Cloud Computing
Cloud computing refers to any collection of resources used and accessed by connecting to a digital network called “the cloud.” The cloud can be small-scale, involving resources stored on small networks (LAN or WAN), or large-scale, involving resources stored and accessed over the Internet. With cloud computing, users can access data and programs using computers, netbooks, pad computers, vehicle tracking, smart phones or other devices. Rather than installing and downloading data or software on individual devices, users connect to the cloud to access applications and data.
With cloud computing, any device that can connect to the cloud can access the same pool of applications, files, and computing power. Users can play games or use word processing software without installing anything to their own devices, and can store and access data such as text files, music, photos, and videos without the need for a personal physical storage device.
Cloud computing differs from previous forms of computing in that it does not require users to have any understanding of the systems or infrastructures used to store and access data. Instead, users simply access data and applications through a web browser or other simple interface. This allows for individual user machines to be simpler and cheaper, reducing the need for hard drive space or processor speeds.
Current Cloud Systems
Web-based e-mail services such as Gmail, Yahoo Mail and AOL Mail are one form of cloud computing that has become widespread and has been around for years. Rather than install and access e-mail programs on home computers, users simply log-in and access an e-mail interface and their e-mail data stored on the provider’s system. Users can access data on any machine with Internet access, rather than storing data on individual hard drives or data storage devices.
Google has also implemented cloud computing into their suite of Google Apps, including Google Docs. With access to a Gmail account, users can open a word processing application that allows them to create and store documents completely online, using storage space on Google’s networks.
Somewhat similarly to Apple’s iCloud, Amazon has recently launched a service called Cloud Drive that gives users 5GB of free data storage, and more space for a price. Users can upload music and other files to Amazon’s networks, and access this data from any Internet-connected device. While files and documents have to be downloaded onto devices for access, music can be streamed directly from the cloud through a standard Web browser.
The Future of Cloud Computing
Cloud computing has become so popular recently in large part due to the increasing ease of access to the Internet and other networks. Developments in wireless technology, including 4G networking and widespread Wifi networks, have made access to the Internet possible almost anywhere, and connection speeds increasingly faster.
Also, as devices such as pad computers and smart phones become important ways for users to access the Internet and data, cloud computing may become more prevalent. Steve Jobs has said that he sees a post-PC world coming on the horizon. In this post-PC future, users would only need simple, low-cost devices and would pay for access to clouds of data and applications.
Of course, like anything hot in the technology field, cloud computing could turn out to be a passing fad that fizzles out over the next couple of years, but it also could turn out to be the way of the future.
