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**What is Cloud Computing?**The term cloud, in the IT sense refers to the "internet", and thus has shaped the foundations of the concept Cloud Computing. In the case of Cloud Computing, the computing aspect essentially governs the process of hosting services, but not through the traditional methods of using a physical server that users access (Armbrust et al., 2010). Cloud Computing technology has devised the means to host these services (Files or Applications) over the internet, equipping the users/consumers the means to utilise the tools and information on the Cloud instead of an in-house server. Although the final goal of accessing both types (servers/Cloud) are one of the same for a user, the process and the practical business applications of the Cloud is very much different. By its nature, the Cloud lets users within a business easily access and share the information on the Cloud between each other, this allows all users to bypass complicated hardware based infrastructure that a company would have in place (Kay, 2008). This is just one of many examples of why interest in cloud computing has rapidly increased, because of the practical benefits it yields for businesses operations.

A clear look into the Cloudmedia type="custom" key="25234044"

**Public/Private and Hybrid Cloud** Cloud computing allows businesses and individual to deploy services across three different methods of internet based hosting. Each Cloud type will define the scale in which the Clouds' infrastructure operates on and who is able to access its contents. **Public Cloud** The use of the Public Cloud is operated by a third party provider that sells the Clouds services to anyone over the internet. Due to the spread of costs and overheads over each consumer, the clients that utilise the public Clouds services can benefit from cheap, pay-as-you-go models. The characteristics of public Cloud enable endless scalability of data access and storage because it is not restricted by hardware storage capabilities. To make use of the Public Cloud also removes the technical side of managing data online for the individual user, as the Cloud provider will have the staff and responsibility of this. **Private Cloud** Private Cloud refers to the use of Cloud technology within a corporate firewall, this is managed by the organisations IT department unless this has been outsourced (Gotts, 20 13). The same benefits occur with private and public, however the private cloud equips a business to set the parameters of security, a lack of control on public based cloud systems is a concern for organisations. To use a private cloud within a business yields benefits for organisational performance, but considerations still need to be made, whether to base the private cloud on site or outsource the task externally. **Internal Private Cloud** When hosted internally, this can provide the standard process of accessing data and ensuring data protection. These go hand in hand with the issue of data usage and expansion, as this limits the storage a company can have. These restrictions and the operational costs and responsibilities of managing the system internally may not be an option for many businesses. It is only recommended when a company is in complete need of control over the s ecurity of the Cloud based information. **External Private Cloud** The external cloud for private use is hosted by a third party Cloud provider and is recommended for SME's. This reduces the cost for businesses to maintain the Cloud infrastructure by outsourcing it to a provider, the appropriate staff and knowledge is already in place, a service provided by a cloud provider. When outsourcing to a provider there will be guarantees of data security and privacy. **Hybrid Cloud** The hybrid cloud is a combination of the previous cloud types, Private and Public. The concept of Hybrid Cloud is to merge the advantages of both private and public, this allows the user to make use of both public and private in a capacity that meets the specific needs of the individual or business. With both types combined this creates total flexibility of data usage in computing, with all services on demand at any time. This is particularly useful when dealing with sudden surges of workload from employees, the scalability of storage and software usage is elastic to provide an unwavering infrastructure. **Services**Hosted services is a term commonly used when describing the purpose of Cloud Computing but its meaning will need clarification to understand the concept of Cloud based technology. As Rouse (2010) mentions, the cloud involves anything that can deliver hosted services over the internet. It is important to acknowledge that these services are categorised into three broad types.

**Service Categories**


 * Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)


 * Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS)


 * Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS)

**What does (IaaS) offer?**IaaS replaces the standard server based hardware that a business will need to purchase to store data onto, and rather makes this infrastructure of hardware based online (Interoute, 2014a). Known as virtual servers, this enables a company to become flexible with it's storage of data as the cloud allows the purchase of specific capacity's of storage, removing the issue of excess storage that may be deemed unnecessary. Interoute (ibid.) presents the properties within this service type;
 * **Enterprise Infrastructure** - One of the key aspects in which a business can make use of the cloud, this replaces hardware based servers that a compan y may spend vast amounts of money to keep on site.
 * **Cloud Hosting** - To host websites based on virtual servers opposed to physical ones, this allows more room for websites to scale the demand and traffic that goes through a company website.
 * **Scalability** - On demand increase of storage capacity at a moments notice, to use as much as a company may need without an excess that will not be used.
 * **Utility** **Style** **Costing** - This allows company to pay for only the services they use, instead of package based which may give a user capabilities they do not want but still must pay for.
 * **Location** **Independence** - Using the correct login details, the cloud can be accessed anywhere with a internet connection.

