Understanding the differences of cloud computing
Friday, October 28, 2011 4:37:27 PM
One of the biggest impediments to the cloud computing industry has been the relative lack of understanding of the technology among executives, federal agencies and individual web-users. InfoWorld recently published an article explaining some of the primary aspects of the cloud that can lead to a more fruitful adoption of the technology.
According to the source, the reason why the cloud reduces operational costs is because of the ability to centralize resources in an environment that is a step beyond the relatively new remote and virtualized hosting practices. Instead of information being simply backed up and managed in multiple places, businesses can use the technology to keep all data and tools central, even when departments are physically distant.
The website does stress the importance of trust in the relationship between vendor and business. This is especially pertinent in cases of heavily regulated industries, as the business can be held accountable for non-compliant practices of the cloud vendor. Many experts recommend creating an elaborate and strong contract that the cloud provider feels it can oblige before signing any paper work.
Many businesses and federal agencies have reported success with security and compliance in cloud computing since adopting the services. The National Security Agency's Cyber Command commander recently made public statements championing the security capabilities of the cloud. General Keith Alexander expressed excitement at the way in which he feel the technology will improve security and intelligence operations.
InformationWeek recently reported Gen. Alexander's discussions of how the cloud offers an opportunity for wide-reaching agencies and agents to communicate more fluidly, while the transparency of operations is tighter, even on such a massive scale. "It's absolutely superb," Alexander told InformationWeek. "We need to go from our legacy databases to the cloud."
As for cost efficiency, the General Services Administration announced earlier this year that its entire email services program had been moved to the cloud. According to a release from the GSA, the transition is projected to save the administration more than $15 million over the next three years.
InfoWorld further noted the benefits of cloud computing in regard to accounting, as vendors most often provide services on a pay-as-you-go model. This not only reduces the expenses of maintaining databases and other general IT services, but also can provide companies with a more comprehensive rundown of where their IT expenses are being allocated.
-McAfee Cloud Security
