Cloud Computing

1. What do we mean by ‘the cloud’?

The cloud is basically the internet, a network of servers, that allows individuals to store information in a virtual space where they can access it from anywhere in the world given that they have access to the internet.

2. How is cloud computing different to ‘normal’ ways of computing? (Note: that ‘normal’ may refer to ways of doing things in the past or from your desktop machine).

Cloud computing is virtual it is processed ‘off site’. Whereas in the past all computing has taken place on the machine itself, nowadays websites (such as Wolfram Alpha) offer services (such as solving complex mathematics) using their own databases that are located in the ‘cloud’.

3. What services are provided by the cloud?

Because the cloud allows a user to upload content to a virtual space, it can provide services such as; storing and sending emails, documents and other files. Furthermore, it allows people to connect with eachother (Facebook) and talk in real time from virtually anywhere in the world. Video chatting in real time from anywhere in the world.

4. Who provides these services?

Companies, organisations and individuals can provide these services.

5. Consider a small web development company of three or four employees. What benefits does the cloud bring to them?

-They can store all their company information on a company server and then access it from anywhere in the world.

-Provides a backup in case they lose valuable information from a disk corrupt.

-Collaborate in real time through video streaming from anywhere in the world.

6. Consider a large company with one thousand or more employees. What benefits does the cloud bring to them?

Same benefits as question 5, only on a larger scale.

7. Can you think of any disadvantages of cloud computing? What are they?

-Easier for hackers to hack

-If the ‘cloud’ (server) goes down, no one can access the information.

-Possibly a lot slower if internet connection is not up to...