Introduction
Cloud Computing has evolved as one of the most talked about and cost savvy It architecture, the best part is that it allows to use the computing resources as services and is easily accessible via the Internet. The computing services that are provided my involve hardware such as the (processor, memory and storage) and also software applications. “Cloud” is the word given to the connectivity created between the various Hardware and Software applications, which are connected to a server that provides the computing resources and may or may not be present in the premises of a company as a data centre. [ CITATION Clo11 \l 1033 ]
The cloud computing is also called as “Stack” at times, which is due to the fact that it provides different services, one after the other and as per the National Institute of Standards and Technology it is defined as “ a model for enabling convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g., networks, servers, storage, applications, and services) that can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort or service provider interaction”.[ CITATION Gil11 \l 1033 ]
There are three different types of Cloud Computing Services namely SaaS (Software as a Service), PaaS (Platform as a service) and IaaS (Infrastructure as a service).
As we know that increasing operational cost can affect the profitability of any business in an adverse manner, in such a scenario, cloud computing is a technique which can help to reduce the operational cost by one-quarter. In this report we will study the different types of Cloud Computing Types and will come up with a proposal related to the setup components. The scope is limited to information about the Cloud Computing, its types, advantages and disadvantages and recommendation of the setup required for Anglia Computing basis their requirements.
Cloud Computing: Types and Key functional Areas
Software as a Service (SaaS) – This more of a software distribution model, where the user does not need to have a personal server in order to use a software, the setup is done by the service provider who is able to provide the applications for use, as desired by the user. This has a close relation to application service provider and software delivery models which enable on demand computing. The further simplified method of this service can be seen in the hoisted application management system, where the service provider hoists software which is required by the user and it can be accessed though the network-base provided online, line an individual on-demand distribution. The benefits of this model include, easy administration, managing updates and packages automatically, easy collaboration, better compatibility and globally accessible. [ CITATION Kep11 \l 1033 ]
Platform as a Service (PaaS)
Considering the advanced use of technology and increased need of customized business applications, it happens at times that the common application developed for a role does not suit all the requirements of a business and that is the case when PaaS comes to help, this is the service in which the software and database created is customized for the use of business, and the best thing is that the platform is also provided by the service provider thus the management of the servers is virtualized and it becomes like a cluster within the engagement. The only requirement from the user is to install an application that will be developed on it. [ CITATION Kep11 \l 1033 ]
As far as cost saving is concerned Paas is the most helpful tool , and it only needs the user to load the database and start the development readily saving a lot of infrastructural cost for the service receiver. However there are a lot many other things that one needs to keep in mind before renting the platform, as the transfer of a data may be a challenge in case of the reliability of the service provider becomes a question later on. [ CITATION Hal111 \l 1033 ]
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
Now there can be a situation that even though we have the freedom given in PaaS to develop our own applications, the configuration provided does not match our criteria, in that case IaaS will be the right solution. In IaaS, the computing resources provided involve the basic transactional requirements like Memory, Processors and storage etc., however the user still has control over the operating system, applications and other similar configuration based needs. [ CITATION Kep11 \l 1033 ]
This can be explained in simple manner by saying that virtually IaaS means, thqat we will be migrating our private server from our premises to that of the service provider. And in short this is a service which enables us to outsource the model of operational setup to a service provides, and use the equipment, storage hardware, networking components and servers remotely. To summarize the few features we can say that it provides good service and billing model, utility computing, automation and administrative tasks, virtual desktop, dynamic scaling and desired connectivity. [ CITATION Kep11 \l 1033 ]
Benefits and Dangers of Using Cloud Services
As we have discussed above the various types of cloud computing above, it is time now to discuss some of the benefits of cloud computing. [ CITATION Gil11 \l 1033 ]
Economical – The best feature of cloud computing is that, it helps to take the IT services and expand the bandwidth on demand, the initial setup of business may require low investment and Input so therefore a low cost solution can be used and when needed this can be expanded on-demand as required.[ CITATION Int11 \l 1033 ]
Flexibility – In a private architecture, the fluctuation are calculated by the IT team and back up is created as and when necessary, however the additional hardware and software needed are kept as a backup in a limited manner; in case of cloud computing the capacity can be increased and decreased as per the requirement and the cost also gets impacted proportionally.
