Implementations of Cloud Computing in Business-Samples for Students

Question: Discuss about the Advantages and Disadvantages of Cloud Computing for Business. Answer: Introduction In the modern world of business and transactions, data security matters a lot when it comes to keeping the confidentiality of information. The recent trend of data security and management has been using the cloud computing technique in order to reduce the unnecessary burden of storing the data on local servers and physical devices. The assignment has included different considerations that need to be made while storing the data on cloud computing servers and networks. It also includes some of the technical details and origination of the concept of cloud computing. The different phases of evolution of this technology have been briefed about in this assignment. Project Objective To analyse the importance of cloud computing in the modern era of business To portray the strength of cloud in order to streamline the entire IT processes for making the daily work of business much smoother To demonstrate the data security as well as privacy in businesses across the globe with the help of cloud To recommend different ways by which cloud infrastructure can be renovated for further development in businesses Project Scope The following assignment has majorly focused on the advantages and disadvantages of using cloud computing in different sectors of business. This study has included the details related to different types of computer servers along with their types of applications. The business operations of different companies are likely to be different and henceforth, the requirements of data storage and security have to be managed accordingly. This assignment covers the different topics and details that have enlightened the learner about the areas and parameters that are necessary to consider before choosing a form of data storage and cloud computing server. Introduction The following chapter has discussed different uses and implementations of Cloud Computing in Business domain. It includes different advantages that can be availed by an organisation that uses cloud computing. The different challenges that are faced by the users while using this technology along with major security concerns have also been included. Moreover, the precautions that are to be taken by an organisation or user at every level in order to keep the data and information secure have been talked about in this part of the study. This has included some figures in order to describe the deployment of cloud computing for making business better and convenient for both supplier and user. Conceptual Framework Figure 1: Conceptual Framework (Source: Created by researcher) Definition and Origin of Cloud Computing In a laymans term, cloud computing refers to the usage of a network based on remote servers that are hosted over the Internet. This is used for storing the data over the Internet based server instead of some physical hard drives, personal computers or other devices. According to Rittinghouse and Ransome (2016, p.62), apart from just storing the data, the cloud computing allows the user to manage as well as processing of the data over the Internet itself. Cloud computing can also be termed as a central management or virtually management of software defined pools as well as data center resources. The foundation stone of Cloud Computing was laid in the late 1990s when a minor group of technical experts and executives from and organisation named Compaq Computers plotted the idea for Cloud Computing (Coronel and Morris, 2016, p.129). They believed it to be the future of Internet based business and other operations and transactions. Initially, the technology of using cloud based computing was available only for storing data. However, with the daily advancements being made in the sector of computing and software domain, the usage of cloud computing started for apps, data management, online security and data processing. As stated by Hameed et al. (2016, p.762), the concept of cloud computing started to be adopted by many leading software organizations in the Silicon Valley and soon the companies like IBM, Oracle and even Amazon started to deliver their services related to Cloud Computing. In the modern world, almost every leading company from all various domains and segments are taking the help of cloud computing to operate their business. As per de Bruin and Floridi (2017, p.30), there are many advantages that can be enjoyed by companies that avail the services of Cloud Computing. The major one in the retention of data that is provided by cloud computing. This means that the data is never lost in cloud computing unlike other hardware storage options. Cloud Computing Service and Deployment Models There are three service models of cloud computing. The usage of these service models depend upon the types of operations that are carried out by a user or company. Software as a Service: In this particular service also known as the SaaS, the applications can be access from different devices used by various clients with the help of either a program interface or a web browser, which is also a thin client interface. The underlying cloud infrastructure like storage, servers, networks and operating systems are not controlled or managed by the consumer. However, some limited configuration settings can be done as per the user specific constraints (Tassabehji and Hackney, 2016, p.49). Platform as a Service: This is the capability that is