PDF about cloud apllications below. The paper can be 100 or less.
Contents
Chapter Objectives……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 2
Introduction- ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 3
What is the Cloud? ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 3
Cloud Computing Basics …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 3
Defining Cloud Computing ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 4
“Definition: …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 4
Essential Characteristics: ………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 4
Service Models: …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 5
Deployment Models: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 5
Popular Consumer based Cloud applications……………………………………………………………………………. 6
Popular Small Business based Cloud applications ……………………………………………………………………. 7
What can you do with the Cloud for a Small Business on your Smart Phone? ………………………….. 9
How does the cloud compare with the past? …………………………………………………………………………….. 9
The 5 Advantages of Cloud Computing for Businesses…………………………………………………………….. 9
5 Disadvantages of Cloud Computing …………………………………………………………………………………….. 10
How does the cloud help reduce our carbon footprint ……………………………………………………………… 12
Works Cited …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 12
Chapter Objectives
Define what the Cloud is
Describe the essential characteristics are of
the
Cloud
Describe the service models of the Cloud
Describe the deployment models of the
Cloud
List some consumer based applications that
are in the Cloud
List some business based applications that
are in the Cloud
List some advantages of using Cloud based
services
List some disadvantages of using Cloud
based services
Be able to talk about how the Cloud helps
reduce our carbon footprint
Introduction-
With this course we are moving beyond learning about Microsoft Office applications and
sharing a growing movement towards working with applications in the “cloud” as
opposed to the current paradigm of installing applications on your computer. We will be
going between showing how we can use the Cloud as consumers and as businesses.
In addition to showing the apps, we will also be talking about using the Cloud to replace
infrastructure.
What is the Cloud?
In the info graphic”Cloud computing: Fact or fiction? [infographic] “ (Rinsema, Cloud
computing: Fact or fiction? [infographic], 2013), we go through a great deal of the Fact
or Fiction of Cloud computing. In this we go through and look at things such as:
Perceptions of the Cloud
Is the Cloud a Place?
Is the Cloud growing?
Is the Cloud 100% safe from cyber attacks?
How many people are using the Cloud?
Is the Cloud creating IT jobs?
Is the Cloud a fad?
Cloud Computing Basics
Watch video Cloud Computing Basics (Gracely, 2011)
This video goes through and talks about some of the basics of Cloud computing and some of
the concerns about having more flexibility, scalability, and the ability to leverage new
technologies.
http://holykaw.alltop.com/cloud-computing-fact-or-fiction-infographic
Defining Cloud Computing
According to the National Institute of Standards (NIST) the definition is as follows:
“Definition:
Cloud computing is a model for enabling ubiquitous, convenient, on-demand network
access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g., networks, servers,
storage, applications, and services) that can be rapidly provisioned and released with
minimal management effort or service provider interaction.
This cloud model is composed of five essential characteristics, three service models,
and four deployment models.
Essential Characteristics:
On-demand self-service. A consumer can unilaterally provision computing
capabilities, such as server time and network storage, as needed automatically
without requiring human interaction with each service provider.
Broad network access. Capabilities are available over the network and accessed
through standard mechanisms that promote use by heterogeneous thin or thick
client platforms (e.g., mobile phones, tablets, laptops, and workstations).
Resource pooling. The provider’s computing resources are pooled to serve
multiple consumers using a multi-tenant model, with different physical and virtual
resources dynamically assigned and reassigned according to consumer demand.
There is a sense of location independence in that the customer generally has no
control or knowledge over the exact location of the provided resources but may
be able to specify location at a higher level of abstraction (e.g., country, state, or
datacenter). Examples of resources include storage, processing, memory, and
network bandwidth.
Rapid elasticity. Capabilities can be elastically provisioned and released, in some
cases automatically, to scale rapidly outward and inward commensurate with
demand. To the consumer, the capabilities available for provisioning often
appear to be unlimited and can be appropriated in any quantity at any time.
