In its widest usage, Cloud Computing is the delivery of scalable information technology over the Internet as opposed to operating and hosting those resources locally such as university or college network. As an alternative of keeping data on a hard drive or application updates needed, cloud computing is a convenient service over the Internet at another location to store information or use its application. It allows individuals to use software and hardware managed by third parties at remote places. There are many services in cloud computing such as online file storage, webmail, computer processing power, online business or specialized corporate applications, social networking sites, and educational systems. Anybody can access to computer resources and information from any location with the availability of a network location. With cloud computing, information technology capacity is adjusted easily and quickly to accommodate various changes in great demand.
Cloud service is widespread and really growing in higher education though, it is focused on student email relatively. Higher education institutions are more likely to obtain new services from cloud computing rather than to transition services established and operated by the campus quite a while. Some universities and colleges utilized cloud led by a faculty or students for added flexibility and more convenience. They are encourage to utilized cloud service since it contemplate budget pressure, increases reliability of and more access to information technology systems, and the necessity for institutions in providing timely access to its latest information technology functionality.
Cloud computing is more advanced comparing to traditional enterprise computing, with cloud computing, institutions obtain information technology services from remote providers and campus constituents access the resources provided over the Internet. For example, the E – mail, it is considered as a long staple information technology operations in any institutions. The software is hosted by the provider without being installed or maintained on individual computers in the campus. There are some cases in large universities that they become providers of cloud services; a mature cloud computing environment, schools are able to add new information technology services that saves capital costs redirected to programs of tactical value to the institution. Below is a simple cloud computing system diagram.
Reference
Hausman, A. (2013). Implications of the Cloud in the Classroom, Retrieved from
http://www.cloudtweaks.com/2013/06/implications-of-the-cloud-in-the-classroom/
Florentine, S. (2013). Cloud Computing in Education, Retrieved from
http://doteduguru.com/id9101-cloud-computing-in-education.html
