All You Need to Know About Cloud Computing

What is cloud computing? Instead of using the hard drive of one’s computer, it is a way to store and access data and programs over the internet. Some examples of cloud computing services include Amazon Web Services, Drop Box and Google Drive.

A demanding infrastructure needs:

Server farms

Power

Cooling

Redundancy

Just like anything on the web, cloud computing has many advantages and also comes with a few disadvantages:

Advantage	Disadvantage
Flexible	Security
Scalable	Legacy Software
Cost effective	Bankruptcy
Secure*	Intellectual property

When talking about cloud computing, the best way to explain it is through the front end and the back end terminology.  Both of these connect through a network, mostly the Internet.

Front end:

It is the interface layer, accessed by the user. It runs on the client, providing point of interaction between the user and system.

Back end:

It is the process layer that is unseen by the user.  It runs on the server and includes all the processes that goes on behind the screen or the "cloud" section of the system (remote retrieval and storage of data).

Refer to the image below for a visual depiction of front end and back end:

Protocols and middleware:

A central server administers the system. It monitors traffic and client demands and makes sure the system is functioning properly.  A set of rules that it follows are called protocols. It also uses software called middleware that helps networked computers to communicate with one another.Think of middleware as the connecting puzzle piece (refer to image below).

Redundancy:

To prevent unavailability of data during occasional breakdown, cloud computing system duplicates the information of clients and stores it elsewhere for backup . This process of duplicating is called redundancy.

Want to know more? Refer to the infographic below for more details:

Reference

An Ode to Middleware. (n.d.). Retrieved October 7, 2015, from http://openlegacy.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Middleware-Sekurekode.png

Cloud Computing for Beginners. (n.d.). Retrieved October 7, 2015, from http://cdn.guru99.com/images/blog_image/cloud_computing_8.jpg

What is Cloud Computing Infographic. (n.d.). Retrieved October 7, 2015, from https://www.tcnp3.com/home/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/What-is-cloud-computing.gif