ICT
ENTERING
THE BUSINESS CLOUD
Katie Wood touches on the advantages of real world processes
EDITOR’S NOTE Katie Wood is an Assistant
Lecturer at the University of Malta. Currently working
towards a PhD within Cloud Computing – configuration
and security at Edge Hill University, UK. Katie was
an Associate Tutor CIS at Edge Hill University, IT
Support at PS Plus. Research areas include MPhil/
PhD – Working Title: Configuration and Security in
Cloud Computing, Security, Configuration Challenges
and Development, Distributed Systems, Human
Computing Interaction, Mobile Computing, Embedded
Systems, Computer Network, Distance Learning
Cloud Computing is the latest
development in ‘on demand’
resource sharing for businesses.
Cloud technology can offer key
advantages to many aspects of realworld processes, simply through
an internet connection. Many
businesses are still unsure of what
Cloud Computing can offer to their
business. The first challenge business
faces is in understanding - what is
‘Cloud Computing’? There have been
several definitions for this term, in a
nut shell; it is an approach to build
your own unique IT infrastructure
through sharing resources and data
with others by using a Cloud Service
Provider (CSP) which acts as the
contractor and gateway to a vast
range of applications and platforms.
The aim of Cloud is to quickly release
and upgrade resources to the end user
with minimal management effort or
service provider interaction. Cloud
promotes availability through a range
of different service and deployment
models.
Cloud Computing is still an evolving
paradigm; it is essential that businesses
consider the benefits, problems and
suitability of Cloud before investing.
Increasing awareness of Cloud
capability and concerns will provide
70
businesses with a better understanding
rendering the commitment into
accommodating this form of system.
It is critical to consider the impact of
Cloud on particular business practices
before entering a contract. It is useful
to investigate several CSPs range of
contracts and track record, in order to
select the most suitable option.
The main benefits of using cloud
technologies are:
Cheaper: Businesses no longer need
to invest substantially in purchasing
limited IT resources that need to be
internally managed and maintained.
CSPs offer a range of different
services available through ‘pay as you
use’ contracts. This allows businesses
more flexibility in the type of IT
resources they are able to use and
afford.
“It is an approach to build your
own unique IT infrastructure”
Mobile: Cloud services are designed
to be used from a distance. Cloud
technology has been integrated into
other technologies, such as PDAs.
Upgrading and Saleability: Providers
offer upgrading to the most up to date
software versions/applications as soon
as they are available.
Even with all the benefits that cloud
has to offer, there are challenges in
adopting cloud:
Security: Security concerns are the
main issue. Will your business and
customers’ data be safe? What about
data protection? What will happen if
security threats or breeches occur on
the Cloud?
Legal issues: What level of
responsibility lies with the CSP? What
can one do if the CPS breaches their
side of the contract? The lack of
standardised regulations on privacy
and protection for Cloud systems has
created major problems; users’ data
might be protected in one country but
not in another.
Data Control and Trust: Who
controls your data? The CSP should
state in the contract what they intended
to do with one’s data. - Where will it
be stored? Can third parties get hold
of this data? How much trust are
you willing to place in your CSP? If
users have no control over their data
in the Cloud it is understandable
there are concerns. User confidence
is notoriously hard to earn and very
easy to lose.
Privacy: It is crucial that CSPs ensure
they meet the privacy requirements
of users and legislative requirements.
Reports on privacy failure and loss of
user data have had serious impact on
the creditability of Cloud technology
and the overall expansion of Cloud
services.
Undoubtedly, further research both
within industry and academia will
enhance understanding of the concept
of Cloud and provide opportunities for
researchers, businesses and students to
work together. Through presenting
both sides of the argument to increase
Cloud awareness will allow businesses
to make the right decision.
THE ECONOMIC UPDATE FEBRUARY 11