Cloud Computing

What is cloud computing?

According to Microsoft, cloud computing is "the delivery of computing services over the internet" (What is Cloud Computing? | Microsoft Azure). Examples of such services are included but not limited to:

• Servers

• Storages

• Databases

• Networking

• Software

• Analytics

• Intelligence

Is cloud computing a new technology? What are the unique technology features of cloud computing, if any?

Cloud computing first started in 1960 (Davies, 2021). Cloud technology is relatively new to the field of computer science. Some unique features of cloud computing are:

• Resource Pooling: resources can be shared with multiple clients through cloud computing. Each client is given their specific needs.

• On-demand Self Service: it is not necessary for users to purchase or maintain physical infrastructure because they can obtain computing resources as needed.

• Large Network Access: the client can view cloud data or send data to the cloud. These capabilities are made possible by the internet and are accessible throughout the entire organisation.

3 major cloud service models

1. Microsoft Azure

2. Google Cloud Platform

3. Amazon Web Service

3 real-world applications of cloud computing that are enabling and effective

• E-commerce: provides infrastructure that is both economical and scalable to facilitate internet business. With the use of content delivery networks (CDNs) and fast servers, it enhances website performance, guaranteeing rapid load times and a seamless user experience.

• Healthcare: cloud computing allows hospitals to store patient health records securely. This increases the efficiency in hospitals while reducing the costs. 

• Gaming: gaming companies uses cloud computing to store players data on secure servers. They also allow gamers to play on multiple devices.

What is the economic/business model of cloud computing?

On-demand pricing: The cost depends on "the amount and type usage". Customers can modify their expenses to suit their demands by scaling up or down their consumption with on-demand pricing.

Citations

Thomas, Mike. “Cloud Computing in Healthcare: How It’s Used and 15 Examples.” Built In, 17 July 2024, builtin.com/articles/cloud-computing-in-healthcare#:~:text=Cloud%20computing%20in%20healthcare%20makes,industry%2C%20while%20also%20decreasing%20costs. Accessed 17 Sept. 2024.

nOps. “Cloud Economics: Basics, Benefits, and Use Cases.” nOps, 1 May 2024, www.nops.io/blog/cloud-economics/#:~:text=On%2DDemand%20Pricing%3A&text=This%20model%20is%20popular%20in,Thus%2C%20your%20costs%20become%20elastic. Accessed 17 Sept. 2024.

Srivastava, Sudeep. “Cloud Technology in Gaming – the Wave of the Future.” Appinventiv, 20 June 2024, appinventiv.com/blog/cloud-gaming-technology/#:~:text=Cloud%20gaming%20systems%20store%20user,security%2C%20players%20are%20less%20concerned. Accessed 17 Sept. 2024.

“Features of Cloud Computing - Javatpoint.” www.javatpoint.com, www.javatpoint.com/features-of-cloud-computing. Accessed 17 Sept. 2024.

“The History of Cloud Computing.” Cyber Magazine, Vikki Davies, 28 Nov. 2021, cybermagazine.com/cloud-security/history-cloud-computing. Accessed 17 Sept. 2024.

What Is Cloud Computing? | Microsoft Azure. azure.microsoft.com/en-us/resources/cloud-computing-dictionary/what-is-cloud-computing. Accessed 17 Sept. 2024.

Nitinsoni. “Why Cloud Computing Is Essential for eCommerce Success.” Appinventiv, 21 Aug. 2024, appinventiv.com/blog/cloud-computing-in-ecommerce/#:~:text=Cloud%20computing%20is%20pivotal%20for,and%20a%20seamless%20user%20experience. Accessed 17 Sept. 2024.