Cloud Computing

Cloud Computing is the use of multiple server computers via a digital network as if they were one.

The 'Cloud' itself is a virtualisation of resources - networks, servers, applications, data storage and services - allowing the end user on-demand access. These resources can be provided with minimal management or service provider interaction.

This page provides more detail on Cloud Computing, including the benefits of cloud computing, the risks of cloud computing and guidance on mitigating those risks.

On this page:

The Benefits of Cloud Computing

Cloud Computing offers the end user resources without the requirement of having knowledge of the systems that deliver it. Additionally, the Cloud can provide the user with a far greater range of applications and services. Therefore the Cloud enables users and businesses scalable and tailored services.

Cloud Computing brings with it many benefits to the end user. These include:

Access to a huge range of applications without having to download or install anything
Applications can be accessed from any computer, anywhere in the world
Users can avoid expenditure on hardware and software; only using what they need
Companies can share resources in one place
Consumption is billed as a utility with minimal upfront costs
Scalability via on-demand resources

There are several differences from traditional hosting to cloud hosting. The main differences are:

Cloud Computing is sold on demand
The service is managed by the provider
User can determine the amount of service they take
Users can log on to the network from any computer in the world

Risks of Cloud Computing

Cloud Computing has many benefits, however there are also some associated risks with using Cloud Computing. These include:

Users do not physically possess storage of their own data, which leaves the responsibility and control of data storage with the provider
Users could become dependent upon the cloud computing provider
With data held externally, business continuity and disaster recovery are in the hands of the provider
Data migration issues when changing Cloud provider
What happens if your Cloud provider goes out of business?

All these issues and more are addressed in the following books. They can help you understand and mitigate the risks of cloud computing.

The different types of Cloud Computing

Cloud Computing has brought together a range of technologies that can deliver scalable tailored and virtualised IT resources and applications over the Internet. There are 3 main types of Cloud Computing which are:

Software as a service (Saas)
Platform as a service (PaaS)
Infrastructure as a service (IaaS)

Cloud Computing Resources

Cloud Computing Books

If you are new to Cloud Computing we also recommend the following books as a good place to develop your understanding of the subject:

Cloud Computing Training

IT Governance runs a 2-day Cloud Computing Foundation training course that delivers a comprehensive introduction to the deployment and support of Cloud IT resources AND a recognised industry standard certification awarded by EXIN.

This EXIN Cloud Computing Foundation course provides an overview of Cloud Computing and its relationship with other areas of information management. This overview is based on a knowledge of the fundamental concepts of Cloud Computing and an understanding of the deployment, architecture and design of a Cloud Computing platform.

Read about our Cloud Computing Foundation Course here »