Cloud – Xhimbapoku

How can businesses transition to the Cloud Services?

The cloud computing exhibits desirable features that businesses are findings attractive. For example, the providers of the cloud services can quickly deploy the technology, and businesses can benefit by saving on the costs of setting up an IT infrastructure, and by securing their data. While a business may move to the cloud platform in order to accrue the aforementioned benefits, there are various factors that may drive the business’ decision in this case. Examples of such factors include the need to scale up IT operations, and to distribute infrastructure. For a business that may want to transition to the cloud platform, the main concern can be transitioning smoothly without interrupting certain aspects of its operations.

A business seeking to transition may grapple with a wide range of concerns, ranging from employee resistance to the lack of compatibility of the apps. The main problem could be employees lacking knowledge or skills of using the new cloud system. Moving to the new cloud system without training employees can cause a loss of morale among workers. Additionally, an organization that is shifting to using the cloud services may have to make changes to the apps so that that they adapt to the cloud system. Still, come companies may struggle with finding the right cloud service provider because there are multiple companies that offer cloud computing solutions.

Therefore, a business that wants to transition to the cloud platform should adhere to the effective practices. Involving everyone when transitioning into the cloud is one way in which an organization can beat the resistance from various stakeholders including employees. This can take different forms including letting them share their thoughts on how to manage the movement towards the cloud platform. Conducting comprehensive research about the various cloud platforms that are available can help an organization resolve the problem involved in choosing the right provider. It is equally imperative that the organization identify the security issues that may arise when using the cloud services. The most important thing, however, is coming up with a concrete plan on how to implement the technology.

A business that wants to outsource its IT operations to the cloud company needs to understand the basics involved in moving into a new cloud infrastructure. It is equally important for the business to prepare by identifying the challenges involved, and coming up with a solid plan on how to navigate the challenges that might emerge as it transitions to the cloud operations.

How Cloud Computing is used in Education

We are in an era in which technology is having an impact on how people perform certain activities, and one area where technology is exerting the greatest influence is education. One technology that is becoming important especially in the field of education is cloud computing. This technology, for instance, is resourceful when it comes to improving learning because it is supporting students’ learning. One way in which this technology is aiding learning is that it is making it possible for students to access academic resources anywhere anytime. With constant access to the course content, students can seamlessly study, and develop their knowledge.

It is also making teachers’ work easier by providing the platform for them to deliver course content. Using the technology, for instance, an educator can come up with virtual classroom, and one example of the platform they can leverage for this particular purpose is Zoom. This can of a platform is particularly important where some students cannot physically attend the classroom because of the reasons such as imposing of restrictions aimed at preventing the spread of a contagious viral infection. Other than the virtual classroom, a virtual space can be created by the teacher so that students can collaboratively work with each other from remote locations as long as they have internet access.

The whole school or the school administration can benefit from the cloud technology. Schools have massive amount of data, and storing this data in a safe location is important because it ensures the integrity of the information. One desirable attribute about the cloud technology is that data stored in the cloud is likely to be safe because the cloud technology incorporates advanced security features. Given this positive attribute of the cloud, the chances of the data being doctored when the data is stored in the cloud servers are slim.

However, there are other numerous benefits that schools can derive from the cloud technology. When a student uses the cloud to access resources, they don’t have to spend money on books or other printed resources. Therefore, the technology provides cost relief to the students using it to access study resources. For its part, the school that uses the cloud services does not spend money putting up a new IT infrastructure. Furthermore, students and their teachers can access information wherever they are. Therefore, cloud technology is playing a vital role in terms of helping schools and students advance education objectives.

New Trends in Cloud Computing Technology

Carl Robnett Licklider is individual behind the cloud technology, and since Licklider first developed the technology in the 1960s, new trends have emerged in the recent past. An example is the cloud cryptography which involves making the cloud data secure by encrypting it. As one of the emerging ideas, the cryptography generates a key that is essential when it comes to securing of the data. Having access to the cryptographic key is the only way one can access cryptographically stored data. However, uploading of the already encrypted data is also becoming a trend among firms that outsource their IT services to the cloud companies.

