Cloud Computing and ICT Services

The provided report delves into various types of cloud services that aid in maintaining organizational data within a networking framework. Cloud-based technology platforms are offered by companies on a pay-as-you-go basis, focusing on communication mediums through ICT. The study also touches upon the required skills for conducting research and challenges faced by organizations in this context.

Integrated Professional Skills
in the Digital Age

Table of Contents
ASSESSMENT 1.............................................................................................................................1
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
“Impact of Cloud Computing on businesses in providing their services in the current business
environment”................................................................................................................................1
ASSESSMENT 2.............................................................................................................................5
Two Web Conferencing Providers...............................................................................................5
Examine the Skills required in order to conduct the Research online and various issues
associated with this......................................................................................................................7
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................9
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................1

ASSESSMENT 1
INTRODUCTION
Digital technology is one of the drastic phase which have transformed the way people
used to perform various tasks. So the use of the digital technology needs to be integrated with an
evaluated through the knowledge base on the subject area. Integrated Professional Skills in the
Digital Age will have enhanced the communication, management, handling the huge information
and content, Transactions, problem solving and safe legal online. Moreover, Digital skills can
increase the business productivity, competitive edge, revenue generation and customer
relationship. The essay will help in providing the clear understanding about the impact of cloud
computing on business which serves their services in current business environment. It will
provide various different types of Cloud computing technology along with the suitability of such
cloud services within the current business. The document will also help in identifying the
differences between the privacy and security which are provided by the Cloud services.
In addition to this, report will be based on Information and communication technology
which helps in influencing the widespread use of cell phones, smart phones, emails, web
conferencing and use of internet world wide.
“Impact of Cloud Computing on businesses in providing their services in the current
business environment”
Cloud computing is defined as the on-demand availability of the computer system
resources which offers the data storage, and data storage without direct active management by
the user. This is the storage technology which avails the storage and highly secured computing
facility on the internet (Huda and et.al., 2017). Basically this can be defined as the practice of
using network or remote servers which is hosted on the internet in order to store, manage and
process the data. This mainly relies on the shared computing resources without maintaining the
local servers or personal devices. Also, Cloud is not about having a dedicated network attached
storage (NAS) hardware. Cloud computing is quickly becoming the standard way for the
technology companies to access IT infrastructure, software as well as hardware resources. This
can be helpful for many organizations to perform the business activities more efficiently and
effectively. There are different types of Cloud computing services which are described below:
The first cloud computing type is IaaS (Infrastructure as a service) which provides the
internet-based access to the storage and computing power. it can be termed as the lowest level of
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cloud solutions and it can be referred as a Computing infrastructure as a fully outsourced service.
This technology provides the services based on the Pay-as-you-go which allows the user to use
such cloud services on recharged subscription (Antoniou and Kyriakides, 2013). The second
Cloud computing type is Paas (Platform as a service) which provides the tools to the build and
host a web application. In order to quickly deploy or operate the web and mobile application
over the internet, PaaS allows the users in using the computing services without concerning
about the infrastructure of server, storage, network and database. The Third Cloud computing
type is SaaS (Software as a service) this method is used for delivering the software applications
over the internet. Currently many organizations are using these services in order to access the
storage services via applications and software.
Cloud storage can be considered as a service model in which the data is maintained,
managed and backed up remotely and made available to the users over a network. Cloud
provides the global data space which is spread across multiple regions or continents in order to
allow the companies to store and manipulate the data over internet. Currently business are
adopting different cloud technology in order to store the confidential data on the network which
can be accessed anytime if the user has complete authentication to access such data. Also, by
using these cloud computing services, organizations have enhanced the communication among
the staff members as well as interaction with the loyal customers of the firm (Ellaway and et.al.,
2015). So Cloud has advanced many ways for the current business in order to keep the data
secured with the internet based cloud.
