Cloud computing demystified (redux)

Cloud computing continues to be a hot IT topic. In fact, Gartner chose cloud computing as the top strategic technology for 2010 (press release). But, understanding how cloud computing impacts traditional information technology is still challenging and confusing.

My original 2008 article defined cloud computing at a high level and outlined the risks and benefits of this technology model. In the article, cloud computing is defined as "servers and storage (computing) operated by an external provider in an off-premises data
center that you access over the Internet (cloud)."

As the definition suggests, cloud computing can reduce data center infrastructure requirements. Since cloud computing services are typically accessed with a web browser instead of dedicated programs, it can eliminate some of the software installed on the client (desktop, notebook, etc.). This means fewer client software updates to manage and fewer potential points of failure—a big benefit.

Businesses have been slow to adopt the cloud computing model. This is mostly due to the risks associated with cloud computing such as information security, accessibility, business continuity, and the impact on traditional IT support methods.

The cloud computing definition has expanded to include private clouds defined as cloud services operated internally by a business and delivered over their private network. Private cloud computing addresses information security concerns while affording some of the advantages of cloud computing.

A big challenge facing public cloud computing adopters is how it affects internal IT departments. Traditionally, IT concentrated their support on internal data center and network infrastructure. Although businesses still need reliable internal networks to deliver IT services to their users, public cloud computing places more emphasis on reliable, fault-tolerant Internet connections with sufficient bandwidth.

Moving IT services to a public cloud might require businesses to rethink their disaster recovery and business continuity strategy. In case of an Internet outage, having offline capability and ready access to a backup of the information stored on the service provider's systems is crucial.

There are many challenges facing IT in the next decade. Cloud computing will be just one of these challenges. Having a foundational understanding of cloud computing technology, its benefits and risks, is a big first step towards a successful transition to cloud computing.

For more information, see cloud computing on Wikipedia and HowStuffWorks.

By Harry Hiles, HBH Technology LLC — 30 Nov 2009

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