Cloud+computing

Cloud computing is a computing system in which actions are assigned to a combination of connections, software and services accessed over a network. This network of servers and connections is known as "the cloud." Computing at the scale of the cloud allows users to access supercomputer-level power. Using a thin client or other low power system like a blackberry or Iphone can reach into the cloud for resources as they need them.

Cloud computing is often used to look through large amounts of data. Google has the initial edge in cloud computing because of its need to produce instant, accurate results for millions of incoming search subjects every day, searching through the large amounts data stored on its servers. Google's approach has been to design and manufacture thousands of its own servers from commodity components, connecting relatively inexpensive processors in parallel to create an immensely powerful, accessible system.

The majority of cloud computing structure as of 2009 consists of reliable services delivered through data centers and built on servers with different levels of technologies. The services are accessible anywhere that has access to the networking structure. The Cloud appears as a single point of access for all the needs of consumers. Commercial offerings need to meet the quality of service requirements of customers and typically offer service level agreements. Open standards are critical to the growth of cloud computing and open source software has provided the foundation for many cloud computing implementations, says [|wikipedia].

Most IT leaders see cloud computing as a necessary technology that can help a lot, but some people are concerned about security and control. That's the result of a recent report from IT consulting firm Avanade. Avanade, a company founded by Accenture and Microsoft, commissioned Kelton Research to conduct the study of more than 500 C-level executives worldwide. First, more than half of those surveyed use technologies to cut costs. A majority of 80% in the United States also believe that cloud computing reduces up-front costs and ongoing operational expenses. According to the results, 71% of respondents agree that cloud computing is a viable option. They recognize that such a model allows firms to focus on the core business, react more quickly to market conditions, gain access to the latest technologies, and improve ability to be flexible. However, a full 61% aren’t using cloud computing systems at this time. And most of them don’t intend to implement it in the next 12 months. IT and business leader do have [|concerns about security threats] and loss of control of systems and data, leaving them to place more trust in their internal systems which are often too expensive.

Companies need to continually embrace best practices and consider new technologies in order to remain competitive in this global market,” says Tyson Hartman, Avanade global chief technology officer. “This research shows cloud computing may be the next wave of IT evolution.”

More information on this can be found at [|this website]

Cloud computing is a developing system and it could thrive in the coming years.

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Here is a good video describing some of the things of cloud computing

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