Recent Trend in Computing

1. Grid Computing:
Grid computing is a processor architecture that combines computer resources from various domains to
reach a main objective. In grid computing, the computers on the network can work on a task together,
thus functioning as a supercomputer.
Typically, a grid works on various tasks within a network, but it is also capable of working on specialized
applications. It is designed to solve problems that are too big for a supercomputer while maintaining the
flexibility to process numerous smaller problems. Computing grids deliver a multiuser infrastructure that
accommodates the discontinuous demands of large information processing.
Grid computing is standardized by the Global Grid Forum and applied by the Globus Alliance using the
Globus Toolkit, the de facto standard for grid middleware that includes various application components.
Grid architecture applies Global Grid Forum-defined protocol that includes the following:
1. Grid security infrastructure
2. Monitoring and discovery service
3. Grid resource allocation and management protocol
4. Global access to secondary storage and GridFTP
2. Cluster Computing
Cluster is a term meaning independent computers combined into a unified system through software and
networking. Clusters are typically used for High Availability for greater reliability or High Performance
Computing to provide greater computational power than a single computer can provide.
Cluster is a widely used term meaning independent computers combined into a unified system through
software and networking. At the most fundamental level, when two or more computers are used together
to solve a problem, it is considered a cluster. Clusters are typically used for High Availability (HA) for
greater reliability or High Performance Computing (HPC) to provide greater computational power than a
single computer can provide.
As high-performance computing (HPC) clusters grow in size, they become increasingly complex and
time-consuming to manage. Tasks such as deployment, maintenance, and monitoring of these clusters can
be effectively managed using an automated cluster computing solution.
Cluster Computing vs. Grid Computing
Cluster Computing Characteristics
1. Tightly coupled computers.
2. Single system image.
3. Centralized job management and scheduling system.
4. Cluster computing is used for high performance computing and high availability computing.

Grid Computing Characteristics

1. Loosely coupled.
 2. Distributed JM & scheduling.
3. No SSI.

Grid computing is the superset of distributive computing. It's both used for high throughput computing as
well as high performance computing depending on the underlying installation setup.
Concurrent with this evolution, more capable instrumentation, more powerful processors, and higher
fidelity computer models serve to continually increase the data throughput required of these clusters. This
trend applies pressure to the storage systems used to support these I/O-hungry applications, and has
prompted a wave of new storage solutions based on the same scale-out approach as cluster computing.
3. Distributed computing
Distributed computing is a model in which components of a software system are shared among multiple
computers to improve efficiency and performance.
Distributed computing is a computing concept that, in its most general sense, refers to multiple computer
systems working on a single problem. In distributed computing, a single problem is divided into many
parts, and each part is solved by different computers. As long as the computers are networked, they can
communicate with each other to solve the problem. If done properly, the computers perform like a single
entity.
The ultimate goal of distributed computing is to maximize performance by connecting users and IT
resources in a cost-effective, transparent and reliable manner. It also ensures fault tolerance and enables
resource accessibility in the event that one of the components fails.
4. Utility computing
Utility computing is a service provisioning model in which a service provider makes computing resources
and infrastructure management available to the customer as needed, and charges them for specific usage
rather than a flat rate. Like other types of on-demand computing (such as grid computing), the utility
model seeks to maximize the efficient use of resources and/or minimize associated costs.