Measured service. Cloud systems automatically control and optimize resource
use by leveraging a metering capability1 at some level of abstraction appropriate
to the type of service (e.g., storage, processing, bandwidth, and active user
accounts). Resource usage can be monitored, controlled, and reported,
providing transparency for both the provider and consumer of the utilized service.
Service Models:
Software as a Service (SaaS). The capability provided to the consumer is to use
the provider’s applications running on a cloud infrastructure2. The applications
are accessible from various client devices through either a thin client interface,
such as a web browser (e.g., web-based email), or a program interface. The
consumer does not manage or control the underlying cloud infrastructure
including network, servers, operating systems, storage, or even individual
application capabilities, with the possible exception of limited user-specific
application configuration settings.
Platform as a Service (PaaS). The capability provided to the consumer is to
deploy onto the cloud infrastructure consumer-created or acquired applications
created using programming languages, libraries, services, and tools supported
by the provider3. The consumer does not manage or control the underlying
cloud infrastructure including network, servers, operating systems, or storage,
but has control over the deployed applications and possibly configuration settings
for the application-hosting environment.
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS). The capability provided to the consumer is to
provision processing, storage, networks, and other fundamental computing
resources where the consumer is able to deploy and run arbitrary software,
which can include operating systems and applications. The consumer does not
manage or control the underlying cloud infrastructure but has control over
operating systems, storage, and deployed applications; and possibly limited
control of select networking components (e.g., host firewalls).
Deployment Models:
Private cloud. The cloud infrastructure is provisioned for exclusive use by a
single organization comprising multiple consumers (e.g., business units). It may
be owned, managed, and operated by the organization, a third party, or some
combination of them, and it may exist on or
off premises.
Community cloud. The cloud infrastructure is provisioned for exclusive use by a
specific community of consumers from organizations that have shared concerns
(e.g., mission, security requirements, policy, and compliance considerations). It
may be owned, managed, and operated by one or more of the organizations in
the community, a third party, or some combination of them, and it may exist on or
off premises.
Public cloud. The cloud infrastructure is provisioned for open use by the general
public. It may be owned, managed, and operated by a business, academic, or
government organization, or some combination of them. It exists on the premises
of the cloud provider.
Hybrid cloud. The cloud infrastructure is a composition of two or more distinct
cloud infrastructures (private, community, or public) that remain unique entities,
but are bound together by standardized or proprietary technology that enables
data and application portability (e.g., cloud bursting for load balancing between
clouds).” (Mell & Grance, 2011)
Popular Consumer based Cloud applications
You may not realize how much you are already playing and working in the cloud. Many
of these have very similar features especially when it comes to storage space. Some
popular Cloud based applications include:
Face book- This social networking application with over a billion users, allows users to
network with others by sharing information about themselves, sharing status
information, sharing likes, and last but not least, sharing pictures.
Google- Google although known primarily as a search engine also provides their users
with access to web mail, online storage, an online free office suite, and many other tools
that allow users to work alone or collaborate with others.
Microsoft 365 and Sky Drive- Microsoft 365 is Microsoft’s subscription based online
Office Suite. Instead of going through and buying Microsoft Office you are now able to
do it based on subscription fee. Microsoft is in charge of managing the patches and
updates. Additionally it comes with SharePoint allowing you to be able to work alone or
collaborate with others. Sky Drive allows for store your documents and files online.
Drop Box- This is an online storage service that allows you to backup files from your
computer, backup photos off your camera, and share large files with others.
iCloud and iTunes- iCloud is Apple’s main entry into the Cloud space. It allows you to
be able to save and synchronize files between devices. Additionally you can use it to
restore your devices if needed.
Evernote- with Evernote, all of your notes, web clips, files and images are made
available on every device and computer you use. It is a useful place to store websites
you want to come back and read, a place to store travel itineraries, and sharing notes
and ideas with co-workers and friends.