Moreover, There are various Different types of cloud providers which provides these
cloud storage to the people across the world. These cloud based services are offered by many
organization who provides such services via the application or software. So such Cloud provider
companies offers the different platforms to many business organizations in order to store,
maintained, retrieve and manipulate the information and data acquired by the different sources of
the company. Many organizations uses the Cloud computing space which are provided via
service providers such as Microsoft, Amazon, Google etc. The Google cloud platform which is
offered by the Google is a suite of cloud computing services that runs on the same infrastructure
which google uses internally for its end user product. A Cloud service provider, or CSP is a
company that offers some components of cloud computing typically infrastructure as a service,
software as a service to the other business or individual. Most suitable cloud service which is
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mainly preferred by most of the companies is the Amazon Cloud services. So the AWS free tier
applies to participating services across the global regions. It is the subsidiary of Amazon on-
demand cloud computing platform to individuals, companies and government which is based on
the basis of Pay-as-you-go.
Privacy and Security in the cloud based environment is one of the important thing
which is provided by such cloud services and this allows the organization to store manipulate
and retrieve the data on the internet (Twining, P. and et.al., 2013). Cloud security is the
protection of the data, applications and infrastructure involved in cloud computing. As the
organizations are always concerned about the data security and protection. Data security and
privacy are the two main factors of user's which are concerned about the cloud technology. Even
though many techniques on the topic in the cloud computing have been investigated in various
industries as well as various academics. So both of the factors are becoming more important for
the future development of cloud computing technology. Security is very important because it
helps to cover every eventuality in security plan. So that it ensures the protection of the business
data from these security threats. On the other hand privacy refers to protection of the personal
information which is usually relates to the personal data which is stored in the computer system.
This can also be considered as data privacy. Although, the Privacy implications of cloud
computing is refers to the any computer network or system which allows in transmitting the
personal information, processed and stored that allows individual to have direct knowledge,
involvement or control. Along with this, Privacy rule sets the standard for the entities and
business associates in order to maintain the protected data of the employees within on the
network. This is securing, protecting and maintaining the confidentiality of the data of the
customers and the employees within the organization. On the other hand security is the method,
tools and strategy and process which helps in providing the privacy to the data manipulated on
the network. In order to protect and secure the data of the cloud, first thing is knowing the
privacy and security needs. Next step involved in protecting and securing the data is identifying
the End user License Agreement and Service Level Agreement because it helps in describing the
terms and conditions of the cloud services (Ellawayand et.al., 2015). Protecting the machine with
the strong confidentiality. Protecting the data with strong passwords and protecting personal
information so that it cannot be accessed by other users.
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In the current business environment, companies generally prefer to use the cloud services
in order to protect the data. So Security is about the safeguarding of the data within the network
cloud based environment. However, privacy is about safeguarding the user identity. It is mainly
refers to the protection of the data against the unauthorised access of data(Mason, 2017).
Security allows to put security controls on place to limit who can access the data and information
over the internet.
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ASSESSMENT 2
Two Web Conferencing Providers
Web conferencing is an online services which allow the organizations to hold the live
meetings, conferencing, presentations and trainings via internet which is advanced through the
use of the TCP/ IP connections. This conference can be connected either by the telephonic
communications, computer speaker and microphone from the VOIP (Voice over internet
protocol) connections. Web conferencing helps the business to provide the live audio/vedio
communication between two or more locations (Boss and Krauss, 2014). As the current
businesses are adopting the advanced technological software to enhance the productivity as well
as profitability within the organization. As it takes time for the globalised companies to conduct
the meetings and official get together on a monthly basis. So technology have served the
organization with many ways to stay connected and organize the meetings for the staff of the
companies situated at different places. So Information communication technology advances
various web conferencing methods to connect the employees who are employed at different areas
or regions. In order to provide such Web conferencing services, there are different companies
which offers the platform for video conferencing, Remote meetings, instant messaging, screen
sharing etc. so the tools enables the remote employees, customers, and partners to connect easily
and on a often basis and therefore specific uses for web conferencing includes webinars,
conference calls, video meetings with multiple participants, Running product demos and training,
one on one meeting with remote employees and face to face customer support etc. These web
conferencing software advances various benefits such as Enhanced communication, reduced
travel cost, increased efficiency etc. These software facilitates audio calls and video
conferencing. Two Web conferencing providers are:
Cisco Webex Meetings
This is the leading enterprise solution for video conferencing, online meetings, screen
share and Webinars. This software allows the organizations to bought meetings to regular
people. This can be done by sending a single meeting invitation which allows both web and
phone connections for the meetings (Jørn Nielsen and Hjørland, 2014). This allows the
participants to attend the meetings using the built in audio system within the computers.
