What is cloud computing?
Cloud computing can be simply described generally to be an expression which is used to describe a variety of computing concepts that consists of huge numbers of computers that are connected to one another via a real-time communication network example of which is the Internet. Cloud computing is the next stage in the evolution of the internet, it provides the means through which applications, business processes, computing infrastructures, personal collaborations, computing power etc can be delivered as a service whenever it is needed and wherever it is needed. Relative to cloud computing, the word “cloud” in itself can be defined as set of hardware, networks, storage, services, and interfaces that combine to deliver aspects of computing as a service.(Judith Hurwitz et al., 2011)
Cloud computing is provided in any of the 3 forms namely:
- public clouds
- private clouds,
- And hybrid clouds, which combine both public and private.
What is Web 2.0?
It is said to be the second stage of the development of the World Wide Web. It is especially characterized by the change from static web pages to dynamic and the growth of social web platforms. On a web 2.0 site, users can generate content and interact with others unlike the Web 1.0 sites which are non-interactive and thus users are only restricted passive activities on the pages. Web 2.0 does not refer to a new technology, it is only an improved version of an earlier technology, it can rather be said to be an emerging usage pattern. Relative to cloud computing, web 2.0 can be said to be an “emerging usage pattern that draws on existing forms of IT resources”.
How Organizations Use Cloud Computing and Web 2.0
Business requirements abound, the work of the automation of back office business processes and improvement of the efficiency of enterprises has been well taken care of by IT, IT has been able to do this job so well that studies have shown that the percentage time spent by office workers on processes has steadily declined, but IT hasn’t done so well as regards addressing the requirements for the majority of the work. What makes up the majority of the work are the front office activities which include, but not limited to, the interactions with suppliers, customers, and other trading partners. For these requirements to be addressed some changes need to be made and such changes should be made on, for instance, the core technologies. A change in the core technologies will enhance the delivery of diversity all around the edge of the organization where variation and real income value are generated. A huge part of these required solutions has been provided by user-centric capabilities of the Web 2.0. Web 2.0 is a sure-bet for all organizations due to its ability to provide flexibilities in the combinations of services unlike during the times of monolithic applications, it also possess the capabilities of combining the supports of the user driven orchestrations services. Aside from providing a technology and requirement match it also goes further to provide a match on the other side i.e. the supply side.
The Benefits of Cloud Computing
The use of Cloud computing reduces the level of complexities involved in provisioning computational capabilities, it results in the reduction of cost, it provides greater effectiveness when used in the development of new shared service centres and therefore make it operate more efficiently.
In the book Dot Cloud authored by Peter Finger, The point was made that cloud computing will change businesses and the entire economy in so many ways but most of those ways cannot yet be predicted. He went further to assert that businesses in recent times are becoming more like technology itself, this is due to the fact that businesses are becoming more adaptable, getting more specialized, and becoming more entwined. All these occurrences are as a result of the advent of cloud computing which speeds them all up. (Finger, 2010)
The Benefits of Web 2.0
These new Web 2.0 requirements delivered through the cloud offer fast, even instantaneous, implementations with no capital cost or provisioning time. On a web 2.0 site, users can generate content and interact with others unlike the Web 1.0 sites which are non-interactive and thus users are only restricted passive activities on the pages. The provision of flexibilities in the combinations of services in place of monolithic applications and its ability to combine with user-driven orchestration of those services supports this and makes this technology a sure-bet for organizations seeking such solutions.
Limitations of Cloud Computing
Technical Issues Though it allows for information and data to be accessed from the cloud from anywhere and at any time, there are times when this system can have some serious side-effects as this technology is always prone to outages and other technical issues. Connectivity and network problems can get one stuck at any time.
Security in the Cloud. Security is also an issue due to the fact that one would be all sensitive information to a third-party cloud service provider which could potentially put the company in great risk of having their sensitive information leaked.
Possible downtime. Ones there is server outage then the company will be unable to access their information.
Limitations of Web 2.0
It gives so much room for Viruses if not well managed.
In conclusion, cloud computing and web 2.0 provides us with positive collaboration and sharing but there is also a possibility that these can be used against any organization if handled carelessly..
References
Judith, H., Robin, B., Marcia, K., and Fern, H. (2013). What Is Cloud Computing?
Retrieved from http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/what-is-cloud-computing.html
Peter, F., (2010). Dot Cloud: The 21st Century Business Platform, Meghan Kiffer Press,
Tampa Florida, USA.
Taty, L. (2010). How Does Cloud Computing Work?
Retrieved from http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/cloud-computing-work-technology-explained/
Priya,V. (2012). Cloud Computing – Is it Really All That Beneficial? Retrieved from
http://mobiledevices.about.com/od/additionalresources/a/Cloud-Computing-Is-It-Really-All-
That-Beneficial.htm