Popular Small Business based Cloud applications
As we go through and discuss some of the popular small business Cloud applications,
we do run into some overlap. Small businesses can and do in some cases use the
applications under the popular Cloud consumer based applications. Below are the 10
Brilliant Apps Small Businesses Should Use according to Forbes (Pozin, 2012):
1) Evernote
Ever had a great idea while flying cross-country? Evernote is an app that makes sure
users “Remember Everything.” By allowing users to store, organize and share text,
photos, and voice notes, entrepreneurs can easily keep track of all of their brilliant
ideas. The popular app has secured $166 million in funding and acquired web startups
Skitch and Penultimate to add to their growing list of features.
2) Google Drive
Building on Google Docs, Google’s new Drive app lets users seamlessly port and edit
files from PC to tablet to smart phone. Not only is it a fully-featured office suite, the
software also acts as a full cloud drive, letting you store any file type via a virtual drive
app or a web interface. Google apps are already the top choice for small business
webmail, and Google is moving to repeat that success in the cloud storage arena. Oh,
and you get a nice 5GB of storage, free.
3) FormMobi
Called a “virtual clipboard,” the FormMobi app lets professionals in the field easily
gather and distribute data on any mobile device. The app has robust functionality and is
a solid tool for filling forms on-the-go. Some features include the ability to record audio,
take pictures, collect signatures, and create CAD-quality sketches. Built by a team with
26 years of workflow software experience, FormMobi is making the clipboard digital and
easy to use.
4) Bump
Bump is a revolutionary networking app that allows entrepreneurs to ditch traditional
business cards in favor of virtual ones. Users can trade contact information, photos, and
http://evernote.com/
http://drive.google.com/
http://www.forbes.com/pictures/eegi45efifg/updated-color-palette-and-logo-2/
https://www.formmobi.com/
http://bu.mp/
files by simply “bumping” two smart phones together. Since its inception in 2008, the
app has garnered over 8 million monthly users and 27 million downloads.
5) Tripit
Anyone who’s had to make three connecting flights and rent a car on the same day can
attest to the need for a comprehensive and simple itinerary. Tripit is an app that allows
business travelers to do just that by keeping track of trip arrangements in one unified
place. The app also gathers weather updates, maps, and directions to make traveling a
breeze. After getting their start in 2006, the company was purchased in 2011 for $120
million by Concur Technologies.
6) LocalVox
LocalVox is a web marketing app that allows brick and mortar businesses to build their
brands online. The service enables owners to publish news, events and deal
announcements with a click-of-a-button across many online channels, including social
media, websites, local directories and email newsletters. The service simultaneously
optimizes organic search and Google Places listings for its users. In terms of boosting
online marketing presence, LocalVox is a great tool.
7) Expensfy
If managing travel is difficult, managing expenses can be nearly impossible. Enter
Expensify, an app that keeps track of business expenses and mileage, while letting
users scan and upload receipts. Users can even file receipts by trip and submit expense
reports to employers with the click of a button. Founded by David Barrett, the app has
exploded to almost 1 million users in only 4 years and processes over $2 million in
expenses daily.
8) Asana
Billed as a “collaborative information manager,” Asana is a simple and intuitive
alternative to complicated work management software. Asana allows users to manage
not only work projects, but personal projects and events in one easy-to-navigate
interface. Founded by Justin Rosenstein and Face book co-founder Dustin Moskovitz,
the work management app has raised $10.2 million dollars to date.
9) InDinero
Created in 2010 by two university students, Jessica Mah and Andy Su, InDinero is an
easy way to keep track of business cash flow and manage day-to-day finances. The
app syncs up to bank accounts and credit cards and helps business predict future cash
http://www.tripit.com/
http://localvox.com/
http://www.businessinsider.com/blackboard/google-places
https://www.expensify.com/
http://asana.com/
http://www.forbes.com/profile/dustin-moskovitz/
flows according to past cash flow trends. The popular web app has completed over 2.5
million transactions and received $1.2 million in seed funding.
10) Square
Square is transforming the way we transact by empowering anyone with a smart phone
or tablet to easily accept credit card payments. There are no sign-up or monthly fees –
rather, the service takes 2.75 percent of each transaction. The wildly popular app was
founded by the creator of Twitter in 2010. A key app for small businesses that lowers
barriers of entry to accept payments.
What can you do with the Cloud for a Small Business on your Smart
Phone?
