Wednesday’s Word: Cloud
Posted by Alicia on 3 March, 2010 in Technology, wednesday's word
What does a cloud have to do with computing? Metaphorically speaking, the cloud denotes a likeness to the internet. Remember the cloud symbol used to represent the Internet in flow charts and diagrams? Combined with computing, clouds can be defined as thin and narrow as cirrus clouds (virtual servers) or as broad and puffy as cumulus clouds (applications, storage, outsourcing, etc).
As a new trend, cloud computing involves delivering hosted services over the Internet without investing in new infrastructure, licensing new software, or training. There are many providers out there delivering on-demand, pay-for-use or subscription services (cloud services). These services are: Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), provides storage space and IP addresses on demand; Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) provides the platform to develop applications, e.g. database management, security, workflow management, application serving, etc.; Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), provide hardware, software, storage resources, and management.
So don’t get lost in the clouds. Make sure cloud services meet your needs in both functionallity and cost.
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