260 Reading Assignment : Cloud Computng

How Cloud Computing Works / Jonathan Strickland

Strickland, Jonatahn. How Cloud Computing Works. How Stuff Works. Retrieved on 1 August 2011, from http://computer.howstuffworks.com/cloud-computing/cloud-computing.htm

Abstract:

Cloud Computing is a new trend in computer science.  It attracts many people's attention, making it one of hot topics in the computer world.  

Cloud Computing is a great alternative for every computer users to cut-down expenses in using various computer software that they need in their daily activities.  Its major market targets are the businesses which are spending a huge pile of money in computer and software suites.  Even before this cloud computing for businesses was advertised, most of computer users might have experienced using a cloud technology - the different web-based e-mails (yahoo, gmail, etc.) and the google docs.

Three Things I Learned from the Article

1. The cloud computing architecture can be divided as front end and back end.  Computer and application required to access the cloud system (usually any web-browser application or a specific software provided by the cloud system) comprise the front end division. The back end is made-up of  various computers, servers and data storage systems that create the "cloud" of computing services. Cloud computing is guided by set of rules called protocols and uses a special kind of software called middleware which allows networked computers to communicate with each other.

2. Cloud computing would turn back computer into its early stage as a terminal. A terminal serves as an interface to the main computer. Storing information locally on a terminal is impossible.

3. Amidst the many benefits of cloud computing, many are still hesitant to use this technology due to security and privacy issues.  Some of the dark sides of cloud computing are the possibility of sharing data to unwanted party, trusting the company providing the cloud service, difference in location of user and server might create conflict on rules of use, service outrage / traffic , and EULA (end-user license agreement).

Application / Implication of what I've learned to my work/to me as a person

I am an avid user of google docs.  I find it convenient saving some of my files in the cloud than saving it physically in any computer drives.  I introduced this method to my officemates and we now use google docs for collaborative works.  I have a brief knowledge on cloud computing but reading the article clarify some other things in my head.  It may not be long enough until many offices/businesses/organizations/individuals would consider cloud computer in their daily tasks.

Everything have its pros and cons.  Each user can justify the worth of a thing to them given its advantages and disadvantages.  Cloud computing would still have several advancement before reaching its full maturity.