of cloud
computing is that it helps the organizations to securely protect their data, information that are
extremely crucial and important for the organization and if due to some unfortunate incident
organization loses their data or their data gets corrupted then cloud computing helps the business
to save or create a backup copy of their data or information. If backup is not ready then at least
disaster recovery is done of the data. So that business need not to face any kind of loss due to
data corruption or loss. These are the main benefits that cloud computing can provide to
business.
CONCLUSION
From the above assignment it has been summarized that cloud computing is one of the most
commonly used technology which is used by organizations or individuals today. It is used for
various purposes such as storage of data, analysis of data, computational power and many more.
It has been analysed that cloud computing has various kinds of benefits for both the users and
service providers. Today many businesses are switching from traditional technologies to cloud
computing technologies and are adopting it in various manner. It helps in reducing overall
expenditure cost because of various factors as it reduces expenditure cost of infrastructure,
reduces transfer or security cost. It has also been analysed that current emerging trend of cloud
computing are helping industry to expand and grow drastically. It is changing the business
operates and organization’s dependability on this technology is also increasing. Many
organizations are trying to expand their business using cloud computing. Various services of
cloud computing such as Artificial intelligence platforms, backup and disaster recovery and
various others are forcing the organizations to switch from their traditional way of operating to
this new technology as it is also helping increasing competition in this competitive world. It has
also been analysed that cloud computing is providing various benefits to the business and is
helping them to expand their scope area, reducing dependability on existing system reduce their
response time of business.
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REFERENCES
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