Cloud for the crowd

Cloud computing has become one of the most popular terms in the technology world.迷你倉最平 "What is cloud computing?" many may ask. There is not any commonly accepted standard or technical definition for cloud computing. However, it can be broadly understood as some network-based services which appear to be provided by real server hardware. For the user, instead of having all the applications and data stored locally, operations happen on virtual machines - they are simulated by software running on one or more real computers. These virtual servers do not physically exist and can therefore be moved around and scaled up or down on the fly without affecting the end-user. It is happening everywhere now. Consider e-mail services online, such as Gmail or Yahoo Mail. They are just one form of cloud computing in general. For personal users, the major advantage may simply be the portability, where everyone can access the data they need without any geographical limitation, as long as they are connected. But for businesses, this can be a different landscape, said Taylor Man, executive vice president of NTT Com Asia. "It is not simply for businesses to optimize operations in information technology and save costs," Man said. "In fact, it is becoming a new business model from many companies which are ready to embrace the changes stemming from a fluctuating market environment." Cloud computing is the best solution to enterprise responding to uncertain operating conditions. Traditionally, a company needs to set up a system that fits its business operations. It is not easy to determine how powerful the machines are in the迷你倉 initial stage. And usually the firm will go for computers with better configurations, hoping an upgrade is not necessary too soon. However, it is not always the case, due to extremely fast developments in technology. Systems can get outdated quickly sometimes. But the worst can be after a big upgrade, and such specifications are no longer needed. For example, some retailers may have to upgrade their systems temporarily just for the shopping seasons. It may be just a month or two. And for the rest of the year, they don't have the volume for the systems. That means, companies have to pay for something they may not use at all. Therefore, NTT Com Asia introduces services based on two core concepts: elastic scaling and pay-as- you-go. "Customers can use the resources according to their needs," Man said. "And they can scale up or down anytime they think necessary." Firms have to set up simple systems in the office. On the server side, there are applications, storage and other processing avenues available for the clients. And data will be stored on the server in the format required by the clients. When the clients need more applications, instead of buying the software and installing it on their own computer systems, they can use the programs on the server directly. Consumers, however, may not feel the impact directly. Man said users may not realize that they are enjoying the service delivered by cloud computing, as they are at the far end of the infrastructure. "But services are obviously faster, easier and more accessible. And these are all the consumers want," he said. tony.liaw@singtaonewscorp.com 儲存