Cloud Computing and the Usage of the Internet

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Table of Contents

Introduction
How Cloud Computing Works
Benefits of Cloud Computing
Requirements of Cloud Computing
How Cloud Computing Has Changed People’s Lives
When Cloud Computing Is Not Necessary
Competition among Cloud Computing Companies
Conclusion
Works Cited

Introduction

Cloud computing refers to a technology that is integrated with the Internet to enable computer users to access resources online. This technology has developed so fast that many users have already used it without their knowledge. Cloud computing is an innovative technology that converts the Internet to become a reservoir of applications (Sanchez 1).

This implies that with cloud computing users need not to manually install the applications needed to open their documents. For instance, when a user needs to open a document that is in portable document format (PDF), he/she does not have to install that particular program into his/her computer because the software developer has made it available online (Higginbotham 1).

However, before this technology is implemented it is important to know its pros and cons. This will go a long way in understanding the benefits and setbacks that lay ahead of both the users and the software developers. This paper will focus on cloud computing, mainly software as a service (SaaS), and the transformations it has injected into the use of computers as well as the competition that has emerged among cloud service providers.

How Cloud Computing Works

Without cloud computing, the usage of computers would be very difficult because the users would require the IT experts to help them to install the programs required to run the applications that are used in their devices such as laptops and mobile phones (Sarno & Salvador 1).

This is because users would be required to have in-depth knowledge in computing. Marks argues that cloud computing has made sure that this scenario does not unfold because currently, there is no specific skills required to operate computers (1). For instance, when people want to interact through social networks they do not need to install the program that supports instant messaging.

Unlike in other cases where users are made to purchase software and obtain licenses from the developers, cloud computing does not involve the user directly, but instead makes them pay via the charges that are imposed on them by the Internet service providers (Furht 35).

According to New York Times, without cloud computing users would have to install the software they frequently use every time they are using a different computer or any other device (1), but as long as users are connected to the Internet, they need not to have saved their data in compact disks and flash disks. This is because the resources will be always available for use regardless of the users’ location.

Benefits of Cloud Computing

Firstly, cloud computing helps in slashing the operational costs. This is because organizations need not to purchase the software and other applications that they require (Marks 1).

Besides, cloud computing creates a sense of freedom to the users because they are not tied to any provider, as long as they get what they are looking for. Antonopoulos points out that the majority of cloud developers reckon that cloud computing has boosted their sales – this would not have been realized if they were to sell their products to individual users (57).

Ahson and Ilays assert that SaaS available through cloud computing are considered to be much safer by software developers and this is because their documentation is stored in a common place which makes it easy to monitor their usage (17).

Similarly, cloud computing makes it easier to troubleshoot applications that are available on the Internet and thus, saving more time and money. Further, cloud computing is perceived to be a form of green computing which has caused it to be appreciated for its contribution towards sustainable development (Sarna 12).

However, there are concerns that some people could interfere with the documentations of software that undermines the efforts made by software developers. Kim reckons that encryption of data that is intended to be made available on the Internet can be solved the problem of lose of privacy (1). Another problem is that some applications cannot be shared on the Internet and thus their usage remains limited.

Most users are still reluctant when it comes to availing their information in the cloud. This is because security in cloud computing is not guaranteed because there are criminals who are capable of manipulating the data that is stored online for other dubious use (Kim 1; Sarno & Salvador 1; Anderson 1). Sarno and Salvador assert that the speed that is required to access applications that are available in the clouds creates a distance between the user and the application (1). This is not favorable to applications that need real time processing.

Requirements of Cloud Computing

It is certain that cloud computing offers more benefits than setbacks, but it is also important to understand the resources that are required for cloud computing to be realized. The clouding platform should be customized such that customers pay for only the resources they have used (Chee & Curtis 15). This scenario is similar to eating out in a restaurant where one is only billed for the volume of delicacies he/she has consumed.

Additionally, Sanchez explains that both the users and vendors need computers for them to be able to use the cloud based applications (1). For applications used in other devices like mobile phones, the manufacturers have to ensure that they are installed with open programs so that when they access the resources in the cloud they are able to use them. In fact, many mobile phones and other accessories are tailor-made to meet this demand. This is achieved by integrating their applications with web browsers.

Before the emergence of cloud computing, users had to upgrade their computers for them to store more resources. Anderson states that this has now changed because they do not need to store the resources anymore becasue they can be accessed any time from any location and installing them in their computers would limit their usage (1).

Access to the Internet has therefore become mandatory for users who wish to utilize resources that are available online. The vendors also require Internet connection for them to troubleshoot any problems that might interfere with the performance of their software.

Vendors have to assure users that the applications they avail on the Internet meet average performance requirements. This assurance is provided in writing and therefore any vendor who intends to venture into cloud computing must be up to the task of providing nothing, but to the best, which is incorporated with security measures: a good example is the case of PARC – the company is reinventing its product line to meet the demands of cloud customers (Roettgers 1).