**What does PaaS offer?**PaaS is a platform provider, to enable users to utilise an environment for developing applications over the internet. This is a simple process for developers as PaaS can be accessed through a web browser. Similar to the IaaS, the platform based service cloud enables companies to pay only for what they use. The following features are provided using PaaS: (Interoute, 2014b)
 * Operating system
 * Server-side scripting environment
 * Database management system
 * Server Software
 * Support
 * Storage
 * Network access
 * Tools for design and development
 * Hosting

Software and Web developers use the above tools to build an application and then sell to consumers over the internet or by disc. The most essential ability PaaS offers these developers is each stage of software development can be instantly synced and shared among the developers instantly with ease, this allows the creation and collaboration of these applications run more efficiently. While supplying an environment to create and develop applications, PaaS will also build the foundations of a businesses' IT infrastructure to support the development of applications. **What does SaaS offer?**Software-as-as-service governs all cloud services that supplies consumers with access to software applications across the internet (Interoute, 2014c). This software is on demand at any given time, and has a common purchasing model of "renting" the software and its licenses rather than an up front payment and then an installation. Purchasing SaaS Cloud services will store all saved files on the cloud to enable access from anywhere. SaaS can save organisations money in licenses for software, having an application on the cloud for the businesses users to access. The payment methods for SaaS can also support many SME's on a budget, allowing companies to purchase the software for a specific period of time, to save money against monthly costs and to use to complete a specific task. The SaaS applications for business are rather broad as these can range from email services to data processing. As a front end portal, the software can be synced and shared between all users without the issues of product installation and the expertise to set up on a LAN (local Area Network), for file sharing.

**What can push Businesses to the Cloud?**The increase of interest in this technology for businesses is to likely to grow by 44% annually (Eunjeong 2013). Is there a catalyst however? Is there any reasoning behind this interest? Eunjoeng (ibid.) believes it is because of an 'unstable economy' (ibid.: 104) that is a main driving force behind moving infrastructure to the Cloud. The cost benefits are apparent, and the accurate usage of services without excess is also an appealing factor. It is evident from this point of view that the move to the cloud is commonly a reactive method to deal with every day IT solutions within a business, but it remains to be seen if the rapid increase in cloud users is because it offers businesses competitive advantages. Many SME's could be encouraged to make the move to the cloud, especially if a small company requires an IT based infrastructure to operate. The need for a business to compete is constantly present, and the cloud may be the difference between competition and falling behind in the market. **Cloud Domination**The technological domination of Cloud computing was suggested in Button's study (2013) to take place in 2014. This was stated by 75% of respondents that answered the CFO articles survey. This survey involved 148 senior finance executives. The majority stated that a strategic directive is in place to implement a private Cloud based infrastructure within their businesses. Considered by many to be the next dominant technology in IT, has this become a natural evolution in technology, or forced out of necessity? A report released by an IT research and consulting firm, 451 Research, indicates a natural adoption of this technology in business (Greengard, 2013). '60 respondents view cloud computing as a natural evolution of IT service and delivery' (ibid.: 1). Although many are suggestive to its implementation, the report also found that 83% of respondents faced severe roadblocks on the deployment of Cloud projects (ibid.: 1). As the figures suggest a shift to the cloud within businesses, the process has shown strain on a companies IT department to replace the current system set-up to this current technology. The complications of the Clouds deployment could shy away potential customers if the workload is a vast burden within the day to day running of a company. If a need for the cloud to become integrated within the business occurs, the following considerations will need to be made before the technologies implementation:
 * The feasibility of moving to th e Cloud
 * The benefits the cloud offers a customer
 * An evaluation of any competitive factors the cloud provides

