Due on tomorrow

Cloud Computing

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Introduction

Cloud computing commonly referred to as the “cloud” involves the delivery of on-demand computing resources ranging from applications to the data centers over the internet on a pay for use basis. Cloud computing has enabled many firms to cut down various costs, for example, the firms have opted to use the resources of cloud computing service provider rather than buying costly systems and equipment for running multiple operations within the company. By so doing, the company can reduce its operating costs since the cost of upgrading systems and new hardware and software is included in the contract.

a).What are the different types of cloud services?

Cloud computing has been broken up into three primary services. They include:

• Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)-It runs on separate computers in the cloud that are owned and run by others, and that connect to many computer users through the internet, for example, a web browser. Some of the benefits of SaaS are that the applications and data are easily accessible from any given computer that is connected. There is no data also lost in the case of the computer breaks since information is in the cloud (Mell & Grance, 2011).

• Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS)-It permits users to rent the infrastructure.

• Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS)-It permits the developers to come up with applications and collaborate on projects.

These three types of services make up what is known as Cloud Computing Stack with SaaS at the top, PaaS in the center and IaaS at the bottom.

b).What are the benefits and drawbacks of opting for a cloud service solution over an in-house IT solution?

Using a cloud service solution over an in-house IT solution has many advantages and disadvantages to the user. The first advantage of going for a cloud service solution is that it makes it easier for an individual to add capacity for your firm to expand. Secondly, you can predict monthly recurring expenses when using a cloud service solution over an in-house IT solution. The third advantage is that an individual does not lose everything in case of any incident. Also, the problems that may be experienced by the provider may make them provide solutions.

Cloud service has some limitations also, for example, there is potential data loss in case of any mishap or stolen data. Secondly, worse performance is possible since the server is being shared with other clients. Similarly, there is a higher long-term cost of ownership since they need to make profits as a business. There is also need for higher speed internet for this kind of option for it to work effectively (Armbrust, Fox, Griffith, Joseph, Katz, Konwinski, & Zaharia, 2010).

c).Why is there apprehension among IT professionals about cloud services?

Today, many IT specialists have developed a lot of fears concerning the cloud services because of some reasons. First, the IT professionals fear that cloud adoption is putting their jobs at risk since they do feel that they do not have all the necessary skills that are required to deliver services in the field. Another reason why the IT professionals have a lot of anxiety is that they do not have access to the most appropriate tools to manage effectively manage a cloud deployment. Many of them feel that they have insufficient knowledge in the field and this has made them lose confidence in leading a cloud deployment.

d).What do you consider to be the greatest risk in opting for a cloud-based solution?

There are many things that I do consider to be the greatest risk in opting for a cloud-based solution, for example, the high cost involved. Adopting a cloud-based solution is associated with a lot of hidden costs which may exploit the little resources that an organization has. A cloud-based solution has a lot of features that come with a cost, and these are some of the things that individuals should be aware of before making any decision on cloud-based solution. Another risk in opting for a cloud-based solution comes up as a result of the internet where you can easily lose your internet connection at any given time.

References

Armbrust, M., Fox, A., Griffith, R., Joseph, A. D., Katz, R., Konwinski, A., ... & Zaharia, M. (2010). A view of cloud computing. Communications of the ACM, 53(4), 50-58.

Mell, P., & Grance, T. (2011). The NIST definition of cloud computing.