Cloud Computing System for Anglia Cloud - Assignment Example

Report for Anglia Cloud about a cloud computing system March 31, 2011 Table of Contents Table of Contents 3 Introduction 4 Meaning of cloud computing 4 Software-as-a-Service 4 Platform-as-a-Service 5 Infrastructure-as-a-Service 5 Potential uses and relative benefits of cloud services 6 Dangers of cloud services 8 Recommendations 8 Computer and printers 8 Broadband internet connection 9 Network hardware and logical network topology 10 Conclusion 10 Cloud computing system for Anglia Cloud Introduction This paper is a report for the board of Anglia Cloud explaining the idea, benefits and dangers of cloud computing as well as recommendations of computers, printers, broadband internet connection, network hardware, and network topology suitable for the system. Meaning of cloud computing Cloud Computing is a concept that describes provision of IT resources via a network, usually, the internet. Velte et al (2009, p. 4) have stated that cloud computing allow users to acquire computational resources owned and managed by another entity, which is usually a vender or a service provider. These resources include applications (software), platforms and infrastructures, and are provided as a service (Stanoevska-Slabeva, 2009, p. 48). Therefore, a cloud service can be categorized as Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) or infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS). Software-as-a-Service Software-as-a-Service is an idea of software provision where the service provider or vendor hosts and distributes applications to clients through a computer network, which is often the internet. SaaS is normally characterized by scalability and on-demand provision. As Roehl-Anderson notes (2010, p. 338) SaaS is increasingly becoming a popular model by which users obtain software; usually, users have the option of scaling up or down the software usage. The service delivery in SaaS can be grouped into two faintly distinct models. One model, which is comparable to application service provider (ASP), is characterized by a service provider hosting and delivering commercially accessible applications to clients through the internet. However, in the other model, the provider delivers via a network an application made purposely for SaaS circulation. Landy and Mastrobattista (2008, p. 86) recognizes the two model of SaaS. Platform-as-a-Service Platform-as-a-Service is another form of cloud computing where hardware, operating systems, network and storage space can be rented and delivered through a network (or the internet). Stanoevska-Slabeva (2009, p. 52) highlights that a “platform is an abstraction layer” separating the virtualized infrastructure and the applications. PaaS is mainly meant to serve the software developers. An example of PaaS distribution is the Google’s App Engine that allows users to run their applications on the company’s infrastructure. Infrastructure-as-a-Service Infrastructure-as-a-Service basically involves an organization or rather a client contracting out IT hardware such as servers, networking and storage equipments that are necessary to support certain operations. The out-sourcing entity normally pays for the resources depending on use, while the provider maintains, operates and owns the resources. According to Hurwitz, Bloor, Kaufman and Halper (2009, p. 18) virtualization systems and operating systems (OS) may also be part of the services offered through IaaS. Potential uses and relative benefits of cloud services The uses and benefits of cloud computing are enormous. Cloud computing is increasingly being used by organizations to deliver applications and other products to clients. It is an alternative or a supplement to the convention way of distributing products to the consumers. It can be used in connecting mobile workforce in an organization who need to access applications remotely from their computers. Being able to access resources remotely is a huge benefit to users of cloud computing. Through this service, remotely located workers can have access to the resources (applications) they need so long as they have access to the network, or the internet. Some companies use cloud computing as a way of storing their documents safely on servers rather than keeping them on personal computers hard drive. The cloud computing concept could be a boost to security of information in an organization. According to Wilshusen (2010, p. 53) the centralization of resources and increased focus on security could improve the overall security. Cloud computing has the benefit of reduced cost to both the users and the vendors (providers). The user saves on the cost of maintaining and installing application since that responsibility shifts to the service provider (Velte T, Velte A, Velte J, and Elsenpeter, 2009, p. 4). For the provider, the costs of reproducing and shipping a product are eliminated since a service exists in a server. Cloud computing also saves time. Since it eliminates the process of installing and maintaining applications by the user, and on multiple computers, a lot of time is saved. In other words, maintenance of applications for cloud computing is easier since they are not installed on each and every computer (Roehl-Anderson, 2010, p. 45). . Cloud computing also offers flexibility and scalability benefits. There is no network system that offers better flexibility than cloud computing (Hurwitz, Bloor, Kaufman & Halper, 2009, p. 34). The technology allows users to