**Is Cloud Computing new?** Banerjea (2013) offers an alternative point of view, that cloud computing is not 'Cutting-edge' anymore (ibid.: 23), because most people already use cloud computing whether they acknowledge this or not. As a broad topic, the Cloud has many capabilities and services already being used, mostly by individuals for social networking and email, as the IT infrastructure behind this is ultimately cloud based. Some argue that the concept is built upon what is known as 'Utility Computing' as the Cloud is more broad in what it can offer, the utility aspect essentially governs the process of hosting an IT infrastructure for customers to access on a pay-as-you-use basis (Anon, 2007). Considering the uses that utility computing in previous years has given businesses it would appear that cloud computing is based on these foundations, but the new technology we know of as the Cloud offers much more capabilities and practical elements for different companies. The considerations for a business when moving to the cloud The benefits for an enterprise to move to cloud based IT has been discussed, but the process of moving to cloud may not be with ease. Hunter (2013) recognised a check-list for customers to consider when moving to cloud based systems. Before a decision is made, Hunter (ibid.) recommends the customer looks at certain aspects of the Cloud they are purchasing and if that is suitable for the customer.
 * **Data Location and Jurisdiction** - Depending on the location of the data, the company or individual must contact the third party cloud provider regarding the access and jurisdiction of data.
 * **Data Characteristics** - Is the data sensitive? if so will the cloud offer the suitable data security for the customer?. Assurances will need to be in place to inform the customer of data integrity and what safeguards are in place when issues of security occur.
 * **Data Control within the Cloud** - To ensure the customer has administrative privileges when handling data and to align the standard operating procedure of a company with the clouds,
 * **The security of the Cloud** - Is the Cloud secured from the general Public? is it secured from other Cloud users? these questions are important if data sensitivity is imperative to the operational function.

By ensuring that the appropriate considerations are made in this decision a business can look at its feasibility in moving to this technology, and does the moves benefits outweigh the shortfall of manpower and financial requirements? This is an important decision to make for a company, and all of the possible implications of this implementation will require analysis. Effective business practise may be apparent when using the Cloud, however the technology does yield disadvantages of it's use.

=**Disadvantages of Cloud Computing**= The disadvantages of Cloud Computing will be associated with the business preferences of an organisation. The public cloud offers scalability of data on demand, however it does pose the issue of having less control over. A business that requires full control over the data and integrity should consider private cloud as an essential data management solution. A common tendency when using the Cloud is businesses want to provoke the growth of applications it can use. This is a renowned issue however, as not all cloud based services offer complete compatibility with a range of applications, this is vital for future growth and progress, (Expedient, 2014). It is important that a project based business understands this so the development of future projects does not become stifled through the Clouds restriction in this case. A solution can be put in place however, with the use of colocation centres. Ensuring your cloud provider offers colocation centre services is crucial as these data centres allow a business' Cloud platforms to communicate with alternative applications, allowing flexibility, (Ibid.). **An Industry is born: On demand media content**The increase in use of cloud computing has created a new industry of media content provided to consumers through the internet. On demand streaming has made full use of cloud technologies as the streaming infrastructure is based entirely on cloud computing. The business model is built upon monthly subscriptions for consumers to have the access to media content.

As a new platform for providing media content, it is important for media content driven companies to consider streaming services as the emerging norm. It is possible a business may fall behind within the industry because of traditional methods of media deployment, (DVD's, file downloads).

**Examples of On demand media content businesses:**


 * [[image:ntinm3/hulu plus.jpg width="171" height="137"]] || [[image:ntinm3/Vulu.jpg width="173" height="143"]] ||
 * [[image:ntinm3/netflix.png width="168" height="136"]] || [[image:ntinm3/amazon-instant-video.jpeg width="169" height="145"]] ||

= Summary = The following material concludes the uses and properties of Cloud Computing.

This video demonstrates the services for further understanding, and also highlights some of the benefits that this technology can offer.

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The table provides a clear demonstration of the properties the Clouds delivery of services.
 * **Services** || **Platform-as-a-service** || **Infrastructure-as-a-service** || **Software-as-a-service** ||
 * Support for Users || Yes || No || Yes ||
 * Flexible on demand Storage || Yes || Yes || Yes ||
 * Tools for Development || Yes || No || Yes ||
 * Location Dependant || No || No || No ||
 * Enables for company Hosting || Yes || Yes || Yes ||
 * Database Management System || Yes || Yes || Yes ||


 * The benefits of Cloud Computing **


 * Flexible
 * Scalability
 * On Demand
 * A Cost Effective Alternative
 * Access anywhere with Wifi
 * Increases group based productivity
 * Easy to grasp
 * Reduces physical space
 * More system support from hosted company
 * Quicker Deployment
 * More Capable of Handling server demands

