Cloud Computing What is all the hype really about?

Cloud Computing

What's all the hype really about?

One of the hottest topics on the net is cloud computing, without question. The hype surrounding CC can however, be somewhat confusing for those that are just discovering this breakthrough form of computing. Initiates often find the conglomeration of terms (of which, many are used interchangeably) to be somewhat confusing. The terminology of cloud computing has been explored and put forth, but there are still grey areas concerning the exact meanings, titles and uses for certain concepts.

But this is all beside the point; the real attraction here is what cloud computing is capable, how it works and how it will impact our future.

What cloud computing is capable of

Just imagine a world where your information, media, files, links, applications, activities, social lists and perhaps even work related tasks are instantly accessible from nearly any terminal or device you encounter. We're talking about unchaining you from any and all physical/geographical restrictions and/or reliance on specific hardware. Cloud computing is capable of this and much, much more.

The essence of cloud computing is reflected in the concept of virtualization. When we talk about using software to simulate hardware, we are really talking about virtualization. This allows a central cloud computing stack to accomplish (and provide) much more to individual users, as well as groups. For example; in a typical cloud computing setup, it may be that virtualization is used to facilitate advanced processing by means of emulating hardware. Since a large number of components in a cloud computing network are often virtualized, it is possible to accommodate a larger number of users on an even smaller amount of energy / hardware resources than what is possible with grid networking / computing.

How it works

In a grid computing model, you have processing, storage, software, applications, an OS, and other hardware that is positioned in two locations; with the user and with the server stack. Not only is this extremely wasteful (combined users on a single network are often only utilizing around 15% of their individual resources), the fact of the matter is that most people's individual computing systems are extremely overpowered for what they use them for.

In the cloud computing model, all software, storage, processing, applications and all other resources are located at the source of the network. There is no need for personal processing or significant drive space in cloud computing, everything is remotely accessed. This also makes a CC network much easier to maintain than a conventional network, which are extremely finicky and expensive.

Because there is no user hardware limitation (as there is in grid computing), an individual user pretty much has the ability to requisition near infinite resources. That's right, you never run out of processing power. All of the wasted space of grid computing gets redistributed among all users in the cloud computing model.

How will cloud computing impact our future

Once over 50% of mainstream businesses and organizations catch wind of the money that they can save by switching over to a cloud computing system or provider, everyone else will switch over as well. With the staggering number of governmental organizations that have switched over to cloud computing networks in the last few years, it is only a matter of time before grid computing is a thing of the past.

For businesses, cloud computing offers opportunities to increase efficiency, analysis and effective decision making by a significant amount. Most of the packages that cloud computing providers have put together for businesses include lots of automated applications that allow them to gather, analyze and share pertinent data more quickly. Then there's the fact that cloud computing providers only to expect you to pay for what you actually use, unlike the current standard which is based on fixed rates. A great example of a networking / computing solution that literally molds to each individual client, instead of the other way around.

Many experts see cloud computing infiltrating every area of modern technology, from phones and mobile devices to computers and other entertainment devices. One particular area of interest with regards to cloud computing is video games (which is a multi billion dollar industry). We're already starting to see companies springing up offering cloud services for PC gaming. These services offer access to the games themselves in addition to sophisticated sets of virtualized hardware to run them on.

Even if cloud computing never reaches the global takeover phase, it would still be a type of technology worth exploring in its own right. It is certainly better suited to certain tasks than grid computing will ever be; and these perks are not resigned to one group either, businesses as well as individuals can both greatly benefit.