Skype
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Skype is a telecommunication application that specializes in providing the vedio chat and
voice calls between computers, tablets, mobile devices etc. This allow the users to transmit the
text, video, audio and images.
Contrasting features, application and suitability of such Web conferencing providers are as
follows:
Both Skype and Webex allow the businesses to collaborate with client or employees. Also both
the software application allows free accounts though both are almost limited in features and
flexibility. For those users who need more functionality, Skype provides the monthly
subscription to access certain features (Ross and Blumenstein, 2013). on the other hand, WebEx
offers several tiers of paid accounts with varying features. Such features and applications of both
the providers are as follows:
Cost
Skype Premium costs $9 per month which can be bought down to $5 per month for the
yearly subscription which worth of access at once. On the other hand, WebEx offerings includes
three premium options which range from $25 to $ 90 per month. So WebEx is better as
comparing the cost of both the providers as this offers a discounts on monthly cost if the
subscription is paid year at a time, which helps in changing the price range from $20 to $70 per
month.
Video quality
Standard quality video is provided by the WebEX for calls on free account which avails
the high definition availability of the video calls. Whereas, in Skype the video quality does not
based on the subscription but it is mostly based on internet connection and system resources. As
HD video calls can be offered according to the availability of the High-speed internet
connections.
Extra Options
Skype mainly focuses on various conferencing such as Video and audio. Along with this
Skype also allows for screen sharing during calls which allows the staff members to share the
presentations or something on the screens to other callers (Holtgrewe, 2014). Whereas, more
versatile options are offered be the WebEx and these options includes the variety of options such
as whiteboard, desktop, document sharing, applications and even a remote control option. Also
WebEx have the ability to record mode of the conferences in in order to review it further.
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Number of participants
Skype's free account allows the user to other Skype user which also allow the user to
make the one an one video or group audio calls. So Group audio calls within Skype supports
upto 25 users and paid accounts can create video calls upto 10 users. However, Webex
conferencing depends on the type of account the user have. In this Web conferencing software,
the free account allows upto 3 users and the premium 8 account allows eight users. In Webex,
the premium 25 accounts allows 25 users and premium 100 allow 100 users.
Examine the Skills required in order to conduct the Research online and various issues associated
with this
Online research methods are the ways in which researchers can collect the data via the
internet. They are also referred to as a internet research or web based method which helps in
collecting the data and information (Barrett and et.al., 2015). There are various skills which are
required for the user to conduct the research online. The skills helps in evaluating the
information which is found on the basis of accuracy, validity etc. In order to conduct the research
online the skills required are as follows:
Check the Sources
Evaluating the information which can be found from the main sources. This information
need to be accurately interpreted and information. Thus, it helps the researcher in making the
complete understanding and thus this information allows the researcher in creating the effective
questionnaire.
The challenge: As most of the people are known about the fact that the information
provided online is not always reliable. So research need to be attractive which attract l;arge
number of online readers to grab the information.
Ask Good questions
In order to get the better research results, it is very important to possess the same skills as
it helps in developing and refining the search queries.
The challenge: people will enter the research term rather then narrowing the original
query (Borgman and et.al., 2013). Also, this challenge is a bigger concern as asking good
questions requires the great and effective response.
Go Beyond the surface
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This skill is displaying the persistence by continuing to pursue the information in order to
gain the broad perspectives.
The challenge: According to the online research study, people often stop at the first
search result which they deem to be the most trustworthy.
Be patient
This skill helps in displaying emotional resilience by persisting in information despite
various challenges.