To drill down even more on the application front this info graphic shows smart phone
applications that you can use to help run your business and life more productively.
Again these applications in many instances can also be adapted for personal use.
“Running a small business from a smart phone [infographic]” (Rinsema, Running a
small business from a smartphone [infographic], 2013)
How does the cloud compare with the past?
An analogy that can be used to compare the Cloud with how we have previously
handled applications, platforms, and infrastructures, might be to compare eating at
home versus eating at a full service buffet at a restaurant. At home you have what is in
the fridge and what is in the pantry. In most instances the amount of food and the
choices are much more limited than what you could get at a full service buffet. At the
buffet, the choices will be more plentiful, the amount of food available will be greater,
and if you have more people show up for dinner, they can more easily handle that.
The 5 Advantages of Cloud Computing for Businesses
1) Elasticity- The ability to scale up or down quickly as network traffic increases and
decreases.
http://squareup.com/
http://holykaw.alltop.com/running-a-small-business-from-a-smartphone-infographic
2) Security issues- This issue typically shows up both as an advantage and as a
disadvantage. From the advantage side, typically the Cloud Service Provider (CSP) is
going to have more experience and resources to focus on security. As time goes on it
will continue to get more secure. The analogy that is used for this is your money safer
at home under your mattress or in a bank? The bank is setup to protect your money
and is insured if it does get robbed. If you get robbed, typically you will not have the
security safeguards that the bank has and you aren’t able to insure your money in case
it gets stolen or destroyed.
3) Cost- Typically the cost will be less due to the fact that you are able to use someone
else’s server and you will be able to use their IT staff. Also as you need more capacity
the cost charged by the CSP will be less than it would have cost you to go out and buy
and install the additional capacity. Essentially you are able to pay as you go as
opposed to having to install and own.
4) Reduce Carbon Footprint- As more companies start to take advantage of the
Cloud, it will reduce the number of servers needed and the real estate to house those
servers. The following quote paints a very nice picture of the potential reduction in
greenhouse gas emissions. “The adoption of cloud computing could lead to a 38
percent reduction in energy usage in the world’s data centers by 2020. Due to the
growth of cloud computing energy consumption will decrease from the current rate of
201.8 terawatt hours to 139.8 TWh in 2020, which equates to a 28 percent reduction in
greenhouse gas emissions.” (Agarwal)
5) Focus- Moving the IT responsibilities from having to have and manage an IT staff to
not will help you and your company focus more on your business and less on managing
the IT infrastructure.
5 Disadvantages of Cloud Computing
“1) Possible downtime. Cloud computing makes your small business dependent on
the reliability of your Internet connection. When it’s offline, you’re offline. And even the
most reliable cloud computing service providers suffer server outages now and again.
(SeeCloud Computing Service Outages in 2011(About.com New Tech).)
2) Security issues. How safe is your data? Cloud computing means Internet
computing. So you should not be using cloud computing applications that involve using
http://newtech.about.com/od/cloudcomputing/tp/Cloud-Computing-Major-Service-Outages-In-2011.htm
or storing data that you are not comfortable having on the Internet. That being said,
established reliable cloud computing vendors will have the latest, most sophisticated
data security systems possible as they want your business and realize that data security
is a big concern.
Switching to the cloud can actually improve security for a small business, says Michael
Redding, managing director of Accenture Technology Labs. “Because large cloud
computing companies have more resources, he says, they are often able to offer levels
of security an average small business may not be able to afford implementing on its
own servers” (Outsource IT Headaches to the Cloud (The Globe and Mail).
3) Cost. At first glance, a cloud computing application may appear to be a lot cheaper
than a particular software solution installed and run in-house, but you need to be sure
you’re comparing apples and apples. Does the cloud application have all the features
that the software does and if not, are the missing features important to you?
You also need to be sure you are doing a total cost comparison. While many cloud
computer vendors present themselves as utility-based providers, claiming that you’re
only charged for what you use, Gartner says that this isn’t true; in most cases, a
company must commit to a predetermined contract independent of actual use. To be
sure you’re saving money; you have to look closely at the pricing plans and details for
each application.
