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Cloud Computing
By Paul Yoon
Cloud computing is the up-and-coming computing revolution that will change the way we access applications and data. With the emergence of Web 2.0 technologies and web applications such as Google Apps, Facebook, and eyeOS, the running of applications and storing of data has begun to shift from the personal computer to the cloud. Cloud computing allows us to harness the power of the Internet to run applications and store data, paving the way for cheaper computers and the ability to access data from practically anywhere in the world.
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installing or uninstalling of applications in cloud computing because all one has to do to use a web application is simply visit the website where the application is hosted. Ironically, cloud computing brings users back to the old ways of terminalmainframe computing by moving applications and the users data out of personal computers and back into a central mainframe. However, this time the terminals are far-reaching and extend to the users home while mainframes can be miles away serving millions of users, as shown in Fig. 1.
Paul Yoon/Illumin
Paul Yoon/Illumin
A wonderful example of a web application using AJAX is Meebo, a web-based instant messenger application. Meebo allows its visitors to log in using usernames and passwords that are already registered with their favorite instant messenger programs,
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such as those provided by AOL, Yahoo!, MSN, ICQ, or Google. Users have the option of logging into more than one service at the same time. After the visitor logs in, they are presented with a familiar buddy list with accompanying chat windows that look exactly like the typical setup of an instant messaging application on their own computer. Users can even click-and-drag, resize, and minimize or maximize these chat windows, all within the browser window. Its easy to forget that all of this is still happening within a web browser! Even more impressive, an application called eyeOS simulates an entire operating system, like Microsofts Windows or Apples Mac OS, entirely within a web browser. EyeOS comes with all the standard productivity applications expected in any operating system: a word processor, spreadsheet maker, e-mail client, games, and much more. Clearly, applications accessed through a web browser provide a powerful computing alternative to the end-user that is limited only by the imaginations of the software developers. But what does this shift from personal computer to cloud computing really mean?
The Cloud
The ubiquitous cloud constantly mentioned thus far is actually just a network of computers and servers that runs the applications accessed on a web browser through the Internet [5]. These computers and servers are physically located in server rooms, usually in a building owned by software companies. Like library stacks, these server rooms can house rows and rows of server towers, where a single tower can consist of several servers and hard disks. To get an idea of the amount of processing power and data storage capability these servers have, consider the fact that the typical personal computer has only one processor and one hard disk, while a server can have multiple processors with terabytes of hard disk space, where a terabyte is one thousand gigabytes. A general setup of a cloud computing system is shown in Fig. 3.
Paul Yoon/Illumin
Typically, a web application is run on its own dedicated server because it must be able to handle thousands of user accesses every day. In order for the benefits of cloud computing to be realized, the application must not lag, which requires powerful processing speeds. The cloud must now provide the computing power that was used by the end users personal computer to run the various applications. On top of extremely fast processing speeds, these remote computers must also have immense storage capacity to maintain data for every user. This storage capacity must also take into account the backing up of data in case the remote computers or servers fail. Most reputable web application companies will backup user data periodically, much like how Googles Gmail archives e-mail even when the user deletes them. To ensure database servers do not fail, the remote computers and servers are kept in temperature-controlled environments to ensure optimal performance and uptime. In order to maintain customer satisfaction, the software companies must take care to ensure that data storage will be reliable and plentiful. The servers and computers that constitute a web application take on much of the responsibility previously designated to the end-users personal computer. However, in order to fully function effectively, the hardware involved in the cloud must be supplemented by software.
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Paul Yoon/Illumin
For example, if a user uploads a Word document on Acrobat.com to convert it into a PDF document, the Word document is sent through the network to the remote computer, similarly to the way one would transfer files to a friend over instant messaging programs. Middleware will identify the document using set protocols and direct it to an available remote computer on the server side. The remote computer for Acrobat.com has a PDF converting program and is able to run massive amounts of conversion requests from multiple users at once. The Word document is stored only for as long as it takes to convert into a PDF immediately on the remote computer and upload back to the user through the network. All the while, the users web browser is waiting for a sign from the remote computer about whether or not the PDF is ready. Once the PDF is available, the remote computer sends a notification that the PDF document is ready for viewing or for download to the end-users screen. Figure 4 shows the workflow of the Word-document-to-PDF conversion through cloud computing.
The Future
With a growing demand in web applications and the mainstream adoption of cloud computing, one can expect to see a rise in innovative broadband services and capability [6]. Currently, the United States is ranked 15th in broadband ranking in the
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world based on the average broadband speed [7]. National broadband access, like that available in South Korea and developing in Australia, could soon be available in the United States if government officials seek a more extensive broadband policy [8] [9]. National broadband access means fast broadband Internet would be available across the country. The development and implementation of WiMAX technology, also known as Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access, which has much longer range than typical wireless Internet, will also help bring Internet access to virtually anywhere in the world. The widespread success of cloud computing is only limited by the availability of broadband Internet access. As web applications and services become more complex, companies will need to figure out new ways to replace revenue from boxed software. Web applications may begin to implement pay-by-use or monthly subscription charges depending on the type of service [10]. However, since most web applications began as free services, the sudden rise in service charges may turn off users from using web applications. Software companies will have to offer an application or service that surpasses the functionality and appeal of web applications available today if they would like to stay competitive and attract customers. With the innovative shift focusing on software in cloud computing, consumer computers will need fewer hardware components to operate web applications. This means less expensive computers and laptops that can be smaller and lighter. Extremely affordable laptops from Everex have led the trend in cloud notebooks or netbooks that are built to utilize web applications to the fullest and carry less hard disk space and processing power because of their reliance on cloud computing. Even Apples MacBook Air, although more expensive, is made without CD drives or bulky hardware.
Conclusion
Cloud computing offers several benefits for the typical user that range from easy maintenance, practically infinite safe storage of data, and faster and cheaper computers. Applications no longer need to be installed locally on ones own computer, updates are no longer a concern since they are all taken care of externally, and data is backed up automatically. The web applications and user data is also available virtually anywhere. The only downside to cloud computing is that none of these benefits can be enjoyed if no Internet is available. If the user cannot connect to the cloud, the web applications and user data will not be reachable. However, once WiMAX is fully developed and national broadband access is made a reality, this will not be a problem. Sprint Nextel and Clearwire together have deployed the first American WiMAX network in Portland, Oregon [11]. Now it is only a matter of time before nationwide broadband speed increases and the benefits of cloud computing are available for everyone.
References
[1] T. O'Reilly. 2007. "What Is Web 2.0: Design Patterns and Business Models for the Next Generation of Software" MPRA
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[10] S. R. Dalal et al. "Engineering of Two Web-Enabled Commercial Software Services." Web Engineering, Software
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