Cloud computing

A cloud is simply a centralized technology platform which provides specific IT services to a selected range
of users, offering the ability to log in from anywhere, ideally from any device and over any connection,
including the Internet.
Intercept IT believes that a true cloud computing service is one which removes the traditional barriers
which exist between software applications, data, and devices. In other words, it is the nirvana of
computing from a user’s perspective, no need to worry about location, device, or type of connection, all
the data and the software applications required by the user are fully available and the experience remains
consistent. The highest standards of data protection must be a given, whereby users do not have to think
about protecting the integrity of the data they use and store.

Characteristics of Cloud Computing as per NIST

1. On-demand capabilities:
A business will secure cloud-hosting services through a cloud host provider which could be your usual
software vendor. You have access to your services and you have the power to change cloud services
through an online control panel or directly with the provider.
2. Broadnetwork access:
Your team can access business management solutions using their smart phones, tablets, laptops,
and office computers. They can use these devices wherever they are located with a simple online access
point.
3. Resource pooling:
The cloud enables your employees to enter and use data within the business management software hosted
in the cloud at the same time, from any location, and at any time.
4. Rapid elasticity:
If anything, the cloud is flexible and scalable to suit your immediate business needs. You can quickly and
easily add or remove users, software features, and other resources.

5. Measured service:
Going back to the affordable nature of the cloud, you only pay for what you use. You and your cloud
provider can measure storage levels, processing, bandwidth, and the number of user accounts and you are
billed appropriately.

Cloud Computing Reference Model

•The NIST Cloud Computing Reference Architecture consists of five major actors. Each actor plays a role
and performs a set of activities and functions. The reference architecture is presented as successive
diagrams in increasing level of detail.

•Among the five actors, cloud brokers are optional, as cloud consumers may obtain service directly from a
cloud provider.

1. Cloud Consumer:
Person or organization that maintains a business relationship with, and uses service from, Cloud Providers.

2. Cloud Provider:

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A person, organization or entity responsible for making a service available to Cloud Consumers.

3. Cloud Auditor:
A party that can conduct an independent assessment of cloud services, information system operations,
performance and security of the cloud implementation.

4. Cloud Broker:
An entity manages the use, performance, and delivery of cloud services, and negotiates relationships
between Cloud Providers and Cloud Consumers.

5. Cloud Carrier:
The intermediary that provides connectivity and transport of cloud services from Cloud Providers to Cloud
Consumers.

Cloud computing service & deployment models

According to National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), 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.

Software as a Service (SaaS). The capability provided to the consumer is to use the provider’s applications
running on a cloud infrastructure. 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.

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 provider.
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 can 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
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deployed applications; and possibly limited control of select networking components (e.g.,
host firewalls).

Deployment Model: -

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 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).

Advantages of Cloud Computing

1. Usability: All cloud storage services reviewed in this topic have desktop folders for Mac’s
and PCs. This allows users to drag and drop files between the cloud storage and their local
storage.
2. Bandwidth: You can avoid emailing files to individuals and instead send a web link to
recipients through your email.
3. Accessibility: Stored files can be accessed from anywhere via an Internet connection.
4. Disaster Recovery: It is highly recommended that businesses have an emergency backup
plan ready in the case of an emergency. Cloud storage can be used as a backup plan by
businesses by providing a second copy of important files. These files are stored at a remote
location and can be accessed through an internet connection.
5. Cost Savings: Businesses and organizations can often reduce annual operating costs by
using cloud storage; cloud storage costs about 3 cents per gigabyte to store data internally.
Users can see additional cost savings because it does not require internal power to store
information remotely.
Disadvantages of Cloud Computing

1. Usability: Be careful when using drag/drop to move a document into the cloud storage
folder. This will permanently move your document from its original folder to the cloud
storage location.
2. Bandwidth: Several cloud storage services have a specific bandwidth allowance. If an
organization surpasses the given allowance, the additional charges could be significant.
However, some providers allow unlimited bandwidth. This is a factor that companies should
consider when looking at a cloud storage provider.
3. Accessibility: If you have no internet connection, you have no access to your data.
4. Data Security: There are concerns about the safety and privacy of important data stored
remotely. The possibility of private data commingling with other organizations makes some
businesses uneasy.
5. Software: If you want to be able to manipulate your files locally through multiple devices,
you’ll need to
download the service on all devices.