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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Google opens up Chrome OS

Google forged ahead with its nascent PC operating system, Chrome OS, by releasing it as open source on November 19th. Officially known as the Chromium OS project, Google is looking to engage developers and the open source community before the OS is made available to consumers next year.

The open source project is a follow-up to Google's original Chrome OS announcement in July. Google describes Chrome OS as a natural extension to their Chrome Browser, and provides a fast, simple, secure computing experience for web services.

Although a year away from practical use, Chrome OS is already causing some controversy. If you haven't heard much about Google's efforts to re-think the PC operating system, you might be wondering what all the fuss is about.

From Google's perspective, people use their web browsers 90% of the time when on their computers. While this might be true for some, a lot of people still use traditional PC software for word processing, spreadsheets, email, calendaring, and especially business apps.

Google wants to change all that.

Their solution is to run all programs as web apps run over the Internet instead of installing apps on the PC. In fact, it appears Chrome OS will only run web apps. And this might be the biggest issue facing Chrome OS adoption.

Google believes that a computer that runs only web apps is a worthy trade-off for a fast, secure user experience. They might be right, but a lot has to happen before a Chrome OS computer can be viable product.

What will a Chrome OS computer look like?

Initially, Chrome OS will be targeted for smaller netbook devices, and eventually on larger notebooks and desk top devices. Chrome OS computers will have a hardened, predetermined architecture (think MacBook) with sold state storage instead of the spinning disk hard drives used by traditional PCs.

Chrome OS is essentially a browser built on top of Linux. Apps will run in separate tabs just like the Chrome browser. Chrome OS will have a fast boot time of only a few seconds instead of the several minutes.

Security is a primary goal of Chrome OS, which Google says will be built-in from the ground up. Data will be automatically encrypted to prevent unauthorized access. Other features like auto-update—quick incremental OS updates that are automatically downloaded and installed—will keep the OS secure.

We're a least a year away from a finished Chrome OS product. It should be interesting to see how Google will make their vision of future computing come to life.

For more information, visit Chromium OS and watch these videos on What is Google Chrome OS?, Chromium OS Security, and Chromium OS Fast Boot.

By Harry Hiles, HBH Technology LLC — 23 Nov 2009

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USB 3.0 kicks it up a notch

Most everyone has used or knows about USB or universal serial bus. It's how we connect PCs to printers, external drives, web cams, smartphones and MP3 players. Well, the USB specification is being kicked up a notch with the introduction of USB 3.0.

The new USB 3.0, also called SuperSpeed USB, is ten times faster than the current Hi-Speed USB 2.0 and offers data transfer speeds up to 5 Gbps. USB 3.0 is also backwards compatible with USB 2.0, which means legacy USB 2.0 devices will work with USB 3.0 adapters and vice versa.

USB 3.0 also uses power more efficiently than its 2.0 predecessor. It provides additional power when needed, and with its sleep mode, reduces power requirements when idle. Power consumption is further reduced by eliminating the USB 2.0 device polling function that constantly checks to see if devices were attached and doing something.

Developed by the USB Promoter Group (HP, Intel, Microsoft, NEC, Texas Instruments and others), the USB 3.0 specification was released late last year by the USB Implementers Forum. On September 21, 2009, NEC announced the first USB 3.0 product — a host bus adapter for adding USB 3.0 connectivity to existing desktop PCs.

Although most USB 3.0 products won't be available until some time in 2010, a few products are beginning to appear. One example is Super Talent's USB 3.0 RAIDDrive.

Perhaps the most noticeable physical difference between USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 is the cable. USB 3.0 cable ends have the same basic shape and standard contacts of USB 2.0 cables. However, USB 3.0 cables have 5 additional contacts used by USB 3.0 devices. So although USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 cables and devices are interchangeable, USB 3.0 cables are required to support SuperSpeed USB 3.0 speeds. Cable length is still limited to 3 meters (10 feet) though.

SuperSpeed USB 3.0 represents a quantum leap for wired peripheral
connectivity. USB 3.0 will likely replace other PC connectivity protocols such as FireWire (IEEE 1394), due in part to its fast data transfer speeds and support for legacy USB 2.0 devices.

Although USB 3.0 provides blazing fast speeds, it still needs to compete against other connectivity technologies including wireless. We'll just have to wait to see if 2010 will be the year of USB 3.0. For more information, see the USB-IF website and Wikipedia.

By Harry Hiles, HBH Technology LLC — 7 Nov 2009

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