Advantages of Cloud Computing There are numerous amount advantages of cloud computing as seen below.
 * 1) Flexibility: That business can meet demand by increasing their bandwidth instantly due to the fact on vast amount of service’s on remote servers.
 * 2) Disaster recovery: There is no need for complex recovery system when cloud computing is involved, most cloud computing system takes it upon themselves to make it easier for their customers and faster service. Cloud resolves issues on average of 2.1 hours which is nearly four times faster than business without cloud services which is around 8 hours (Social, undated)
 * 3) Automatic software updates: one of the services included by cloud is that maintenance of security updates have been taken care of, which frees up time for customers in order for them to proceed with other tasks.
 * 4) Price varied: As cloud computing system has adopted a pay as you go technique, business only have to pay the amount that fits comfortable with the space required rather than paying for a certain amount for space in cloud servers.
 * 5) Collaboration: Cloud computing service allows increased employee collaboration with work documents, also having a mobile device with the capabilities of handling could computing service it makes it easier for the employee to access the working documents.
 * 6) Access Anywhere: Employees of an organisation who have cloud computing systems, can access documents and notes, as long they have access to the internet. Also flexibility in the workplace i.e. employee can take an average of 6% pay cut in order to for them to tele-communicate. (Social, undated)
 * 7) Document control: According to one study “73% of knowledge workers collaborate with people in different time zones and regions at least monthly” (Social, undated) Normally in a business, if two employees working in different regions, sending work after they edit and audited themselves, but this means that only one person can work on a document at a time and send it on an email. Whereas cloud computing offers a file system that keep documents central location, which means that employees can work simultaneously together on one singe document. The whole collaborative process increases the companies’ efficiency and improves the companies’ objective and aims.
 * 8) Security: ‘800,000 laptops are lost each year in airports alone’ (Social, undated), this indicates that laptops holding vital information becomes a threat but as well as the information gets lost, with cloud computing the documents is online which meant that data is stored online, therefore data can be accessed no matter what happens to a machine.
 * 9) Competiveness: SME have the ability to be manoeuver faster in their market, allowing them to compete with large organisation through cloud computing. Large organisation tends to use long and complicated back-up systems initially slowing them down, giving SME a competitive edge.
 * 10) Environment friendly: If most business uses cloud computing systems, they tend to decrease their carbon footprint. Around 30% less energy consumption and carbon emissions used but cloud computing services. (Social, undated). Also it is hugely beneficial for SME as they can reduce their carbon emission and energy by 90% saving them cost and reinvesting their revenue in their own business in order for them to expand.


 * The Disadvantages of Cloud Computing**


 * Services may not fit business preference
 * Loss of Control
 * Application Compatibility
 * Unpredicted costs (typically cheaper however)

Even though there are numerous advantages, there will drawbacks with new technology, some of the disadvantages of cloud computing listed below.


 * 1) Security and Privacy: The main concern in cloud computing is that security, having a remote based infrastructure, a company might be vulnerable, if they are putting documents in the cloud server, as the document might contain private data and information, it will be up to cloud computing service to protect this documents as they are confidential and sensitive. Therefore if the cloud servers are weak, companies documents are vulnerable, which means cloud computing systems need to make sure their security is at a high standard. ‘Companies and user have to trust their cloud service vendors that they will protect their data from unauthorized users’ (Tsagklis, 2014), if passwords are lost or leaked it can be seen as a threat towards companies through cloud computing systems.
 * 2) Cloud system ‘lock-in’: Organisation having a cloud system, have dependency on the provider, the industry calls this “vendor lock-in” as it is difficult for companies to switch cloud computing server to other providers which might be better protected and efficient, the problem with this is that huge amounts of data being transferred from one place to another can be very difficult. This is a reason for organsiation to be careful when picking an appropriate cloud system for their business.
 * 3) Technical difficulties: Large organisation might face difficulties as huge data which is held by cloud computing services might have downtime to update their system from threats and sometimes a dysfunction might happen time to time due to viruses or technical default. Also that cloud computing service is dependent on internet access, thus there might be connectivity problems and setting up problems to take into consideration.
 * 4) Limited control and flexibility: As cloud computing systems run remotely, companies have ‘limited control over function and execution of the hardware and software’ ( Tsagklis, 2014 )
 * 5) Hard drive: For most companies having a lack of hard drive can be an advantage, as it reduces cost, although if companies need to access programs that require a hard drive, they might be a disadvantage. Programs, if needed to be instantly run, hard drives makes this easier depending on what companies do business in such as graphic designer need hard drive because programs have massive data that needs to be installed. Although there has been an increasing amount of companies using cloud computing systems to eliminate the hard drive tech, to make data management easier.

Having considered the benefits, disadvantages and implications to these decisions, the question remains, should the interested business adopt this technology. The key points is for an organisation to be mindful of what Cloud provides and does this align with the objectives and operations within the organisation. It is evident that this is rapidly becoming more common practise and may be a difference in becoming a competitive entity or falling behind in a businesses respective industry.

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