The multi-cloud is the other trend that is emerging from the cloud and with this concept, a business that uses more than a single cloud service chooses different cloud service providers to provide the cloud services they need. For their part, some cloud service providers seem to recognize this trend, and rather than brush it off, they have embraced it. This explains the reason for the increase in the popularity of the multi-cloud strategies because firms are shifting to outsourcing their IT operations to more than two cloud service providers. This trend is driving a healthy competition where players in the cloud sector are collaborating with each other to deliver services tailored to the specific customer needs. For example, Oracle and Microsoft linked their cloud operations so that their clients can be able to access certain services offered by the two companies.

We are in an era in which Artificial Intelligence (AI) is helping predict the behavior of online users. It is projected that the AI will significantly affect the cloud computing. As the data moves to the cloud, there is need to find a way to process massive amounts of data. This is where the AI comes in. In addition, the value of the AI in cloud technology is likely to be seen in scenarios where there is need to complete repetitive data processing tasks.

The era when people need servers for their PCs is likely to be behind us in the next five years. Thanks to new cutting edge technologies that allow organizations to perform certain IT operations without requiring the IT infrastructure. The companies that provide cloud services will play a vital role in helping businesses shift to this model of cloud technology. With these news technologies, there is a possibility that businesses’ workflow will tremendously improve. Businesses will also not have to worry about the loss of data because the cloud systems will integrate advanced security features.

Green Cloud Computing

Cloud computing is a broader subject that encompasses a wide range of operations including hosting of certain computer servers. One of the areas that have emerged out of the cloud computing is the green cloud computing. Sustainability of the cloud computing is a matter that cloud engineers need to consider when developing the cloud infrastructure. Countries are moving towards the use of energy efficient technologies because the overreliance on the energy derived from carbon sources including fossil is not only unsustainable but it is also threatening the ecological systems. As more customers become environmentally conscious, they will want to do business with businesses that prioritize sustainability.

Cloud computing requires a significant amount of energy for it to operate effectively, and this underscores the need make the technology energy efficient. Efficient power practices can help cloud companies spend less on energy because spending too much on energy can affect a company’s financial bottom-line. Generation of the energy from the renewable sources including solar and wind is becoming more and more important now that scientists have been warning about the growing global temperatures.

As businesses move to cloud computing, they need to prioritize cutting down their carbon imprint. Adopting power management practices that are efficient is one of the measures businesses can pursue to help reduce negative environmental consequences linked to poor power management practices. For example, it can have a carbon-conscious cloud provider host its services. Optimization of the company’s cloud environment is also a practice that can put a company to the path of reducing energy costs. In order to know how well these practices are contributing to improving energy efficiency, businesses need to have proper energy measurement frameworks to identify how much energy they are consuming.

Effective green clouding practices requires collaboration of the companies that offer cloud services, the vendors of the IT systems, and the businesses that use the cloud services. To succeed in coming up with effective green solutions, cloud service providers should constantly conduct research potent methods that can reduce the amount of energy used by the cloud systems. Cloud companies should focus on investing on wind power and other green energy to avert environmental calamities that might be triggered by the surging global temperatures.

Governments can also play an important role in pushing for the shift towards the adoption of the green energy solutions in the cloud computing industry. The government may reduce tax on cloud products that are energy efficient to fast-track the development green cloud computing landscape.

Why should we use Cloud Computing

A growing number of businesses are embracing computerization and automation of manufacturing to optimize performance, and lower their costs of operation. At the center of the growth of the automation is the cloud computing which enable device-to-device connection, thus facilitating exchange and sharing of data. Although cloud computing is a concept that has been there since 1960s, its popularity has grown with the fourth industrial revolution, and one cannot talk about industry 4.0 without mentioning cloud computing considering the important role the technology is playing in terms of enabling the communication across multiple devices.