In this regard, service providers are competing to deliver the most reliable and secure services. Among the competing companies, include Google and Yahoo web applications. These companies make it possible for cloud users to access online resources, such as computer applications like word processors because they are interlinked with the vendors (Chee & Curtis 23).

How Cloud Computing Has Changed People’s Lives

According to Muller and Neumayr, cloud computing has changed the way humans use computers, and this is evidenced by the increasing number of services that are available on the Internet (1). The banking industry has also embraced cloud computing.

The banks have now integrated their services with the Internet, which has been achieved by using the Internet to store their databases. This suggests that their clients can access their financial products via computers and other mobile devices.

Kelleher argues that the users of web based applications, which is common in Microsoft products, facilitates cloud computing because it offers them the convenience that would not have been available (1). For instance, the customers of a bank that offers internet banking can monitor the financial activities of their accounts in real time regardless of their location.

Cloud computing is also being implemented in business ventures where the outlets that sell the items are available virtually. Ingram states that through cloud computing, online traders are able to avail items that are most desired by consumers under one roof provided there is enough bandwidth (1).

Many buyers who are also not physically present access the online stores. The virtual shops use software that contain several databases which could be in different locations, but are configured to be accessed through a web portal. The owners of these virtual shops save a lot of money that would have spent in setting up physical outlets.

Similarly, cloud computing is being applied in electronic customer relationship management. Furht argues that this is because the internet breaks the distance barrier between companies and their customers (46). Through cloud computing, the companies that have embraced cloud computing are able to obtain feedback from customers more effectively as compared to those that do not use this concept.

Cloud computing is also applied in administrative duties such as payroll processing. This is specifically important to multinational companies because they have many branches locally and beyond their national boarders. The organizations use cloud computing to hold virtual meetings on the Internet, which are considered less costly compared to physical meetings (Sanchez 1).

The companies are also using cloud computing to carry out their transactions more efficiently. This has improved their performance because the processes are not carried out manually and thus, there are minimal errors.

Currently, the use of cloud computing has led to the improvement of social networks such as Facebook and Twitter. When a user updates his/her profile the update is made available instantly. Marks explains that companies are employing cloud computing to market themselves because by listing their products online they are able to reach many potential customers (1).

Many tasks have now been computerized using software. For instance, language translators do not have to be familiar with the language they wish to translate because there is several software designed to interpret languages.

For example, the media is specifically employing the use of software to interpret soap operas before they air them to their intended audience. Manual translation would take a lot of time to be completed. This has enhanced global interactions because the conversations can be translated while the conversation is in progress and thus eliminating the language barrier.

Furthermore, cloud computing has been incorporated with distance learning which enables learners to excel in academics at the comfort of their homes. The reading materials are in form of electronic books, which can be accessed from anywhere as long as the learner has access to the internet (Higginbotham 1). In fact, most learning institutions especially in developed countries have embraced this concept.

This is because the populations in these learning institutions have increased and thus, distance learning is the only option they have if they are to remain operational. The institutions integrate their learning programs with the Internet to make sure that the learners can learn at their own pleasure.

Similarly, lecturers and instructors can use web-based applications to ensure that the assignments that are handed in by their students do not have any instances of plagiarism. The educators need not to download such applications because they will access them whenever the need arises (Sanchez 1). Remote collection and marking of exams is automatic, and thus the time that was previously used on marking the evaluation tests is utilized.

According to Marks, organizations are using cloud computing to manage the performance of their employees and award promotions to the employees who most deserve it (1). IBM is one of the vendors that are providing such systems.

The managers who use such web based platforms do not have to be physically present to supervise their juniors and in fact the emergence of cloud computing has led most organizations to lay off their employees and this is because their services have been computerized and require minimal human intervention.

The companies that employ cloud computing require few expert employees because they are not the ones who maintain the applications. Furthermore, if there are any computers that need repair, the IT companies troubleshoot their problems from a remote location.

In the end, the companies that access IT services benefit the most because they do not have to include the IT experts in their payroll because they only pay for the services that were rendered to them. Customer care is a good example of services that have been computerized, especially by communication providers (Sarna 47).

Exploration has also become easier with the introduction of Google maps and hence the users do not need to download the maps of their desired destinations because they can always access them on the internet. Youtube has also become very popular because it enables its users to share videos and because of its integration with cloud computing, the number of people using it is increasing.

This is because Youtube provides adequate storage facilities and the bandwidth that is required to run the videos. The users can upload as many videos as they wish and the videos are safe while stored online than when they are stored offline.

The transport industry also uses web-based platforms to enable their passengers to book and cancel their flights. Most of their operations are paperless and can be accessed from anywhere at any given time. Similarly, the hospitality industry uses cloud computing to award tenders to their suppliers besides using the web platform to enable their guests to check in and out of their hotels (Antonopoulos 23).

When Cloud Computing Is Not Necessary

There are instances when cloud computing is not required and this may be due to the specifications of the applications to be run on the Internet. If an organization uses an application that has special hardware and software requirements such as memory and hard disk capacity, then it is not logical to avail such a program because the users use different computers that have varied specifications and thus the application may be halted from time to time due to incompatibility (Sanchez 1).

