Cloud computing is the next big
thing in the Information Technology (IT) development. The concept has come a
long way since it first came on the scene in the late 1960s. Since then demand
driven computing industry has started offering solutions rather than specific
hardware and software to link together the complicated global infrastructure.
Computing is turning into cloud computing it seems. The “cloud” in metaphoric
term “cloud computing” is a set of hardware, software, networks, storage, and
interfaces that combine to deliver different features of computing as a service
over the internet (either as separate components or as a composite platform)
based on users’ demand. Simply put, cloud computing is a service through which
everything from computing power to computing infrastructure, applications,
business processes to personal collaboration can be delivered to users wherever
and whenever they need. Internet based alternatives to using computer specific
applications, cloud computing is not entirely new to those who use the
internet. Many cloud based services such as webmail (Hotmail, Yahoo), social
media (Facebook, Google Plus, Twitter), Flickr photo sharing and management
application and many others using remote storage and processing have been a
part of everyday life of web users for a long time. The main advantage of cloud
computing is that the users do not have to bear the upfront costs of the
hardware and software. As per Oracle estimates, “an enterprise can save its
expenses significantly with 35 per cent deduction in operation expenses, 44 per
cent cost reduction in electricity charges and 85 per cent saving in physical
cost”. The interest that big players (Oracle, Microsoft, Google, IBM and many
others) have generated does not come only from economy of investment, but from
qualitative considerations as well. Using the best cloud service available is
faster and efficient than in house IT deployments. Businesses, though a cloud,
can change their operational characteristics, placing less emphasis on IT
operations and development, and more on core business operations and growth
through the productive use of IT. Cloud computing phenomenon is poised to make
a central surge on the market for years to come. According to a global study by
IBM, more than 60 per cent of organizations plan to "embrace Cloud
Computing over the next five years" to boost their "competitive
advantage." These statistics can be mirrored in local market as well.
Given the known and tested benefits of the cloud, businesses and governments in
developing countries can bring in cloud technologies that were otherwise beyond
reach. With cloud computing, developing economies can embrace next-generation
tools, applications and related IT infrastructure. A recent study conducted by
GfK Custom Research reveals that turning to cloud services is topping business
and software strategies in emerging markets around the world. The age of cloud
is seen to gain wide acceptance across all industries with emphasis on growth
of cloud services implementation in the next two years. Cloud computing model
is one of the economical behind the scenes business methodologies that the web
has made possible and it is working very successfully in more connected world.
Many industry analysts see cloud computing becoming a big success. Small and
medium businesses can rely on cloud computing and can start using the web as a
business tool rather than a cumulous computing is ideal for countries like Pakistan. Setup
a business and put the applications almost for free on the cloud without
installing a huge IT infrastructure which at times may cost more than the
actual capital of the business. The impact of any such development may be
seismic here. Thankfully, Pakistani businesses and organizations have started
to look for ways to integrate cloud computing it into their operations.
Telecom, electronic, print media, education and banking sectors possess
exceptional potential to utilize cutting-edge technologies in their businesses
and many are already using cloud infrastructure for database and business
applications. Cloud computing is smart, useful and attractive technology for Pakistan with
its tremendous growth witnessing presently in the local and multinational
companies despite of challenges and widespread misconceptions. From a
technology standpoint, cloud is an important evolution of virtualization,
automation, management, and operations discipline. From a business perspective,
it is all that and more. Businesses have rarely had the freedom and agility implied
through cloud services today. How you combine and recombine the growing array
of services available will make a difference in the long run. Cloud is ready to
replace but businesses can supplement their PC centric computing to get use to
it. Hopes are that demand driven cloud computing picks up here. One wishes to
see it happen as soon as possible. The writer is Deputy Controller of
Examination at Lahore School of Economics. He blog at
http://logicisvariable.blogspot.com and can be reached at sajshirazi@gmail.com