WHAT IS CLOUD COMPUTING

Cloud computing is a rapidly growing way of sharing data and data processing services within a pool of connected devices over the internet. cloud in this instance refers to the internet, so we can say that cloud computing is an internet based mode of computing.

The main technology behind cloud computing is virtualization. Virtualization software separates a physical computing device into one or more virtual devices, each of which can be easily used and managed to perform computing tasks. With operating system level virtualization which creates a scalable system  of multiple independent computing devices, idle computing resources can be allocated and used more efficiently

The major advantage of cloud computing is that it enables users to access servers and data centers anywhere in the world. Cloud computing allows organizations to avoid excess infrastructure cost from purchasing servers and in the process helping them to focus on their core business. IT businesses also benefit greatly by using cloud computing to cope and meet up with fluctuating business demand.

 

As with everything that has advantages, cloud computing is definitely not perfect. There have been many arguments in deterrent of the topic. Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak said "i think it's going to be horrendous, I think there's going to be horrible problems in the next five years".

The main reason for this argument is the concern that data stored on the internet is not controlled by the owner but by the firm who's cloud services are employed. So who really owns the data? 

Another area of concern is the area of security, data can get lost if outages occur. 

Amazon which provides cloud services for big organizations like Netflix and Pintrest can lose their data if outages occur. Microsoft ,Gmail, Dropbox and Adobe were all affected by outage in 2014. in 2015 Apple, Verizon, Google, AOL and Microsoft experienced the same thing, Microsoft had another last year. Although these outages only last a few hours.

There is also a major difference between data uploaded on cloud and data created on cloud, the firm providing the cloud service has a stronghold over the latter. The major reason is because there is no body regulating the use, or creating and enforcing rules and regulations regarding cloud services. The Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) is trying to do this, creating a cloud computing initiative in 2011 which create standards for use, especially for the business sector.

Cloud computing is big business though, and one that is rapidly growing at that, as the stats show; The business generated $100m in 2012, which is projected to rise up to $500m in 2020.