The word utility is used to make an analogy to other services, such as electrical power, that seek to meet
fluctuating customer needs, and charge for the resources based on usage rather than on a flat-rate basis.
This approach, sometimes known as pay-per-use or metered services is becoming increasingly common
in enterprise computing and is sometimes used for the consumer market as well, for Internet service, Web
site access, file sharing, and other applications.
5. Cloud Computing
Cloud computing is a general term for the delivery of hosted services over the internet.
Cloud computing enables companies to consume a compute resource, such as a virtual machine (VM),
storage or an application, as a utility -- just like electricity -- rather than having to build and maintain
computing infrastructures in house.
Cloud computing characteristics and benefits
Cloud computing boasts several attractive benefits for businesses and end users. Five of the main benefits
of cloud computing are:
Self-service provisioning: End users can spin up compute resources for almost any type of workload on
demand. This eliminates the traditional need for IT administrators to provision and manage compute
resources.
Elasticity: Companies can scale up as computing needs increase and scale down again as demands
decrease. This eliminates the need for massive investments in local infrastructure, which may or may not
remain active.
Pay per use: Compute resources are measured at a granular level, enabling users to pay only for the
resources and workloads they use.
Workload resilience: Cloud service providers often implement redundant resources to ensure resilient
storage and to keep users' important workloads running -- often across multiple global regions.
Migration flexibility: Organizations can move certain workloads to or from the cloud -- or to different
cloud platforms -- as desired or automatically for better cost savings or to use new services as they
emerge.

NIST Definition of Cloud Computing-

A good starting point for a definition of cloud computing is the definition issued by the U.S. National
Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) September, 2011. It starts with:
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. (The NIST Definition of Cloud Computing, SP800-145.pdf)
History of Cloud Computing
Before emerging the cloud computing, there was Client/Server computing which is basically a centralized
storage in which all the software applications, all the data and all the controls are resided on the server
side.
If a single user wants to access specific data or run a program, he/she need to connect to the server and
then gain appropriate access, and then he/she can do his/her business.
Then after, distributed computing came into picture, where all the computers are networked together and
share their resources when needed.
On the basis of above computing, there was emerged of cloud computing concepts that later implemented.
At around in 1961, John MacCharty suggested in a speech at MIT that computing can be sold like a
utility, just like a water or electricity. It was a brilliant idea, but like all brilliant ideas, it was ahead if its
time, as for the next few decades, despite interest in the model, the technology simply was not ready for
it.
But of course time has passed and the technology caught that idea and after few years we mentioned that:
In 1999, Salesforce.com started delivering of applications to users using a simple website. The
applications were delivered to enterprises over the Internet, and this way the dream of computing sold as
utility were true.
In 2002, Amazon started Amazon Web Services, providing services like storage, computation and even
human intelligence. However, only starting with the launch of the Elastic Compute Cloud in 2006 a truly
commercial service open to everybody existed.
In 2009, Google Apps also started to provide cloud computing enterprise applications.
Of course, all the big players are present in the cloud computing evolution, some were earlier, some were
later. In 2009, Microsoft launched Windows Azure, and companies like Oracle and HP have all joined the
game. This proves that today, cloud computing has become mainstream.
Advantages of Cloud Computing
There are various advantages of cloud computing technology. The important advantages of cloud
computing are given below.
1) Lower cost computer for users
In cloud, you don't require a high-powered (and accordingly high-priced) computer to run cloud
computing's web based applications because applications run on cloud not on desktop PC or laptop.
2) Lower IT infrastructure cost
By using cloud computing, you need not to invest in larger numbers of more powerful servers, you also
need not to require the IT staff for handling such powerful servers.
3) Fewer maintenance cost
The maintenance cost in cloud computing greatly reduces both hardware and software maintenance for
organizations of all sizes.
4) Lower Software Cost
It reduces the software cost because you don't need to purchase separate software packages for each
computer in the organization.
5) Instant software updates
Another software-related advantage in cloud computing is that users don't need to face with the choice
between obsolete software and high upgrade costs. If the app is web-based, updates happen automatically
and are available next time when the user logs in to the cloud.
6) Increased computing Power
The execution capacity of cloud servers are very high. It processes the application very fast.
7) Unlimited storage capacity
Cloud offers you a huge amount of storage capacity like 2000 GB or more than that if required.