scale up and down services or resources easily depending on demand. Therefore, users pay for only what they utilize, which is another aspect of reducing cost. The cloud computing system also provides more storage space than it would be reasonably possible on a personal computer. Cloud services are useful to an organization, more so a start up, since they are able to acquire more resources with limited resources as well as have more time to develop their core business. Cloud computing allow organizations to concentrate on their core business rather than the technology used to drive their business without worrying that the technology will be of less value. Dangers of cloud services The main dangers of using cloud services are related to security and privacy. Landy & Mastrobattista (2008, p. 96), and Stanoevska (2009, p. 232) concur that security and privacy is a major concern in regards to cloud computing. The security of the information is in the hands of the vendor. A cloud service user is somewhat no longer in control over the security of his/her information. A number of organizations are worried over their sensitive information being leaked, and therefore, they either disregard cloud services completely or utilize cloud in areas that they are not worried about data being leaked (Velte et al, 2009, p. 35; Wilshusen, 2010, p. 17). The danger of cloud service is also seen in scenarios where the service provider has inadequate security measures such that the service user becomes vulnerable to attacks. Recommendations Computer and printers The appropriate computers to use in any cloud computing environment should be able to efficiently handle the applications being accessed. For Anglia Cloud, the personal computers (PCs) to be used should have relative high speed and high memory capacity. A speed of about 1 GHz and memory capacity of 1GB would be appropriate. These capacities are recommended considering the need to open multiple applications; although the applications and data are light. The computers and laptops should also be installed with appropriate network interface cards (NIC). A personal computer with a speed of about 1 GHz and memory capacity of about 1GB could cost between US$300 and US$500. A laptop within similar specifications can cost about US$600. It is worth to note the storage is not much of an issue since data and applications would be stored remotely. However, a hard disk capacity of 40GB is considered. The appropriate printers would be laser network printers. These printers are fast and quiet, and would be able to handle large amount of load. The average cost of an A3 laser color printer that would be appropriate for Anglia Cloud network is between £1400 and £ 2000, especially in regard to the Xerox, Lexmark, and Canon brands. These brands are known to be reliable. The cost of the laser A4 black and white printer (same brand as the color printer) is about $700. Broadband internet connection The most suitable broadband connection is fiber optics. This technology allows fast transfer of large amounts of data. Therefore, it would allow efficient access of the resources from the host server. However, fiber optics is costly. A meter of fiber optics could cost between $14 and $25. However, the need to efficiently access services remotely without interruptions due to issues such as network congestion justifies the choice of fiber optics based interne connection. Network hardware and logical network topology The suitable network hardware would include a router and switches. A router would be used to link the local network to the internet while switches would link the printers, and workstations (PCs) to the local network. The network interface cards would also be necessary to enable networking. Network interface cards would be installed or integrated in the personal computer and laptops. A firewall computer would also be needed for security purposes; that is, to monitor traffic and block unauthorized traffic. A ring topology would be used to network the computers on the local area network (LAN). The advantage of this topology to Anglia Cloud would be that each workstation would not be affected when another workstation fails and it relatively inexpensive. The main task would be maintaining the switches and router to keep the workstation connected. The LAN would then be linked to the internet through the router and firewall. Conclusion This report has explained the idea, benefits and dangers of cloud computing, and provided recommendations of computers, printers, broadband internet connection, network hardware, and network topology suitable for the system. Reference list Hurwitz, J., Bloor, R., Kaufman, M., & Halper, F. 2009. Cloud Computing For Dummies. Hoboken, New Jersey: For Dummies. Landy, G. K. & Mastrobattista, A. J. 2008. The IT/digital legal companion: a comprehensive business guide to software, Internet, and IP law : includes contracts and web forms. Syngress, Roehl-Anderson, J. M. 2010. IT best practices for financial managers. Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley and Sons. Stanoevska-Slabeva, K. 2009. Grid and Cloud Computing: a business perspective on technology and applications. London: Springer. Velte, T., Velte, A, Velte, T.J. & Elsenpeter, R.C. 2009. Cloud Computing: a practical approach. New York, NY: McGraw Hill Professional. Wilshusen, Gregory. 2010. Information Security: Federal Guidance Needed to Address Control Issues with Implementing Cloud Computing. New York: DIANE Publishing. Read More