provided to any user to utilise the acquired or consumer created applications onto a cloud infrastructure. Quite similar to the SaaS, this service also known as PaaS, does not lets the cloud computing user to control or manage the network servers, storage facilities and operating systems. The user however can control the configurations settings of deployed applications in case of application hosting environment (Senyo et al. 2016, p.519). Infrastructure as a Service: In the IaaS service of cloud computing, the consumer is able to run as well as deploy arbitrary software. The consumer or user of the services has command to process the storages and networks as well as some resources of fundamental computing. Despite the fact that the users are not able to control or manage the underlying infrastructure of clouds, they can control operating systems and deployed applications along with the host firewall (Sookhak et al. 2017, p.283). Figure 2: Service Models of Cloud (Source: Sookhak et al. 2017, p.285) Very similar to the Cloud Computing Services, there are certain Deployment Models that represent the different variables like environment of cloud, access types, sizes and ownerships. There are four different types of Cloud deployment models depending on their sizes and ownership types. Private Cloud: The Private Cloud infrastructure is usually provided for the use of a single firm that consists of numerous units like Business Units. This cloud computing deployment model can be controlled by a company, third party or even in a combined form. As mentioned by Umair et al. (2016, p.110), private Cloud can exist on and even off premises. Community Cloud: The Community deployment model is used by a particular community of users that belong to different companies with similar challenges and concerns. The concerns can be policies, security requirements and compliance considerations. Stergiou and Psannis (2017, p.520) has stated that this cloud can be administered by a single or multiple companies or even a third party. Public Cloud: The Public Cloud computing deployment model is open for use for general population. Cao et al. (2017, p.56) has opined that the administrative functions of Public Cloud can be managed and controlled by a public business firm or even an academic organisation. This model exists on the cloud providers premises. Hybrid Cloud: The hybrid model of a cloud is usually a combination of any two or more different infrastructures of cloud. According to Scholtz and Atukwase (2016, p.81), the different infrastructures remain as unique entities that are bound together with the usage of proprietary or standardized technology which enables the portability of application and data. Figure 2: Cloud Deployment Models (Source: Scholtz and Atukwase 2016, p.82) Critical Analysis of Strengths and Advantages of Cloud computing in current Business era Due to the increase in data storage needs and requirements, it can be stated that Cloud computing has become an integral part of almost every modern day business. According to Soomro et al. (2016, p.222), cloud computing is being used nowadays from storing of data information to communicating between different stakeholders that are a part of a business. In addition, many other operations like generations of new services as well as products are also developed for the betterment of business so that the profit margins for businessmen can be enhanced along with satisfaction among the customers. Wang et al. (2016, p.376) has stated that proper management of Big Data is nowadays done by the methods of cloud computing. This is because the technology of cloud computing provides many features and options that are very user friendly in terms of database management as well as speed of operations. Following are the three most important areas that can be worked upon via cloud computing to make th e business more convenient and user friendly. Reduction in management of Hard Drives and Data Centers: This feature of Cloud Computing can be stated in terms of ease of doing business from the services supplier point of view. The repair and maintenance of hard drives and locally based servers are very high as the labor costs involved in it are quite expensive. As per Milani and Navimipour (2016, p.89), the cost of server maintenance has increased almost 4 times than what was in 1996. The main reason for this huge escalation in price has been deduced as increased complications in server based technology. Moreover, the reductions in sizes of servers are also considered as a major reason for the escalation in maintenance cost. Deployment of cloud based servers enables the software giant companies like Google, Microsoft, IBM, Facebook and many others to store the data and information without spending too much on the storage and maintenance of their data. Moreover, the space which is needed to keep the server platforms are also reduc ed (Tutorialspoint.com, 2017). This ultimately results into reduction in costs that are involved in storing, maintenance and repair of business data. Efficient handling of Exponential Growth of Data Volumes: In the modern business domain, the daily operations result into the tremendous increase in amount of data that is stored while carrying out data operations. Using of conventional data storage devices causes data redundancy. In addition, Loai et al. (2016, p.6174) has mentioned that there are certain drawbacks regarding usage of hard drives and data server as there is a high risk of data redundancy. In