Cloud Computing.

Understanding cloud computing.

What is cloud computing?

Cloud computing is Internet ('cloud') based development and use of computer technology ('computing'). It is a style of computing in which dynamically scalable and often virtualised resources are provided as a service over the Internet. Users don't need to have knowledge of, expertise in, or control over the technology infrastructure "in the cloud" that supports them.

It is internet based computing, where shared servers are used to provide resources, software and data on demand to users. The next step in virtualisation, service-oriented architecture and utility computing. Typically, web based tools or applications can be accessed through a web browser as if installed locally on their computer and you can regularly see common business applications delivered in this way.

And just in case you are wondering the term 'cloud' is a metaphor for the internet…so if you can get your head around the internet and how information is stored and delivered to users around the world you are well on your way to mastering the 'cloud'.

What is the impact of cloud computing on traditional IT infrastructure?

The biggest impact of cloud computing on traditional It infrastructure is that users no longer need to own their own infrastructure. Not needing to own the physical infrastructure allows users of the cloud to avoid capital expenditure by renting usage of infrastructure from a third party provider. In doing so, users consume resources as a service and only pay for those that they use.

Based on this 'as a service' model users can be billed either through a utility computing or subscription basis. This is one of the key benefits of the cloud computing model: no longer are you faced with business limiting capital expenditure, instead you can make the decision to convert this expenditure into operational expenditure, enabling your business to move forward on a level IT playing field with some of your largest competitors.

With your resources on the cloud, sharing computing power among multiple users can improve utilisation rates as services aren't left idle, reducing costs significantly while increasing the speed of application development - you also no longer need to engineer for peak load limits.

The cloud has low barriers to entry, shared infrastructure and costs, low management overhead and immediate access to a broad range of applications. And in general users can terminate the contract at any time and services are often covered by a service level agreement with financial penalties - try writing that into your in-house IT staff contracts!

Are there different types of clouds?

Ready for more detail? There are a number of different types of clouds available depending upon your circumstances either as an individual or an organisation. The following information provides a basic description of what these clouds are and the situations in which they would be used.

Public cloud - A public cloud describes cloud computing in the traditional main stream sense, resources are dynamically provisioned, self-service basis over the Internet via web applications/web services from an off-site third-party provider.

Community cloud - Where several organisations have similar requirements and seek to share infrastructure to realise some of the benefits of cloud computing. A community cloud can have slightly higher access costs because there are fewer users in comparison to the public cloud but it may offer a higher level of privacy, security and or policy compliance.

Hybrid cloud - This generally means an organisation is using a combination of virtualised cloud servers together with real physical hardware. A situation like this would exist where an organisation has made the decision to place some of their data and resources on the cloud but maintain others in-house.

Private cloud - Generally instigated by larger organisations, this is emulating cloud computing but on a private network. Organisations can host applications or virtual machines in a company's own set of hosts providing the benefits of utility computing shared hardware costs, the ability to recover from failure and the ability to scale up or down depending on demand. For organisations utlising this cloud type, while they won't necessarily benefit from lower up front capital costs and less hands-on management, they have the extra security ??

Is it the way of the future?

Cloud computing is the next phase in the evolution of IT. For individuals with no IT background, you may well be using applications or programs delivered from the cloud right now and not even realise - and you don't need to. But if you are looking at purchasing software or applications to run on your computer you need to know that there is a new way to purchase that is both cheaper and easier for you.

For small business owners and anyone with IT knowledge, the cloud offers a solution to many IT problems that has been a long time coming. You can use it for as little or as much of your IT needs and infrastructure as you desire…

How does it impact me?

Individuals - there is a new way to purchase software & applications, desktops and storage. Don't even think about traditional purchase and set up models…jump on line and pay using a subscription model and if you change your mind, cancel your service and your subscription at the same time.

SMEs - Want to be a business owner and not a quasi IT professional? The cloud offers some great solutions for delivery of your software & applications, desktops, email & collaboration tools and connectivity. And if you want any further assistance, the team at LC9 are on hand to help you out.

Enterprise -

ISVs -

Learn more about cloud computing and what LC9 can offer by checking out our offering in software & applications, desktop computing, email & collaboration, virtual infrastructure and connectivity.