Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 11
Cloud as a Computer
Vishnu S. Pendyala
Santa Clara University, USA
JoAnne Holliday
Santa Clara University, USA
ABSTRACT
The evolution of the cloud as a computer is a very significant milestone in this golden era of computing
that changed both the technology and the business model of computing. The cloud has the potential to
give access to all possible resources on the Internet using minimal hardware in hand, such as a mobile
device with Internet access. This chapter explores the various aspects of cloud computing and makes
predictions as to the future directions for research in this area. Some of the issues facing the paradigm
shift that cloud computing represents are discussed, and possible solutions presented.
INTRODUCTION
Cloud computing essentially shifts capital
expenditure to operational expenses much like
we pay for utilities such as electricity and water.
Quite a few startups in the Silicon Valley have
setup their shops in the recent times without
any infrastructure costs, benefiting from Cloud
Computing, instead. The economies of scale that
the cloud model helps to leverage are explained
in this chapter. The business model that evolved
as a result of the paradigm shift in computing is
very appealing.
There are a number of technologies behind
the cloud landscape. The cloud on the Internet is
a gateway to a number of services such as Infra-
structure (IaaS), Software (SaaS), Platform (PaaS),
Imagine a computer that can grow or shrink exactly
according to your needs, however huge or small
they may be; one that can take on any form that
you like it to take in terms of the Operating Sys-
tem, machine architectures and other needs; one
which can be accessed from virtually anywhere
there is network access. To top it all, you don't
have to buy it - just pay for how much ever you
use. Sounds interesting already? Cloud computing
offers all this and much more.
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