Disadvantages of Cloud Computing

There are various disadvantages of cloud computing technology. The important disadvantages of cloud
computing are given below.
1) Require a constant Internet Connection
Cloud computing is impossible without Internet connection. To access any applications and documents
you need a constant Internet connection.
2) Require High Speed Internet connection
Similarly, a low-speed Internet connection makes cloud computing painful at best and often impossible.
Web based apps often require a lot of bandwidth to download, as need to download large documents.
3) Stored Data Might Not Be Secure
With cloud computing, all your data is stored in the cloud. That's all well and good, but how secure is the
cloud? Can't unauthorized users gain access to your confidential data?
Cloud computing vs Cluster computing vs Grid Computing
Cloud computing Cluster computing Grid Computing Distributed
Computing

1: Dynamic computing 1:Tightlycoupled 1: Loosely Is to solve a single

infrastructure systems coupled(Decentralization) large problem by
2: IT servicecentric 2: Single system image 2: Diversity and breaking it down into
approach 3: Centralized Job Dynamism several tasks where
3: Self service based management & 3: Distributed Job each task is computed
usage model scheduling system Management& in the individual
4: Minimally or self scheduling computers of the
managed platform distributed system.
 Unit-2
Cloud computing stack Comparison with traditional computing architecture (client/server)
client/server Cloud computing
In 'traditional' client-server architecture you had On the other hand in cloud stress have been put on
statically assigned resources (or at least it is abstraction of lower levels and denote how the
presented as such - I don't have experience from 'server' is constructed. On the For example you
pre-cloud period so please correct me if I'm wrong have:
and depend on false marketing). The database
server was called db.yourcompany.com and your HAAS (Hardware As A Service) - client
webserver communicated with it. If you wanted to (company) gets a hosted computer on which they
increase resources you might add another dedicated can install any OS they want. The difference is that
webserver and provide load-balancing etc. they don't 'really' get a computer but a virtual
machine in a farm. Because it is virtualized they
don't need to care about lower level details like
amount of computational power, pay the bills
regardless if machine is used, how it is connected
etc.

PAAS (Platform As A Service) - a level highier -

you write an aplication which somehow somewhere
runs. As API is general enough the cloud providers
may allocate resources on demand so if your
application got slashdotted you will pay for more
resources rather then suffer from non-malicious
DDOS.

SAAS (Software As A Service) - yet another level

highier - you don't write an application - you use
one. You don't care how it is implemented or what
resources it uses. It is available everywhere and at
any time.

How Cloud Computing Works

Let's say you're an executive at a large corporation. Your particular responsibilities include making sure
that all of your employees have the right hardware and software they need to do their jobs. Buying
computers for everyone isn't enough -- you also have to purchase software or software licenses to give
employees the tools they require. Whenever you have a new hire, you have to buy more software or make
sure your current software license allows another user. It's so stressful that you find it difficult to go to
sleep on your huge pile of money every night.

Soon, there may be an alternative for executives like you. Instead of installing a suite of software for each
computer, you'd only have to load one application. That application would allow workers to log into a
Web-based service which hosts all the programs the user would need for his or her job. Remote machines
owned by another company would run everything from e-mail to word processing to complex data
analysis programs. It's called cloud computing, and it could change the entire computer industry.

The Role of Cloud Computing in Network Services

As the Internet brings the world together, network services are attempting to ensure the maintenance of
safety and efficiency. For businesses big and small, telecommunications is changing the way they interact
with customers and clients as they attempt to gain every advantage possible. In order to take advantage of
today’s cutting-edge advances, many are turning to cloud computing to help protect files, provide security
and ensure business proceeds as smoothly as possible.
Server Security
One of the most pressing needs of today’s businesses is cyber-security. With hackers always at the ready
to disrupt daily business and steal vital information, network service professionals are taking a closer look
at cloud computing. One of the most effective ways to increase the security of your files is through co-
location. By using a remote data center, it’s now possible to keep servers off-site while having the support
of a company that can help answer any questions that may arise. We here at Carrier Sales are very
experienced with co-location, and understand the process of mapping a data center can be complex.
Finding the right place to keep your data safe is just one of the services we at Carrier Sales can provide.
Speaking with a telecom consultant today is the first step toward greater efficiency and security.
Cloud Computing and Co-Location
The role cloud computing plays in network services is one of not only security guard but also teacher and
manager. By using co-locating for your servers, all of your employees have much greater flexibility in
accessing key information whenever they need it. Since main files are now stored on a remote server, they
can be accessed through a username and password or with client-side software. In doing so, this
eliminates the need to transfer hard copies here and there, increasing employee productivity. Rather than
having to wait until employees return to the office, information such as sales figures or reports can easily
be accessed while waiting in line at an airport or working from home.

