Elasticity - it is what Makes Cloud Computing Unique (as well as powerful)

Elasticity

It's what Makes Cloud Computing Unique (as well as powerful)

Of all the attributes possessed by cloud computing in general, the most important is certainly its elasticity. But, just what is elasticity as it pertains to cloud computing? Most people define the elasticity of a cloud as; its ability to amplify and instantly upgrade resources and/or capacities at a moments notice. This includes every facet of cloud computing as well; storage, processing and the scalability of applications are all elastic in the cloud. The really remarkable thing about cloud computing is the real-time infrastructure that actively responds to user requests for resources. Without the real-time monitoring and support behind this elasticity, the effectiveness, adaptability and muscle of cloud computing would be greatly undermined.

It is this elastic ability that the service providers possess which allows them to offer their users access to cloud computing services at such reduced costs. Since users only pay for what they use (there are no fixed prices) they can save quite a bit of money. However, providers are able to save too. Unlike a traditional grid network / setup, which demands that each client has a pre—allocated set of resources available at all times, cloud computing is able to balance and distribute its resources across the entire network in real time. How often is everyone assigned to one network online at the same time? Why should all that potential power go to waste? The elastic abilities and functions of cloud computing addresses these questions, and solves them by way of its ingenious design.

What can elasticity accomplish?

Just imagine that there are 100 people in a room and they're all on the same traditional grid computing network (the current standard). Every one of these individuals has their own intensive hardware setup, of which only around 15% of them actually ever use 50% of their processing capacity. By comparison; in another room, you have a group of 100 people using a cloud computing network. Their combined resource usage might add up to around 20%-25% of the total processing and storage power of their central cloud computing hardware stack. What cloud computing is really offering is the ability for average users to retain their current standards and expectations, while leaving the door open for instant expansion opportunities should they desire it. The more resource intensive users get full access to the resources that were being wasted by the 85% in the grid computing model.

In this way, cloud computing is hands-down, a much more efficient way to use energy. Many in the scientific and economic world predict that the cost of energy will soon (or in the near future) begin to steadily rise, perhaps beyond the means of the average individual (this has been attributed to peak oil, economic recession, rising populations, demand for cheap energy etc…). Elasticity offers you the same computing experience to which you're accustomed, with the added benefit of near limitless resources; what more could you ask for? Of course the best part is, the elasticity offered by cloud computing is much more than just a neat way to distribute network resources; it is the best way to manage our energy consumption and keep it in check. To put it simply, we get to 'have our cake and eat it too'.

Right now, a majority of businesses are adding cloud services to simply supplement their existing infrastructures. The elastic capabilities offered by cloud computing makes it perfectly suited toward handling certain activities or processes.

• Establishing an 'in office' communication and online networking infrastructure (for employees). Setting up a system that allows those in your organization a cleaner and more efficient system for communicating and working often leads to greatly increased profits (it's certainly not going to hurt your business).
• Using cloud computing to handle overdrafting / high volume data transfer periods and events. Some businesses only use cloud computing when they run out of their own resources, or perhaps anticipate that they might lack needed functionalities. This can be something that is scheduled for an annual or bi-annual basis; designed to meet a seasonal demand for a particular product for example.
• Assigning all customer data and transaction information to a cloud computing element. This allows an organization to keep their customer's data safe from even their own employees. Utilizing a third party to handle all customer data can also pay off in the event of a catastrophic type event. Cloud computing providers tend to keep your information more securely backed-up than most are even aware of.

In the end, elasticity is a word that is intimately associated with cloud computing and also more of less defines what it is capable of. Elasticity essentially allows both user and provider to 'do more with less'. In many ways, elasticity is an entirely new concept; and one that will no doubt come to influence every area of software and hardware development in the near future.