Cloud computing

by Alexandra Middleton | 02 Jul 2013

Cloud computing is a virtual server that you can access via the internet.

Essentially ‘the cloud’ performs the function of a hard drive, but differs in that it is external to your computer and accessible anywhere, anytime. This means you can access your content and run programs whenever you wish.

The cloud is not a network like you may have experienced at your home or office, where you are connected wirelessly to a database within the same building, but rather a network of servers accessed through the internet.

What is cloud computing?

The official definition of cloud computing comes from the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

NIST defines ‘cloud computing’ as a model for enabling convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources that can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort or service provider interaction. This cloud model promotes availability and is composed of five essential characteristics, three service models, and four deployment models.

The five essential characteristics of cloud computing include; on demand self service, broad network access, resource pooling, rapid elasticity meaning the cloud’s capabilities appear unlimited to users and the fact that an individual’s use of cloud services can be measured.

My computer’s in the cloud?

While the concept of cloud computing can seem confusing, to put it into perspective, you are probably already using the cloud in some form. Web based emails such as Hotmail or Gmail are common examples of software applications that store information and run from the cloud. You can log into a Hotmail account through any device, anywhere in the world and the same set of up-to-date information will be available to you. If you bank online or through a mobile app, you are accessing your financial data via the cloud.

How it works

The cloud is used in two main ways. Firstly, to store and back up files and secondly, to run web applications. Unlike desktop applications, web applications don’t need to be installed but are run directly through the internet. 

The advantages of using the cloud are that it allows you to back up your files externally to your computer. Meaning that in the event your computer crashes or is physically damaged your files remain safe. By saving your files in the cloud, any device becomes your personal computer, from which you can access your documents and share them with others.

Using applications such as Google Docs you can collaboratively work on a file with multiple parties accessing an up-to-date version of the file at the same time, viewing the changes made by each party in real time.

In terms of desktop based software applications, running programs through the cloud saves space on your computer that would otherwise have been required for software installation.

The same goes for a smart phone or tablet device, which, without cloud capabilities would not have the required space to install and run applications.

Some services or web applications accessed through the cloud come at a charge, however, you only pay for what you use.

Ultimately this is cheaper than purchasing your own personal version of the software, as you don’t pay for upgrades, system maintenance or support fees.

Don’t take away my privacy

A concern for many people when considering cloud computing is privacy.

Most cloud computing services require a username and password as authentication, but it’s still important to read the fine print so you understand whether your information is secure and to what extent.

Another consideration is the ownership of your data. Some providers extract your stored data for information that will be used for the benefit of their organisation.  

Cloud computing also offers less control over software preferences than personal desktop based programs.

Photo and video editing programs for instance don’t really match up when run as web applications.

Also, if you have limited access or slow internet speeds you should strongly consider how heavily you rely on cloud computing. The capability of your internet will heavily impact the ease in which you access and upload data.