The challenges: as the people are often search the information according to the demands
so when they cant find the answers to their question. They end up spending few minutes poking
around online.
Critical thinking
This skill helps the researcher in thinking the positive as well as negative aspects on the
topic which is being discussed in the research.
The challenge: It is one of the great challenge which need to be addressed (Borgman and
et.al., 2013). if the researcher will think of the positive aspect only then it might reflect the
failure of the researcher who seeks to collect the data and information of the people.
Technical skills
This skill is one of the important skill which helps the researcher in possessing the
technical skills which allows them to operate the research online and thus this skill help in
developing the correct knowledge about choosing the targetted audience.
The challenge: Lack of technical skills might be a barrier to the researcher in reaching to
wide respondents via online documentation.
Data collection
This skill helps the researcher in collecting the data from the wide range of people in
order to differentiate the target respondent in order to get appropriate results.
The challenge: The challenge associated with this skill is the complexity of data
collection method.
Planning and scheduling
This skill is one of the important skill which helps the researcher in planning for the
research research in order to collect the data and information. This skill develop the
understanding scheduling of the tasks.
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The challenge: The issue associated with this skill is lack of planning and scheduling is
responsible for the mismanagement of the activities and thus it may prone to failure.
CONCLUSION
From the above essay, it can be concluded that, the cloud computing is one of the great
technology which helped the business in enhancing the current performance. It has been
identified that organizations are converting their infrastructure into technology based work
environment which allows them to businesses to perform the effective and efficient operations
within the firm. Also the essay has been provided various different types of cloud services that
helps in maintaining the data of the organization within the networking framework. Also, it has
been provided that cloud based technology platforms are offered by different types of companies
on the basis of Pay-as-you-go.
Furthermore the report has been explained Information and communication technology
which helps the organization in accessing the information through telecommunications. It has
also been provided that ICT technology mainly focuses on communication mediums. Also the
study has provided different web conferencing providers that which is mainly deployed by the
advancement in the technology. Along with this, required skill for conducting the research are
also been explored and challenges which are being faced by the organizations are also been
explained in the report above.
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REFERENCES
Books and journals
Antoniou, P. and Kyriakides, L., 2013. A dynamic integrated approach to teacher professional
development: Impact and sustainability of the effects on improving teacher behaviour and
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Barrett, M. and et.al., 2015. Service innovation in the digital age: key contributions and future
directions. MIS quarterly.39(1). pp.135-154.
Borgman, H.P. and et.al., 2013, January. Cloudrise: exploring cloud computing adoption and
governance with the TOE framework. In 2013 46th Hawaii international conference on
system sciences (pp. 4425-4435). IEEE.
Boss, S. and Krauss, J., 2014. Reinventing project-based learning: Your field guide to real-world
projects in the digital age. International Society for Technology in Education.
Ellaway, R.H. and et.al., 2015. Exploring digital professionalism. Medical teacher.37(9).
pp.844-849.
Ellaway, R.H. and et.al., 2015. Exploring digital professionalism. Medical teacher.37(9).
pp.844-849.
Holtgrewe, U., 2014. New new technologies: the future and the present of work in information
and communication technology. New technology, work and employment. 29(1).pp.9-24.
Huda, M. and et.al., 2017. Empowering children with adaptive technology skills: Careful
engagement in the digital ınformation age. International Electronic Journal of
Elementary Education.9(3). pp.693-708.
Jørn Nielsen, H. and Hjørland, B., 2014. Curating research data: the potential roles of libraries
and information professionals. Journal of Documentation.70(2). pp.221-240.
Mason, R.O., 2017. Four ethical issues of the information age. In Computer Ethics (pp. 41-48).
Routledge.
Ross, P. and Blumenstein, M., 2013. Cloud computing: the nexus of strategy and
technology. Journal of Business Strategy.34(4). pp.39-47.
Twining, P. and et.al., 2013. Moving education into the digital age: The contribution of teachers'
professional development. Journal of computer assisted learning. 29(5). pp.426-437.

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