[myNetWords.com] : Cloud computing

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What does it mean ?

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Cloud computing

Updated : Tuesday 12 October 2010

We all know what it means to “have your head in the clouds”, but the expression “cloud computing” is a lot less familiar. I hadn’t heard of it myself until Misstics suggested I define it, since the concept seemed rather – well, foggy. A quick look on wikipedia was enough to convince me that you need to have your head firmly screwed on – i.e. not in the clouds, to be able to grasp this one.

Cloud computing is a new model for structuring and using computers. According to the traditional model, your computer needs to have enough capacity to be able to store all your data and be powerful enough to process all your operations. Cloud computing outsources that storage and those operations to vast processing centres owned by internet giants like Google, Yahoo, IBM or Microsoft. In practice, it works by distributing electronic data (photos, videos, messages etc.) among a “cloud” of machines (not just one) all of which are connected to each other via the internet. You are using this model without realising it when you download a video clip on YouTube. When you click on the video, a message is sent to the clouds of servers where these videos are stored, and, such is the power and speed of these servers, you can download the clip in a matter of seconds. Apple’s suite of features, MobileMe, is just another example of cloud computing: your data (files, agenda, contacts and so on) can be accessed wherever you are, as they are stored on a “cloud”. All you have to do is connect to the internet and enter a password to “retrieve” them to your computer or iPhone. MobileMe even uses a cloud as its symbol (see above).

Cloud computing as a new model is generating a lot of debate. Many people see “clouds” as the way forward — the model of the future, because of its economic advantages. It enables costs to be shared, as these huge clouds of servers can be used by several companies at the same time. The model is based on high-performance infrastructures with several back-up mechanisms to withstand breakdowns. Others, however, are perturbed by the idea that companies that outsource the storage and processing of their data will lose control of it. Once you have subcontracted your data and back-office functions to an internet giant, it’s not going to be easy for you to change your provider, as you’ll be bound to them hand and foot. What’s more, the model is dependent on the internet, so if the network breaks down, you no longer have access to your data. Your entire computer function risks being brought to a standstill. Nor should it be forgotten that retrieving data from these “clouds” takes some time, and can require patience. Finally, there’s the question of how to keep your data secure: once it’s out there on the internet, there is no guarantee of confidentiality. You just have to trust these clouds of servers to store your data and hope there won’t be any nasty surprises. The safest conclusion is that it might be wiser not to put all your eggs in one basket, or in this case, all your data on one cloud.