Cloud Computing: Plugging into The Cloud

Abstract

Cloud computing comes into picture when we think about what IT requires- a way to increase abilities without any investment in new infrastructure, training new personnel, or licensing new software. In order to achieve this, Cloud Computing has been adopted .Cloud computing is the latest effort in delivering computing resources as a service. It represents a shift away from computing as a product that is purchased, to computing as a service that is delivered to consumers over the internet from large-scale data centres –or “clouds”. Marketers have further popularized the phrase “in the cloud” to refer to software, platforms and infrastructure that are sold as a service, i.e. remotely through the Internet. This research paper will throw light on the history, advantages, disadvantages, architecture, models and its future. “There was a time when every household, town, farm or village had its own water well. Today, shared public utilities give us access to clean water by simply turning on the tap; cloud computing works in a similar fashion. Just like water from the tap in your kitchen, cloud computing services can be turned on or off quickly as needed. Like at the water company, there is a team of dedicated professionals making sure the service provided is safe, secure and available on a 24/7 basis. When the tap isn’t on, not only are you saving water, but you aren’t paying for resources you don’t currently need.” - Vivek Kundra, Federal CIO, United States Government