Cloud Computing

My perception of cloud computing was always that it would be beneficial, but that it would actually save so much time was inconceivable.

In this day and age of increased workload and cost of production, and explosion of data, companies need a database they can pull resources from, while cutting costs at the same time. Cloud computing has filled that need and has helped businesses function rapidly. Not only does it cut the amount of time taken to complete a task by about 90% but it also reduces the cost borne by the company drastically.

Previously, companies needed bandwidth, servers, office space, developers, testers of various software and other such resources which cost quite a sum. With cloud computing, all that these companies need is a computer that is connected to a cloud (a term for the Internet)! Open source software pretty much set the trend and what we have now is this huge cloud (a metaphor for a third party provider) that hosts resources like applications, software, licenses, storage space, servers, web services, infrastructure (on which to run applications) and a host of utilities in a readily available format.

All one has to do is log in, search for the service according to the need of the hour, customize the service/application or ask for help, and start using it. Applications are not just based on IT anymore. One can find services related to HR, accounting and other such services, apart from custom-built services. Large corporations like Amazon.com and IBM offer storage space on demand. Custom-built application can be up and running in 2 days thanks to development and testing done by millions of users. Services can be measured and chosen. Cloud computing is also a platform used by certain common trading companies to interact with each other.

Perhaps the most comforting feature of cloud computing is that it allows the company to pay for only what it is using and nothing beyond, thus reducing capital expenditure on hardware, software or services, which makes it similar to other utility services like electricity. Users can have as little or as much of a service at any given time for as little or as long as they want to. Companies also have the option of subscribing to the cloud or certain providers, on a monthly basis and can stop whenever they want. It also offers complete disaster recovery, sharing models, supports various languages and is easy to use. Plus, users have multiple benefits such as security, new features, and performance enhancements.

Cloud computing is a revolutionary change that is altering the face of business. Not only does it offer true value at costs that please, but it also allows the management to focus on areas that could lead to more innovations. Cloud computing breaks the monotony of a rigid infrastructure by leveraging options that are flexible, economically viable and cuts corners without cutting the bottom-line of organizations.