We are in an era in which data is a valuable resource, and this therefore warrants the need for individuals to safely store data. With cloud computing, individuals and organizations can rent spaces where they can story data, and the advantage of this technology as a data-storage platform is that one does not have to carry their data on storage devices wherever they go. The fact that data is stored in a cloud system means one can travel anywhere in the world, and they can still access their data. Because the technology replaces the hard disk and other storage devices, it is safe and it improves the portability of the data.

The world is moving fast, and people want better services and better products. Cloud computing holds the key to businesses meeting the needs of their customers because the data stored in cloud computing can be analyzed, and be used to inform decisions such as the specific types of products to produce in plenty to meet the market demand. The idea of products being delivered at the door is gaining popularity among consumers, and the success of this idea depends on the businesses’ capacity to leverage the cloud computing technology to expand their scale of operations to include door-to-door delivery of goods.

As the auto manufacturers shift to the production of the driverless cars, the need for the cloud computing is growing. The success of these new developments will depend on how well governments and private companies are willing to invest in cloud computing because this technology will be needed for vehicles to communicate with each other to prevent accidents. The effective control of the traffic will also depend on how fast the technology is integrated into traffic control system. However, the input of the public and the consumers in general is necessary for the cloud technology to drive desirable change.

Companies that provide Cloud services

Certain business operations including data storage are moving to the cloud. As businesses embrace the cloud technology to optimize operational efficiency, business owners who are considering using cloud services need to be aware of the companies that provide these services. There are various companies that provide cloud services with each offering unique cloud services, and charging differently for the different services they offer. When thinking of the best company to choose as the cloud service provider, one should identify the cost these firms charge, the quality of the services they provide, and security measures they have put in place to protect the cloud IT infrastructure.

With the launch of the Google Cloud Platform (GCP) in 2008, businesses had more options in terms of the cloud service provider they could choose. This platform is ideal for the customers who might be worried about their data being breached because it has advanced security technology. The GCP employs data encryption and other security features so that it is able to shield clients’ IT infrastructure and applications. In addition to guaranteeing security, the platform provides advanced data analytics features, that businesses can use to optimize decision-making.

Oracle ventured into the cloud industry in 2016, and despite coming late to the party, it has aggressively worked towards improving the quality of the services it provides. It has leveraged the power of the technology to create a cloud database platform. Organizations that want database services can contract the company to provide it with such services. The fact that Oracle specializes in offering database-based operations means it is an ideal provider for clients who are only interested in database services.

In 2006, the Amazon Web Services (AWS) was unveiled, and given the history of this platform and its mother company of constant innovation, the AWS has foothold on the cloud industry. Compared to the other cloud providers, the AWS is at the top tier level in terms of revenue and the quality of the services it offers. The platform is not only ideal for the developers but for businesses that may want to store data. Amazon S3 is one of AWS’ services, and the advantage it has is that it offers data storage scalability feature.

Since the cloud service providers offer various types of services, the IT needs a business might have should inform the business’ decisions when it comes to selecting the ideal cloud service provider. If a business wants a platform with advanced security features, for instance, it can choose the GCP.

Cyber Security in Cloud and Malware

Although the Cloud service providers employ comprehensive cyber-security measures, hackers may still exploit the vulnerabilities within the Cloud system to hack into it. If hackers get their hands on the sensitive information, this can have far reaching implications on the company that offer cloud-based IT solutions, and their clients. In case a major security breach was to occur, businesses that have contracted the cloud company may terminate their contract, causing the company to lose clients. Conversely, customers may file lawsuit against businesses if they lose money as a result of the breach.

Cloud malware is emerging as a security concern to the companies that deal with the delivery of the cloud services. Evasive malware increases the vulnerability of the cloud systems, despite these systems having advanced security features. Initially, hackers used malware to hack into websites and then access the cloud systems. Recently, the cloud apps have become the hackers’ door inside the cloud-based platforms. When hackers want to access these systems, they first trick the people using certain apps or websites to install an application. When one installs the app, it becomes easier for the hacker to bypass the security of the cloud.