Advantages of Network Services

When you decide to partner with Carrier Sales, your priorities become our own. We listen to your needs,
making sure you get exactly the services you need at prices you can afford.
Some of the most important services we provide include:
1. Tiered connections
2. Higher internet speed
3. Increased bandwidth

Infrastructure-as-a-Service provides access to fundamental resources such as physical machines, virtual

machines, virtual storage, etc. Apart from these resources, the IaaS also offers:
 Virtual machine disk storage
 Virtual local area network (VLANs)
 Load balancers
 IP addresses
 Software bundles
All of the above resources are made available to end user via server virtualization. Moreover, these
resources are accessed by the customers as if they own them.
Benefits
IaaS allows the cloud provider to freely locate the infrastructure over the Internet in a cost-effective
manner. Some of the key benefits of IaaS are listed below:
 Full control of the computing resources through administrative access to VMs.
 Flexible and efficient renting of computer hardware.
 Portability, interoperability with legacy applications.
Full control over computing resources through administrative access to VMs
IaaS allows the customer to access computing resources through administrative access to virtual
machines in the following manner:
 Customer issues administrative command to cloud provider to run the virtual machine or to save
data on cloud server.
 Customer issues administrative command to virtual machines they owned to start web server or to
install new applications.

Platform as a Service(PaaS)

Platform-as-a-Service offers the runtime environment for applications. It also offers development and
deployment tools required to develop applications. PaaS has a feature of point-and-click tools that
enables non-developers to create web applications.
App Engine of Google and Force.com are examples of PaaS offering vendors. Developer may log on to
these websites and use the built-in API to create web-based applications.
But the disadvantage of using PaaS is that, the developer locks-in with a particular vendor. For example,
an application written in Python against API of Google, and using App Engine of Google is likely to work
only in that environment.
The following diagram shows how PaaS offers an API and development tools to the developers and how
it helps the end user to access business applications.
Benefits
Following are the benefits of PaaS model:
Lower administrative overhead
Customer need not bother about the administration because it is the responsibility of cloud provider.
Lower total cost of ownership
Customer need not purchase expensive hardware, servers, power, and data storage.
Scalable solutions
It is very easy to scale the resources up or down automatically, based on their demand.
More current system software
It is the responsibility of the cloud provider to maintain software versions and patch installations.

Software as a Service(SaaS)

Software-as–a-Service (SaaS) model allows to provide software application as a service to the end users.
It refers to a software that is deployed on a host service and is accessible via Internet. There are several
SaaS applications listed below:
 Billing and invoicing system
 Customer Relationship Management (CRM) applications
 Help desk applications
 Human Resource (HR) solutions
Some of the SaaS applications are not customizable such as Microsoft Office Suite. But SaaS provides
us Application Programming Interface (API), which allows the developer to develop a customized
application.
Characteristics
Here are the characteristics of SaaS service model:
 SaaS makes the software available over the Internet.
 The software applications are maintained by the vendor.
 The license to the software may be subscription based or usage based. And it is billed on
recurring basis.
 SaaS applications are cost-effective since they do not require any maintenance at end user side.
 They are available on demand.
 They can be scaled up or down on demand.
 They are automatically upgraded and updated.
 SaaS offers shared data model. Therefore, multiple users can share single instance of
infrastructure. It is not required to hard code the functionality for individual users.
 All users run the same version of the software.
Benefits
Using SaaS has proved to be beneficial in terms of scalability, efficiency and performance. Some of the
benefits are listed below:
 Modest software tools
 Efficient use of software licenses
 Centralized management and data
 Platform responsibilities managed by provider
 Multitenant solutions

Cloud Deployment Models

Public Cloud

Public Cloud allows systems and services to be easily accessible to general public. The IT giants such as
Google, Amazon and Microsoft offer cloud services via Internet. The Public Cloud Model is shown in
the diagram below.

