Cloud Computing

Introduction

Cloud computing is a “term” that is being thrown around a lot in this advanced era of technology but what does it really mean? There are a lot of different definitions floating over the internet but in simple terms cloud computing is using web applications and services online or “Internet Cloud”, as used to define Cloud Computing over the internet, without having to install or acquire any additional hardware or software. All you need is a computer and access to the internet to access the information you require.

What Cloud Computing Really Means

Cloud computing comes into focus only when you think about what IT always needs: a way to increase capacity or add capabilities, without investing in new infrastructure, training new personnel, or licensing new software. Cloud computing is at an early stage, with a diverse crew of providers, delivering cloud-based services, from full-blown applications from storage services to spam filtering. Following are the types of cloud computing infrastructures:

1) SaaS

This type of cloud computing delivers a single application through the browser to thousands of customers using a multitenant architecture. SaaS is common for HR applications

2) Utility computing

Utility Computing offers storage and virtual servers that IT can access on demand. Examples include Amazon.com, IBM etc

3) Web services in the cloud/Platform As a Service

it is closely related to SaaS, which offers Application Programming interfaces that enable developers to exploit functionality over the Internet, rather than delivering full-blown applications. . You build your own applications that run on the provider's infrastructure and are delivered to your users via the Internet from the provider's servers.

4) MSP (managed service providers)

One of the oldest forms of cloud computing that is managed by the provider, such as a virus scanning service for e-mail or an application monitoring service.

5) Service commerce platforms

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