What Is Cloud Computing

Cloud Computing or “The Cloud” is the newest buzzword in internet technology.   Moving to “the Cloud” means that you have moved important applications and data from local facilities to remotely accessed internet facilities.  The Cloud is thought of in two distinct Points-Of-View, the Desktop Cloud, and the Server Cloud.

The Desktop Cloud is when you move applications or data that you would normally keep on your desktop computer to remote internet computers for access.  New internet connected devices like netbook laptops, smartphones and tablets are taking advantage of web-based and internet-based applications.  Traditionally, working on a letter, would involve using Microsoft Word installed on your laptop, with drafts stored on your hard drive.

Cloud Computing would have you work on the same letter in the Cloud, and would involve you logging into a “word processing” web tool like Google Docs.  Google Docs provides a word processor experience in any internet-connected web browser, and drafts are stored for you at the Google Docs website.  Very often this type of tool is called “Software-as-a-Service” or SaaS.

The Server Cloud is very similar.  It's when you move applications or data that you would normally keep in your on-site datacenter/datacloset to remote internet servers for access.  Traditionally, installing a server application, like an eCommerce Web Storefront websites system, would involve the high cost of an internal datacenter.  Upfront costs and commitments to facilities including failsafe power management/backup, HVAC, racking gear, security, fire suppression and finally redundant bandwidth connections.  Additional costs accumulate from the traditional spec'ing, purchasing, and deployment of server computers, operating systems, application software and other utility software.  Lastly, commitments to staffing to manage these complex investments is needed.  All of these expenses are simply overhead required to attack the issue of selling your goods online in a Web Storefront, not strategic or tactical objectives towards that goal.

Cloud Computing would have you acquire the same enterprise, failsafe infrastructure for your Web Storefront, but rent it by-the-hour from a Cloud Server Service.  Cloud Computing turns server computing into just another utility for your business.  You no longer need a datacenter for an eCommerce site, much like you no longer need your own waterwheel  to power your factory.  You can simply rely on the services provided by the utility, the Cloud Server provider.

Using “the Cloud” can also involve any combination of these two approaches, applications installed locally with data stored on the Cloud.

You can easily see how Cloud Computing became such a Disruptive Technology.  It Changes Everything!  Major elements of IT needed traditionally and their related costs just become irrelevant and unnecessary. 

But, as with any new technology, real world business choices need to be made.  What level of ownership, control, and cost do you need in your business.  Cloudy IT can help you interpret these technologies in your business.