Benefits
There are many benefits of deploying cloud as public cloud model. The following diagram shows some of
those benefits:
Cost Effective
Since public cloud shares same resources with large number of customers it turns out inexpensive.
Reliability
The public cloud employs large number of resources from different locations. If any of the resources
fails, public cloud can employ another one.
Flexibility
The public cloud can smoothly integrate with private cloud, which gives customers a flexible approach.
Location Independence
Public cloud services are delivered through Internet, ensuring location independence.
Utility Style Costing
Public cloud is also based on pay-per-use model and resources are accessible whenever customer needs
them.
High Scalability
Cloud resources are made available on demand from a pool of resources, i.e., they can be scaled up or
down according the requirement.
Disadvantages
Here are some disadvantages of public cloud model:
Low Security
In public cloud model, data is hosted off-site and resources are shared publicly, therefore does not ensure
higher level of security.
Less Customizable
It is comparatively less customizable than private cloud.

Private Cloud

Private Cloud allows systems and services to be accessible within an organization. The Private Cloud is
operated only within a single organization. However, it may be managed internally by the organization
itself or by third-party. The private cloud model is shown in the diagram below.

Benefits
There are many benefits of deploying cloud as private cloud model. The following diagram shows some
of those benefits:
High Security and Privacy
Private cloud operations are not available to general public and resources are shared from distinct pool of
resources. Therefore, it ensures high security and privacy.
More Control
The private cloud has more control on its resources and hardware than public cloud because it is
accessed only within an organization.
Cost and Energy Efficiency
The private cloud resources are not as cost effective as resources in public clouds but they offer more
efficiency than public cloud resources.
Disadvantages
Here are the disadvantages of using private cloud model:
Restricted Area of Operation
The private cloud is only accessible locally and is very difficult to deploy globally.
High Priced
Purchasing new hardware in order to fulfill the demand is a costly transaction.
Limited Scalability
The private cloud can be scaled only within capacity of internal hosted resources.
Additional Skills
In order to maintain cloud deployment, organization requires skilled expertise.

Hybrid Cloud

Hybrid Cloud is a mixture of public and private cloud. Non-critical activities are performed using
public cloud while the critical activities are performed using private cloud. The Hybrid Cloud Model is
shown in the diagram below.

Benefits
There are many benefits of deploying cloud as hybrid cloud model. The following diagram shows some
of those benefits:
Scalability
It offers features of both, the public cloud scalability and the private cloud scalability.
Flexibility
It offers secure resources and scalable public resources.
Cost Efficiency
Public clouds are more cost effective than private ones. Therefore, hybrid clouds can be cost saving.
Security
The private cloud in hybrid cloud ensures higher degree of security.
Disadvantages
Networking Issues
Networking becomes complex due to presence of private and public cloud.
Security Compliance
It is necessary to ensure that cloud services are compliant with security policies of the organization.
Infrastructure Dependency
The hybrid cloud model is dependent on internal IT infrastructure, therefore it is necessary to ensure
redundancy across data centers.
Community Cloud

Community Cloud allows system and services to be accessible by group of organizations. It shares the
infrastructure between several organizations from a specific community. It may be managed internally by
organizations or by the third-party. The Community Cloud Model is shown in the diagram below.

Benefits
There are many benefits of deploying cloud as community cloud model.
Cost Effective
Community cloud offers same advantages as that of private cloud at low cost.
Sharing Among Organizations
Community cloud provides an infrastructure to share cloud resources and capabilities among several
organizations.
Security
The community cloud is comparatively more secure than the public cloud but less secured than the
private cloud.
Issues
 Since all data is located at one place, one must be careful in storing data in community cloud
because it might be accessible to others.
 It is also challenging to allocate responsibilities of governance, security and cost among
organizations.