Abstract
This chapter provides overall information related to cloud computing technology. Initially, it explains an overview history of the technology. In addition, the components of cloud computing and how these components interact each other are described for a better understanding of lay persons. The distinctive fundamental characteristics of cloud computing are also listed. The chapter illuminates the service and deployment models of cloud computing. Moreover, the benefits and challenges are examined. Another section of the chapter highlights possible implementations of cloud computing in education and compares these implementations between the developing and developed country perspectives. More specifically, the services currently being used in the education domain are also emphasized. Finally, the possibility of using cloud computing in social work as an information technology or systems solutions is considered.
TopIntroduction
Internet is progressing rapidly from a conventional portal of supplying users with information only, to an essential necessity for users who want to store data, conduct computing, as well as operate software applications from anywhere in the world at any time. This can be accomplished with the advent of new innovations such as cloud computing, which is recognized as the fifth generation of computing next: client-server computing, mainframe computing, personal computing and the web computing (Khmelevsky & Voytenko, 2010; Rajan & Jairath, 2011). cloud computing has influenced and motivated Many users at individual and institutional levels due to the transparently of managed systems and applications, which enable users to access cloud resources via the Internet without the need for expertise or skills (Regalado, 2011). Consequently, cloud computing can be defined as the consequence of the progression of computer technologies besides their combination with the Internet to deliver a “Model for enabling ubiquitous, 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” (Mell & Grance, 2011, p.2).
Cloud computing was also defined as a large group of computers connected to each other. They can either be personal computers or network servers. Through this formulation, a very wide range of authorized end-users can access applications and information stored in the clouds from anywhere at any time utilizing any smart device over the Internet. It is known that cloud providers keep the technologies and architecture behind the cloud hidden from the end-users, so what Procedure the cloud providers use is meaningless (Miller, 2009). For example, to clarify the definition of the cloud computing, we could compare it to a source of energy or gas. All these services are delivered to consumers in a seamless and simple way without the need to consider how to deliver them. Similarly, Cloud Computing offers computer resources to customers in a simplistic way and avoids a lot of complex operations and internal processes, because customers don't need to learn what's going on within the cloud; they're just interested in the performance of the output services (Jackson, 2011).
Key Terms in this Chapter
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): It acts as an infrastructure which offers a virtual hardware functionality, like data storage and web hosting. In infrastructure as a Service, the potential granted to the user is to supply computer infrastructure handling, storage, networks, and various computing resources of an outsourced foundation to sustain business activities where the user can install and operate software that can include operating systems and applications.
Clients: They represent computers and portable devices that are used by end-users to access services in the cloud.
Distributed Servers: It represent numerous servers spread around a wide geographic area.
Cloud Computing: It is defined as a large group of computers connected to each other. They can either be personal computers or network servers. Through this formulation, a very wide range of authorized end-users can access applications and information stored in the clouds from anywhere at any time utilizing any smart device over the internet.
Software as a Service (SaaS): In SaaS, the service provider stores the program inside its data center on a server and the user accesses it through a normal web interface. The user wouldn't be able to monitor the operating system, the network, the servers, and the storage system.
Community Cloud: A community cloud is a cloud service model shared by several organizations and supports a particular community with shared concerns; it can be controlled and secured by all the involved organizations or even a third party.
Datacenter: It basically refers to a place with a community of servers that hold cloud service applications.
Platform as a Service (PaaS): In PaaS, cloud computing works as a platform for the purchasing of internet products (for example, Amazon).
Hybrid Cloud: Hybrid cloud is a cloud infrastructure service model that mixes two or more types of clouds: private, community or public, integrating their several benefits and drawbacks.
Private Cloud: A private cloud is a paradigm where IT resources are delivered for the exclusive usage of a particular entity through private IT infrastructure.
Public Cloud: The public cloud refers to a type of software infrastructure that is open to the general public or a broad business community which is operated by a company that provides cloud services.