Internet:Cloud computing

Overview


A style of computing where dynamically scalable and often virtualised resources are provided as a service on the Internet. Can include all computing technologies: Software, applications and operating systems.

see wikipedia

Apple cloud (iCloud)


"Your device is the center of the universe"

Apple’s approach is not to use the cloud as the computer-in-the-sky the runs all the cool stuff. It doesn’t want or need everything to happen in the cloud. Instead, it views the cloud as the conductor of Grand Central Station who makes sure all of the trains run on time and that they make it to the right destinations. Apple uses the cloud to orchestrate data streams rather than control them. This is the cloud as a central repository for apps, music, media, documents, messages, photos, backups, settings, and more.

In this way, Apple is taking an approach unlike Google (which essentially mimics the old mainframe approach). Instead, Apple is doing something similar to what the popular startup Dropbox does. It is allowing users to sync their personal data and media purchases from their computers and mobile devices up to a personalized central repository. Then, that central repository on the Internet syncs all of the data and media files back down to all of the user’s devices, so that all of them have the same data. Users no longer have to worry about constantly managing their files and music libraries in order to keep them up-to-date across a bunch of different machines and devices - a computer, a tablet, and a smartphone, for example.


 * Apple cloud vs. Google cloud: The philosophical differences (Hiner, 2011, June 8)

Google cloud
"The Web is the center of the universe"

Google is betting that the world will have low-cost, ubiquitous Internet access in the not-too-distant future, including fiber connections in offices and homes and super-fast mobile broadband in virtually every nook and cranny of the planet. It is building its cloud for that world, and it’s hoping that by the time it has its application stack refined and running like clockwork that broadband will be everywhere. That’s absolutely necessary, since all of Google’s apps are connection-dependent and all of the data is stored on Google’s servers in the cloud. You’ve got to be online to take advantage of many of the best features, like simultaneous editing of Google Docs where you can see your co-workers’ edits happening in real time.

Google has started talking about making critical apps available offline, especially for Chromebooks and Google documents.


 * (Hiner, 2011, June 8)

Top ten advantages of Google's cloud

 * 1) Cloud computing is in Google's DNA
 * 2) Faster access to innovation drives higher productivity
 * 3) Users adopt new functionality with less disruption
 * 4) Employees can be productive from anywhere
 * 5) Google's cloud enables faster collaboration
 * 6) Google's immense security investments help protect customers
 * 7) Less data is stored on vulnerable devices
 * 8) Customers get higher reliability and uptime
 * 9) Google Apps offers extensive flexibility and control
 * 10) Customers spend less through Google's economies of scale

(Google, 2011)

Cloud workload patterns



 * Examples
 * On and off: A company wants to run a monthly survey (may e active for a few days)
 * Start- growing fast:
 * Unpredictable bursting:
 * Predictable bursting: Sports events web site (high load when events occur)

Basic Advantages of Microsoft Public Cloud Model

 * Microsoft is one of the pioneers of Internet technology. Microsoft's approach to cloud computing is spearheaded with years of experience, blended with a powerful suite of applications (Office 365 and CRM Online) hosted in the cloud.
 * Data security - Microsoft's trusted data centers ensures that information on the enterprise level will never be accessed by anyone outside the organization.
 * Reliable technical support - The company's technical support team provides users with a 24/7 reliable help desk.

Development technologies

 * Microsoft Windows Azure Platform (Microsoft, 2010)
 * Windows Azure: operating system as a service
 * Microsoft SQL Azure: fully relational database in the cloud
 * Windows Azure platform AppFabric: makes it simpler to connect cloud and on-premises applications

Storage

 * Microsoft Live SkyDrive
 * Google eMail (from January 2010)

Applications

 * Google Docs, Microsoft Live Docs
 * Xero - New Zealand based accounting program (Xero, n.d.)
 * Aviary (2011).
 * Aviary is a free suite of powerful online creation tools, including Photo-editing, logos, web templates, filters, color palettes, screen capture & more.

Business solutions
Businesses can use cloud tools and on-sell services, for example:
 * Cloud Accountants (2011)
 * Use Xero accounting software to deliver client solutions. Have a Wordpress web site (developed by Mogul)