Information technology has always been a bastion for confusing buzzwords. Adding to the confusion, buzzwords often have multiple definitions or even change meaning over their lifetime. Of course, we’re referring to the aptly named "cloud computing."
Cloud computing is only one in a series of technological buzzwords that cause confusion. Just a couple of years ago, "Web 2.0" was all the rage, only no one could ever really define what that meant. "Broadband" used to refer to a specific type of telecommunication method; however, it has since been co-opted such that it is a de facto standard term for high-speed Internet. It is probably fair to say that the term "cloud computing" will go one of two ways: disappear, or earn a widely accepted definition.
As of this writing, "cloud computing" is generally thought, at a high level, to be one of two things: so-called "as service" offerings and virtualization.
First, and most prevalent, is when an organization outsources a part of its IT needs. This is commonly referred to as the "X as a service" classification, where X is software, platform or infrastructure. You are accessing applications, be it one or more servers, or an entire data center, usually over the Internet.
"As a service" offerings are typically scalable, where you can easily add support for more users. Management of the environment is also variable; some organizations like to retain full management of the service, while others prefer the vendor to manage the whole shebang.
The biggest benefit touted for "as a service" offerings is lower cost. This is where you really have to do your homework. Vendors can take advantage of economies of scale to provide you lower-cost solutions, but that’s no guarantee.
Some "as a service" offerings also attempt to make it difficult for you to leave their fold. When considering such an offering, take care in ensuring an effective exit strategy.
The use of cloud computing as a synonym for virtualization is a prime source of confusion. This confusion is largely being propagated by vendors who peddle virtualization software. Certainly, virtualization software is a large part of the "as a service" offerings, but it is transparent to the user. One should not care that his software-as-a-service application is based on virtualization software.
For now it is best that folks don’t get so hung up on whether something is cloud based. Don’t assume because it ends in "aaS" it’s cool. Conversely, when the salesperson sneaks "cloud" into the terminology, don’t immediately tune out. Examine the offerings of cloud computing as you would any other, solely on their merits. What benefits are provided? At what cost (tangible and intangible)? How reliable is the solution?
John Agsalud is an IT expert with more than 20 years of information technology experience. Reach him at johnagsalud@yahoo.com.