Malware is not the only threat to the cloud companies because there are other numerous security issues that can jeopardize the safety of the cloud systems. The insider threat, for example, is a security risk that can easily give hackers the leeway into the cloud infrastructure. With this kind of threat, an employee at the cloud company or the business that has contracted the cloud service provider may share password or other security information with hackers. This kind of security issue is common with business or companies that have ineffective internal operations.

Insufficient identity is the other concern that may pose a security threat to the cloud. This is seen where employees do not use strong passwords to access email accounts or other apps that might be vulnerable to the security threats. This problem is also seen in organizations with inadequate security measures.

The cloud company and the customer both have the responsibility to secure the cloud system. Considering that the former can lose much if a breach happens, cloud service providers need to lead efforts focused on securing their cloud systems. One approach they can use is to review the security measures their clients have put in place to reduce the security threats. On their part, the clients or businesses should comply with the security measures recommended by the cloud companies.

Cloud Computing

In Cloud Computing services, trust is the main thing that should be gained by customers. Clients should always be clear about what they want and what is offered to them in the contract. They need to know everything about the services they receive, about the security of their software and data, about the payments, about the obligations they have, about the conditions around the termination of the contract, etc. These things are very important and directly affect the trust of customers. Trust nowadays is very difficult to gain as the security in Cloud Computing in most cases is high but it is never maximum as every software has many coding lines. Security for most customers is most important and has the greatest impact on whether or not they trust Cloud Computing. It is more difficult for businesses and companies to gain trust because the data they store in Cloud Computing is more valuable than the data of individuals. Issues that reduce customer security, so in this case also reduce trust are:

– Data integrity

This is a major security risk in which data may be damaged during various operations.

– Data interference

It is the most essential and every Cloud Computing provider tries to avoid or minimize it. Data intrusion occurs when another party gains access to someone’s account. In this case if another party manages to find someone’s password, then it can perform whatever action it wishes.

– Validity of online service

The validity of the online service is an issue still unresolved by Cloud Computing providers. In some case Cloud Computing providers say the service is not available for unforeseen reasons. This brings great concern to the client because he may want the service in those moments. The client also needs to know if his data is secure or not.

Use of Cloud Computing

The development of the cloud computing technology has seen a high number of businesses embracing cloud computing to store data. With the storage of data being easier with cloud computing, companies are shifting away from physical storage, or otherwise known as local storage. Cloud has become a cheaper option for businesses that do not want to spend a significant amount of money to establish IT infrastructure. Additionally, it offers convenience that a local storage may not provide, and a business can therefore benefit immensely by choosing to use cloud storage.

Unfortunately, an organization may lay-off its IT staff if it moves to using the cloud. As companies continue embracing cloud, certain IT jobs will be automated, leading to massive job losses. The database and network administrator role, for example, will not be required in firms that shift to using the cloud because the technology allows centralized administration and control of the applications and other devices linked to the entire IT system of a company. This is also affecting the staff in companies that sell the IT products. Recently, CISCO downsized by laying-off more than 5,000 members of its staff because it could no longer afford to pay them salaries. CISCO’s case is not a selected case because thousands of IT workers have lost their jobs as organizations shift focus towards cloud computing.

The other issue that is seen with the cloud is that it may take time for one to learn how to use it, which may inconvenience the organization. For an organization that is used to operating the local storage, shifting to using the cloud may mean training of workers, and this may come with additional expenses, and the process can take time. If an organization does not have people with adequate skills to manage the cloud system, it may face challenges performing administration and database management functions.

An organization may still be able to access data when offline if it uses local storage as opposed to the cloud storage. The dependency on the internet connection is a characteristic seen with the latter, and if the connection is unavailable, there is limited chance one would be access to the data. If the connection is lost for long, it may paralyze certain IT operations such as database administration. Therefore, an organization that is considering adopting the cloud computing should examine the risks and opportunities associated with the technology, and make decisions it deems can lead to effective running of the IT operations.