Cloud Computing

 Whats the basic definition of Cloud Computing?

Cloud computing means using multiple server computers via a digital network, as though they were one computer. Often, the services available are considered part of cloud computing.

Traditionally, without a cloud, a web server runs as a single computer or a group of privately owned computers. The computer(s) are powerful enough to serve a given amount of requests per minute and can do so with a certain amount of latency per request. If the computer's website or web application suddenly becomes more popular, and the amount of requests are far more than the web server can handle, the response time of the requested pages will be increased due to overloading. On the other hand, in times of low load much of the capacity will go unused.

If the website, service, or web application is hosted in a cloud, however, additional processing and compute power is available from the cloud provider. The website would share those servers with perhaps thousands of other websites varying size and memory. If the website suddenly becomes more popular, the cloud can automatically direct more individual computers to work to serve pages for the site, and more money is paid for the extra usage. If it becomes unpopular, however, the amount of money due will be less. Cloud computing is popular for its pay-as-you-go pricing model.

Cloud computing visual diagram

Clouds are sometimes set up within large corporations, or other institutions, so that many users all share the same server power. As computer power gets cheaper, many different applications are provided and managed by the cloud server. In many cases, users might not download and install applications on their own device or computer; all processing and storage is maintained by the cloud server.

What's the usage and Advantages of Cloud Computing?

Advantages of Cloud Computing

Save Hardware Cost.
Companies can cut down on hardware investment because by using cloud computing they do not have to purchase additional server, peripherals and other network gear.
Backup & Recover With Ease

Servers that run inside a virtual machine can be stored in one  image file  containing  the entire system configuration and settings. In case a  server crashes, you don’t have to  scratch from beginning  to perform  reinstallation and reconfiguration. Simply take a copy of the saved image, restore data from last backup and the server will  be back up and running again. You can save time, effort and resources.

Easy To Deploy
Virtual servers can be cloned as much as possible and can be run on another machine without having to change configuration hence reducing the workload of IT staff and expedite  the process.
Save on Energy Bills
using cloud computing technology will be spared the need to  maintain room temperature room to cool down server therefore  reduce cost of electricity usage
Reduced Space.
The fewer the number of servers the lesser space to store the network equipment i the server is placed on a shared  server or  data center.
Easier Maintenance and  Management
Fewer number of servers will automatically reduce the time and cost to manage server.
Hardware standardization.
Hardware virtualization  in cloud computing involves emulation and encapsulation so that the process of introduction and removal of a particular  hardware can be carried out with ease.
Easier to replace and upgrade.
Replacing or upgrading a server specification can be easier to execute using cloud computing. If the parent server is overloaded and specifications are not sufficient anymore, we can easily upgrade the specification or move a virtual machine to another, more powerful server

Disadvantages of Cloud Computing

Cloud computing requires  a stable  internet connection, when there is no reliable  internet connection you  can not expect to get the most of it. This can particularly be a hindrance for those living in remote areas without access to a reliable connection.

Of the most prominent  disadvantages of cloud computing is when a data center  crashes all the virtual machines will be affected. This can be prevented by backing up your data on a regular basis and using the so-called fail over or clustering though.

Another worst scenario is that  if a parent server becomes a target in a hacking attack then the intruders will most likely be able to gain access to virtual servers using data stored on the parent server.

Those are the advantages and disadvantages of cloud computing you should take into account  before jumping on the virtualization and cloud computing wagon.