Switchfast Blog: The Future of IT
What Does “Cloud” Mean to You?
Monday, April 05, 2010 by Bryan Anderson
As we've discussed before, the decision between
on-premise and off-premise infrastructure is becoming more relevant
and important with each major company's commitment to providing
Software as a Service (SaaS). There's still plenty of speculation
on the actual transition and immersion, but the prospect for
cost-effective production attracts small businesses of all
kinds.
The phrase 'cloud computing' has been thrown around a lot and sometimes we forget the
basic foundation - the internet. Typically, cloud computing is
summarized as a model of IT services based on and provided over the
internet with on-demand access to network materials while
experiencing little to no service provider interaction. The
software and data are stored on servers and the software is
delivered through online web services or software (i.e.
browser).
With a lot of confusion regarding a transition to the "cloud,"
are we using the term too loosely to define a more precise shift in
IT services?
In a post over at CNET.com, Jonathan Eunice explains how many
people are throwing the vague "what comes next in IT" label on
cloud computing, emphasizing "overhyped" and "overused." He does
not agree with the general viewpoint, and later goes on to say
this:
"Cloud is the realization that what comes next in IT isn't a
specific technology, but the infusion of flexibility, variability,
and elasticity into what was previously a static, front-loaded,
inflexible world."
While some may question the definition, others still debate over
the cloud's security standing and performance factors. Over at networkworld.com, two experts make excellent
points for and against the readiness of cloud computing. While one
stresses the need for "significant answers to the significant
questions," the other insists that the cloud is ready for specific
tasks and edging closer to the ultimate 'platform' which businesses
await.
Of course, for most enterprise users, the most important aspect
of cloud computing that needs to be established is security. Computerworld.com stresses that cloud service
outages and criminals operating in the cloud threaten the overall
participation in the model. The good news - there is plenty of
research, partnerships, and products being developed to further
enhance and advance the cloud arena. Click on the Computerworld
link or check out how Networkworld.com puts the enterprise cloud to
the test.
If there ever was a "hyped" IT model, cloud computing takes the
cake. Will we continue to see slow enhancements, a faster
acceptance, or a slippery slope of denial when it comes to cloud
computing capabilities and adaptation? Leave a comment with your
opinion!
Until next time -
Matthew Hymel
Switchfast Technologies
Chicago IT Support &
Consulting
Rochester
IT Support & Consulting
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