In the same article, Gartner also points out that the cost savings of cloud computing
primarily occur when a business first starts using it. SaaS (Software as a Service)
applications, Gartner says, will have lower total cost of ownership for the first two years
because SaaS applications do not require large capital investment for licenses or
support infrastructure. After that, the on-premises option can become the cost-savings
winner from an accounting perspective as the capital assets involved depreciate.
4) Inflexibility. Be careful when you’re choosing a cloud computing vendor that you’re
not locking your business into using their proprietary applications or formats. You can’t
insert a document created in another application into a Google Docs spreadsheet, for
instance. Also make sure that you can add and subtract cloud computing users as
necessary as your business grows or contracts.
5) Lack of support. In These Issues Need to be Resolved Before Cloud Computing
Becomes Ubiquitous, (OPEN Forum) Anita Campbell writes, “Customer service for Web
apps leaves a lot to be desired — All too many cloud-based apps make it difficult to get
customer service promptly – or at all. Sending an email and hoping for a response
within 48 hours is not an acceptable way for most of us to run a business”.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/small-business/sb-digital/web-strategy/outsource-it-headaches-to-the-cloud/article1318511/
http://www.gartner.com/it/page.jsp?id=889713
http://www.google.com/apps/intl/en/business/index.html
http://www.openforum.com/idea-hub/topics/innovation/article/these-issues-need-to-be-resolved-before-cloud-computing-becomes-ubiquitous-anita-campbell
http://www.openforum.com/idea-hub/topics/innovation/article/these-issues-need-to-be-resolved-before-cloud-computing-becomes-ubiquitous-anita-campbell
The New York Times puts it this way: “The bottom line: If you need handholding or if
you are not comfortable trying to find advice on user forums, the cloud probably is not
ideal” Thinking About Moving to the Cloud? There Are Trade-Offs.” (Ward)
How does the cloud help reduce our carbon footprint
Akami – TED.com Please scroll down and use the Composite Video -The one I would use is the
last one which is a composite of all of these listed (Sagan, Leighton, Peil-Moelter, & Blumofe)
Works Cited
Agarwal, S. (n.d.). Cloud Computing Helps Reduce Carbon Footprint. Retrieved from gogreen- An Ekotribe
Initiative: http://www.go-green.ae/green-column.php?aid=110
Gracely, B. (2011, December 29). Cloud Computing Basics. Retrieved February 28, 2013, from
Youtube.com: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3nyYPhryiY
Mell, P., & Grance, T. (2011, September). The NIST Definition of Cloud . Retrieved from Computer
Security Division- Computer Security Resource Center:
http://csrc.nist.gov/publications/nistpubs/800-145/SP800-145
Pozin, I. (2012, May 29). 10 Brilliant Apps Small Businesses Should Use. Retrieved from Forbes.com:
http://www.forbes.com/sites/ilyapozin/2012/05/29/10-brilliant-apps-small-businesses-should-
use/2/
Rinsema, K. (2013, February 23). Cloud computing: Fact or fiction? [infographic]. Retrieved from Holy
Kaw All the Topics that Interest Us.: http://holykaw.alltop.com/cloud-computing-fact-or-fiction-
infographic
Rinsema, K. (2013, February 28). Running a small business from a smartphone [infographic]. Retrieved
from Holy Kaw! All the topics that interest us: http://holykaw.alltop.com/running-a-small-
business-from-a-smartphone-infographic
Sagan, P., Leighton, T., Peil-Moelter, N., & Blumofe, R. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://www.akamai.com/html/misc/ted.html
Ward, S. (n.d.). 5 Disadvantages of Cloud Computing-Consider These Before You Put Your Small Business
In the Cloud. Retrieved from About.com:
http://sbinfocanada.about.com/od/itmanagement/a/Cloud-Computing-Disadvantages.htm
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/22/business/smallbusiness/what-to-consider-when-thinking-about-moving-to-the-cloud.html?_r=1&src=tp
http://www.akamai.com/html/misc/ted.html
