A
description of cloud computing
At its barest, cloud computing refers to having one’s data stored and
accessing it online rather than on physical means such as premises and offices.
So, why did the term “cloud computing” come into existence, and where is the
cloud, if everything was in the Net? Simple: here, the term “cloud” refers to
the Net. Then, why call the Net a cloud, when it has its own nomenclature? To
find the answer to this question, let us go to those innumerable flowcharts and
diagrams we used to make at presentations to drive home a point. To relate a
set of distant objects to proximate ones, we used to draw the picture of a
cloud to show how this cloud used to house all these smaller sets.
One source,
many systems
Believe it or not, this is how the concept of using this word came
into the world of cloud computing! Yes, this was considered a very relatable
object to describe the way many subsets –here, meaning many individual systems
–could be grouped together under an umbrella, or what we may call the cloud.
This should give an idea of what cloud computing is: it is the collection of
data from various systems into one common location. This location is usually
away from the office premises.
Is cloud
computing for you?
With the advent of cloud computing, do people need to give up the
idea of local hard disc storage, or have they already done it? Not really. Many
people still consider local hard disc storage far superior to cloud computing,
which many see as essentially unsafe, because it stores the data of many other
users along with yours. But then, experts and those in the business of cloud
computing say they have put in place many safeguards for ensuring that privacy
and security are not breached. Those who are convinced by this see it as a
means for hassle free, space-saving storage. Others who have concerns over security
despite the best assurances can continue to use local storage. It is all a
matter of one’s convenience and practicality, and of course, concerns.
References:
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