*Keeping Austin Nerdy* by Lainie Duro *What is Cloud Computing, and Why is Everyone Talking About it?*
Many of you have probably heard the term “Cloud Computing” discussed, but only vaguely defined. It seems to be one of those terms, like Web 2.0, that less-accommodating nerds seem to think are universally understood and pointless to explain. Thankfully, some nerds know better than to assume everyone is hip to the most recent additions to techspeak, so I’m devoting this article to an explanation of cloud computing, including what it means, how it’s used and what its implications are for the future. Cloud computing is something many of you have probably taken advantage of already without even knowing it. Any web-based email system, such as Gmail, Yahoo! Mail, or Hotmail, utilizes the concepts of cloud computing to allow you access to your free email account. Using the internet browser on your computer, these email services enable you to access an email application on a remote server to check email data, which is also stored on a remote server. That’s cloud computing in a nutshell. Email and remote file storage is an application of cloud computing that has existed for a long time. However, as the speed of data transfer over the internet increases, so does the potential for remote services. Five years ago, it would have been very difficult to deliver anything more complex than basic email over the internet. Today, there are many robust applications that can run over high-speed connections with greater efficiency, and are thus more convenient to deliver from a central location. So what are the advantages of remote storage and remote application delivery? There are many answers to this question. First, while the cost of hardware has decreased over the years, the cost and availability of numerous specialized software applications has not. Therefore, the ratio of the cost of software to hardware has become skewed. As more individuals and businesses seek to utilize specialized software to solve problems, it is sometimes helpful to rent, rather than own the software package. Offering software “in the cloud” on a perusal basis allows people to access the applications they need without a hefty initial outlay of cash to purchase them. Additionally, if more people need to use the same software package at the same time, the end user does not have to bother with individual installations or licensing, nor do they have to worry about installing applications on a local computer that might take up more space than is available. This aspect of cloud computing is becoming increasingly important more people use small “netbook” and “tablet” computers that might not have a lot of storage space for applications. No space? No problem! One can log in remotely to access applications and data, thus expanding their capacity almost infinitely. Keep in mind, too, that if applications and data are available for download from a remote service, you do not have to be tethered to the same computer in order to access them. What this means is that you can access your data or utilize your applications from any computer that has access to the internet, freeing you from your desktop, and allowing for greater flexibility in transporting files from one location to another. Remote data storage also opens up avenues for increased collaboration, as multiple users can access the data easily. The ability to utilize applications on a per-use cost and resource basis, and the ability to access data from any computer that has access to the internet sound like wonderful things…and they are. However, there is a downside to this seeming nerd-topia. For one thing, as quickly as our technical landscape shifts, our societal/legal infrastructure has difficulty keeping up. There is still some confusion about the rules governing data that is not owned by the individual who originated the data. And while there haven’t been significant court cases to address this issue, you might have seen alerts and cautions among friends about services such as Facebook, and its rights to your private photos and writings, which portend future questions remote data storage and remote services might engender. Namely: if data is stored on a server that no one individual owns, does anyone own the data? The other major issue to consider is security. If your data is stored offsite, how can you be sure of the security of your data? There are many different reasons to be concerned about the security of data in the cloud. First, like the legality of ownership, there is not yet a lot of regulatory infrastructure around cloud computing, so it can be difficult to find a good provider. Individuals or businesses that store data offsite need to be certain to find vendors with a proven track record. It’s also important to note that while your physical computer might reside in the United States, and therefore be governed by US laws, your data might not be, and, again, regulation is slow to catch up with innovation! The last issue that needs to be considered is long-term viability of the organization storing your data or delivering your application. What happens to your data if the company that is renting out space goes under? Are you assured you will get it back? What if the company that is renting out space gets sold to another company? Do you retain the same rights to your data that you did before? These items should not deter the casual user of cloud computing, nor should they impede the progress of cloud-delivered applications and services. However, they are issues that need to be worked out as we begin to move our data to remote servers, and rent applications from remote resources. So as you venture forth into the cloud, be sure to do your research, maintain and account for your files, and keep tabs on legislation that addresses cloud computer, remote storage of files, and remote access to application. *More Resources About Cloud Computing:* http://witnessthis.wordpress.com/2010/03/29/cloud-computing-for-dummies/<http://e2ma.net/go/6666001765/208184438/212501257/1401593/goto:http://witnessthis.wordpress.com/2010/03/29/cloud-computing-for-dummies/> http://communication.howstuffworks.com/cloud-computing.htm<http://e2ma.net/go/6666001765/208184438/212501258/1401593/goto:http://communication.howstuffworks.com/cloud-computing.htm> 201 E. 2nd Street, Suite B | Austin, Texas 78701 -- Our Web site: http://www.RefreshAustin.org/ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Refresh Austin" group. [ Posting ] To post to this group, send email to [email protected] Job-related postings should follow http://tr.im/refreshaustinjobspolicy We do not accept job posts from recruiters. [ Unsubscribe ] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected] [ More Info ] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Refresh-Austin