It is important to evaluate the confidentiality of data that is yet to be availed on the Internet. This is because if the data is sensitive and unintended persons access it, it might be used for the wrong reasons and the person who shared that data will be held accountable (Kim 1). For instance, if an insurance company posts financial details of their clients in the clouds and such details are used to commit frauds the company involved will loose its reputation.

Competition among Cloud Computing Companies

Yahoo, Google, IBM, Microsoft, Apple, and HP are the most popular cloud computing companies, but then there are other upcoming software development companies, and this is what has stiffened the competition among them. Apple in particular has managed to be ahead of the game by restricting the usage of its applications by people who own devices manufactured by its competitors.

This means that if one owns a laptop manufactured by Apple, it can only be compatible with software applications designed for apple products. This approach is used to ensure that Apple customers remain loyal because even if they opted to use software designed by other manufacturers they would be grounded and would have no alternative but to stick by Apple (Sarna 37).

Google has managed to outsmart its competitor, Microsoft by including more applications in the clouds, such as Google Talk, which enable users to make calls to other PCs that are online and also call landline numbers. Unlike Apple, Google is making its cloud applications compatible with those of its competitor.

This is meant to lure customers who were once loyal to Microsoft to cross over to Google without rendering their devices useless. Of late Google has developed Google cloud connect for Microsoft office, which enables users to use its cloud office applications such as Excel and Word (Furt 68).

From the look of things, Microsoft has lost its dominance to Google and Apple. This loss has been induced by the increase in demand of access to the Internet and since Microsoft is limited to manufacturing applications for desktop computers, the other companies realized that the only way they would beat Microsoft was to design mobile devices that can connect to the internet.

Most devices developed by Apple have an option for connecting to the Internet and considering that these devices are portable, they have managed to lure many users from Microsoft.

The popularity of social media such as Linkedin and Facebook is what has increased the demand for portable Internet. Unless Microsoft moves into the new market niche of mobile devices, it is most likely to be faced out. A keen observation of Internet traffic reveals that mobile devices access the internet frequently compared to desktops.

This is because desktops do not offer the mobility that is provided by mobile devices. Both Google and Apple have to remain vigilant if they are to remain at the top of the rankings because now the truth is downing on Microsoft and it is evident she is cooking something (Higginbotham 1).

Conclusion

Cloud computing has played a major role in ending the dominance that was once held by Microsoft. This has proved that competition among service providers benefit the consumers because they get services that are worth their money. Companies need to understand the principles of cloud computing before availing their resources in the clouds.

The organizations that are yet to embrace this concept are reluctant possibly because they do not know the benefits they could earn themselves. Security is the main issue because every company values the information it has. The law has been put in place to guide any entities that might be interested in cloud computing.

In addition, cloud computing offers reliable storage facility and thus users do not need to upgrade their computers. The competition among cloud computing service providers is far from being over and users can only advanced developments regarding cloud applications to continue flowing in their paths.

Works Cited

Ahson, Syed, and Mohammad Ilyas. Cloud Computing and Software Services: Theory and Techniques. Boca Raton, FL: CRC, 2011. Print.

Anderson, Nate. “Bringing US Privacy Law into the Cloud-Computing Era.” Ars techbica, 2010. Web.

Chee, Brian J. S., and Curtis Franklin. Cloud Computing: Technologies and Strategies of the Ubiquitous Data Center. New York: CRC, 2010. Print.

Furht, Borivoje. Handbook of Cloud Computing. New York, Heidelberg [u.a.: Springer, 2010. Print.

Higginbotham, Stacey. “We Have Smart Phones But do we Want Dumb Screens?” Gigaom, 2011. Web.

Ingram, Mathew. “What Happens When the Cloud meets a Bandwidth Cap – Tech News and Analysis.” Gigaom, 2011. Web.

Kelleher, Kevin. “Why Microsoft Needs Netflix.” Fortune Tech, 2011. Web.

Kim, Ryan. “Cloud Computing Requires new Thinking on Privacy.” Gigaom, 2011. Web.

Marks, Joseph. “Experts Say Security Concerns about Cloud Computing Are Overstated.” Nextgov, 2011. Web.

Marks, Joseph. “Security Remains the Biggest hurdle for Agencies Moving Operations to the Cloud, Federal IT Officials Say.” Nextgov, 2011. Web.

Muller, Trudy and Neumayr, Tom. “Apple Introduces iCloud-press Info.” Apple. 2011. Web.

Roettgers, Janko. “How PARC Wants to Reinvent the Internet.” Gigaom, 2001. Web.

Sanchez, Julian. “Pew Study: Cloud Computing Popular, Privacy Worries Linger.” Ars technical, 2009. Web.

Sarna, David E. Y. Implementing and Developing Cloud Computing Applications. Boca Raton, FL: CRC, 2011. Print.

Sarno, David and Rodriguez, Salvador. “Hacker Attacks Show Vulnerability of Cloud Computing.” Los Angeles Times, 2011. Web.

New York Times. “The Cloud Darkens.” Editorial, 2011. Web.

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