Rapid Implementation – Cloud computing saves a lot of time that organizations usually spend in services, tools and certifications etc., the ready to use platforms help to start the product delivery in a very short span.
Consistency and Effectiveness – In private setup, there is a possibility of network outages at times, however the service provider takes a complete guarantee of this in case of cloud computing and therefore all the regular maintenance and the analysis which is done by the service provider helps to achieve increased effectiveness.
While the above advantages are completely undisputed there are a few threats that we must discuss as well, In order to apply cloud computing one has to completely rely on the service provider for security which is not advisable, if the data transfer and applications are sensitive. Therefore since the organizations are solely responsible for the data they are using in operations, they must ensure that before accepting a cloud computing setup they are comfortable with the security measures taken by the service provider. [ CITATION Gil11 \l 1033 ]
Recommendations for Anglia Cloud
Considering the system requirements of Anglia Cloud, it is important to provide them with IaaS services, and the reasons to support this argument are mentioned below.
The demand of a web development company is very volatile and there is a possibility of significant spikes at any point of time according to the customer’s requirement and project complexity.
Anglia Cloud is a new organization and would not want to spend too much on setting up of infrastructure.
Choice of PC: Anglia Cloud
As we have already decided that IaaS will be the best cloud computing type for Anglia computing setup, therefore we need a very basic setup to implement the IaaS services, as the rest will be handled and controlled by the service provider.
The PC will involve the below mentioned components:
An intel P4 or an equivalent AMD processor (1 GHz)
A minimum of (512) MB RAM
40 GB of ATA/SATA storage
The abovementioned configuration along with other basic hardware like the Monitor, Cabinet and Mouse etc. with cost a total of $300.00
Choice of Printer
Choice of printer will be made considering the need of Anglia Cloud, the color printer required must be of high quality and therefore a selection of Color Laser printer will be fine, therefore HP (CP1215) Printer costing $149.95 should be fine. More over for the black and white printing solutions HP Laserjet 1020 for $132.55 should be fine, as it produces about 18 pages per minutes which is a fast enough solution per the requirement.
Choice of Broandband Connection
The broadband connection must be good enough to cater the IaaS services provided and therefore anything close to 2Mbps can be considered as a satisfactory solution. This speed for a network will cost around $50 per month as per the market norms.
Choice of Network Hardware and Logical network Topology
A bus topology will be used for the same as it will provide cost effectiveness, simple to setup, is easy to locate cable fault and is simple to expand. Ethernet network post 10/100 with multiple switches will be ok for the setup of internal network as there are only 11 nodes which will be connected using bus topology.
Works Cited
Cloud Computing: Learning how the cloud reduces cost and increased efficiency . March 5, 2011. http://smallbusinessblog.infostreet.com/2011/03/cloud-computing-learning-how-the-cloud-reduces-cost-and-increased-efficiency-from-the-federal-government/ (accessed April 10, 2011).
Gillam, Lee. Cloud Computing: Principles, Systems and Applications. Boston: Springer publication, 2011.
Hall, Adron. The Confusions of IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS. January 6, 2011. http://www.cloudave.com/9239/the-confusions-of-iaas-paas-and-saas/ (accessed April 10, 2011).
Internal Computing Tutorials. Understanding SaaS, PaaS And IaaS As The Kinds Of Cloud Computing. March 25, 2011. http://internalcomputer.com/understanding-saas-paas-and-iaas-as-the-kinds-of-cloud-computing.computer (accessed April 10, 2011).
Kepes, Ben. UNDERSTANDING THE CLOUD COMPUTING STACK:SaaS, PaaS, IaaS. Portfolio, San Antonio: Diversity Ltd., 2011.