case of cloud computing, there are usually a number of loops that can be implemented to prevent data redundancy. Moreover, this platform provides multiple ways of classification and categorizing of data that is very helpful for putting the useless data inside the trash automatically. In addition, Arpaci (2016, p.155 ) has stated that disk defragmentation no longer needs to be done as the space is automatically arranged and similar types of files are stored in a similar manner. More productive Application Developers: The cloud computing technology helps the developers to develop and deploy the applications in a better and a comparatively faster manner. As per Rittinghouse and Ransome (2016, p.157), the cloud applications that are deployed by developers can also be updated very easily. The prime gainers of this technology have been the mobile users. Applications from every language and domain can be instantly deployed after being developed. With the change in requirements of the users and application, it becomes sometimes very necessary to make some amendments and introduce some updates. This can instantly by sending the notifications regarding the new updates. Arpaci (2016, p.151) has further included to this by adding that the new notifications and features can be installed in the already existing versions application just by updating it. Security concerns and other disadvantages of Cloud Computing along with privacy techniques There are certain things and parameters that a user or an organisation needs to be very careful about using cloud computing. Numerous forms of external attacks and hijackings can be done in case of online servers. Hence, it is very important to keep the operations secure. Following are some of the challenges that can be faced by users while using cloud computing. Hacking of online servers: According to Al-Shargabi and Sabri (2016, p.32), any computer that is connected to internet is prone to online hacking by external threats and security hackers. Hence, it is necessary for the users to have adequate knowledge regarding the possible methods that can be used by hackers to attack the cloud computing servers of any organisation. Distributed Denial of server attacks: This type of attacks can be considered as the most common way of thrashing a server. As mentioned by Milani and Navimipour (2016, p.97), the most vulnerable sites or servers are the online shopping websites that can come under the attack of false bots via DDoS. Chances of Virus and Malware attacks: Every online connected device can potentially get under the attack of virus and malwares that can potentially infect the files and other stored data. As opined by Sookhak et al. (2017, p.280), the malwares and other harmful virus can damage the system including compromising with data security and slow down of systems. Citing the recommendations to renovate cloud infrastructure for business development In order to make proper and gainful use of Cloud Computing technology for business and other purposes, it is very important that the service provider companies as well as the users put in their responsible efforts. The service providers need to ensure that the cloud based platforms are made as convenient for the users. On the other hand, the users must be careful about sharing their server passwords with external users and potential attackers. Moreover, any type of unknown or suspicious notification should not be clicked by a user. The security of servers from external attackers and false bots should be taken care of with the help of specialized companies. The users should also keep their system protection updated and keep the antivirus settings as per the requirements of their systems and servers. Literature Gap The above study does not include the technical details of cloud computing and different variables associated to it. The programming variables and coding languages associated to cloud computing have not been primarily focused on. These components can be very helpful for the students and researchers that are into core computing domain. Moreover, the operations of cloud computing can be understood in a better manner by going through technical details. Conclusion After completing the above study related to cloud computing and its significance in business domain, it can be said that using cloud based server has many advantages over using offline data storage methods. It needs to be noted that the users need to be careful about the process and techniques. However, from the overall perspective, cloud computing is far better than another ways. Entire study will assist in developing a proper idea regarding cloud computing. Advancement in technology has occurred very fast and cloud computing is an example of such technology. Implications of cloud can be considered as a boon for every business house thereby, ensuring proper process of executing business in modern times. Reference List Al-Shargabi, B. and Sabri, O., (2016). A study of Adopting Cloud Computing from Enterprise Perspective using Delone and Mclean IS Success Model.International Journal of Computer Science and Information Security,14, p.32. Arpaci, I., (2016). Understanding and predicting students' intention to use mobile cloud storage services.Computers in Human Behavior,58, pp.150-157. Cao, Q., Schniederjans, D.G. and Schniederjans, M., (2017). Establishing the use of cloud computing in supply chain management.Operations Management Research,10(1-2), pp.47-63. 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