What is Cloud Computing?• Cloud Computing is one of the most integral

aspects of Web 2.0.• As it allows you to store your important

documents, pictures and videos online instead of on your personal computer.

What is ‘The Cloud’

• The Cloud is actually a warehouse full of computers, called a server farm.

• There are many server farms around the world.

• Sometimes your data can be stored in a multiple number of different server farms at one time.

What is ‘The Cloud’ continued

• This allows you to access your data wherever you are at any time, from any computer which has access to the internet.

• This means that you no longer have to worry about having the correct software on the computers you use.

• With the introduction software is now available online for free.

What is ‘The Cloud’ continued

• Cloud Computing is in a constant state of evolution, where software is always being updated. This is similar to most beta services.

• This is because third parties are able to contribute and improve software that major companies have produces, for example Google Mail

Different Type Of Clouds

• Public Cloud: This is the standard conventional version of cloud computing, which is used on a self service basis. This allows anyone in the world to use services provided by other people

• Private Cloud: This is similar to the conventional cloud formation. This allows access to all cloud facilities which is only accessible to certain amount of people e.g. Blackboard

• Hybrid Cloud: This is essentially a fusion of both a Public and Private Cloud which provides resources internally and also uses external web based resources. E.g. My DMU Email

Google Docs

• Google Docs is a web based application which utilises cloud computing.

• In Google Docs you are able to upload work documents such as spreadsheets, essays etc. and allows users in your network to view and edit those documents online.

• Google wave is an in development program which combines elements of Google Docs with instant messaging services

• People are able to communicate, and edit documents in real time, as well as send pictures, videos and maps.

Facebook

• Facebook is a social networking site which also uses cloud computing.

• You are able to store videos and photos online and have other users view and comment and ‘tag’ your pictures.

• This is good because your are able to store these on a outside server.

Youtube

• YouTube is a video sharing website where users are able to upload videos of any content which can be viewed by anyone.

• People are able to view and comment on the videos that you have posted. They can also recommend videos based on your interests.

• In January 2009 alone 14.8 Billion videos were viewed worldwide.

Google vs. Netscape

• Netscape used web as a platform. There aim was to create and sell software, in order to have the monopoly in this sector.

• There software for the use of the individual. The programs were put on to your personal computer. Google became Netscape’s major competitor.

Cont..

• Netscape lost it market share as a result of Google’s uses of free services. And as you did not have to buy updates.

• Google made it possible for people to ‘cloud compute’ as the information that we seek is now on a large database that is accessible to all.

Advantages

• Cost: You no longer need to buy the latest software, and the risk of bugs in the first wave of software.

• Speed: You are able to rapidly update and change software and documents.

• Reliability: due to constant updates, bugs and technical glitches are found and corrected quickly.

Advantages cont.

• Accessibility: Documents, pictures, videos can be uploaded, viewed, edited at home, work, even on select mobile phones.

• Security: If your computer goes down, or crashes your personal documents is safely stored in the cloud

Disadvantages

• Security: Because your personal files are no longer stored on your computer it is easier for an outside party to use your data for their own personal needs i.e. Identity Theft

• If the server farm suffers a disaster (fire) your data could be lost and unable to be recovered

• Accessibility: If you are unable to access the internet, Cloud Computing is useless.

Conclusion

• Cloud computing can be seen as the next step in the evolution of file management, but it could also be seen as the death of ‘personal’ computing.

• In one form or another it is probably already in our lives.

• Only time will tell if Cloud computing will be accepted and used by the general public.