Cloud computing is termed concept of pay- as – use of computing resources available through the World Wide Web – accessing, distributing and storing. Conversely to conventional method of computing that has been in existence for decades – deployment software applications, hiring of personnel to manage various tasks, procurement and maintenance of infrastructure.

This article provides information and creating an awareness for future adopters of cloud computing. What is cloud computing? Cloud is a new scheme involves development of computing infrastructure from virtualised pool of resources dynamically. Cloud computing can also be described as conceptual building of abstract layers of resources – software and on top of hardware in virtualised world which is made available through world wide web.

According to Red Hat Linux, Inc (NYSE:RHT)   “cloud computing has emerged as a hugely important evolution in the way that businesses and individuals consume and operate computing. It’s a fundamental shift to an operational model in which applications don’t live out their lives on a specific piece of hardware and in which resources are more flexibly deployed than was the historical norm. It’s also a fundamental shift to a development and consumption model that replaces hard-wired, proprietary connections among software components and the consumers of those components with lightweight web services and web-based software access.

In short, cloud computing refers to a convergence of technologies and trends that are making IT infrastructures and applications more dynamic, more modular, and more consumable. That’s a big change that has implications that touch on just about every aspect of computing”

Giant high -tech and software technology, IBM (NYSE: IBM) tagged its cloud computing; rethink IT, reinvent business.  It emphatically described cloud computing as a new reality in computing that is emerging for every business establishment is it small, medium or large. It further describes cloud computing as a trend to transforming business and society, creating new possibilities and optimum efficient way of computing.

Cloud Architecture

Cloud computing usually involves distribution of services from software stack. Cloud architecture could be schemed into three layers:

1 – Computing and Storage of resources: Distribution and sharing of computing resources across the cloud is known as Infrastructure –As-A-Service (IAAS)

2 – Middleware, firmware and infrastructure automation:  this layer describes platforms available for sharing and distributing IT resources. For instance, linux OS or Windows OS, update from RedHat or Microsoft Windows OS which is made readily available on RedHat or infrastructure, how can this be automated within the cloud? This is addressed by a taxonomy called Platform –As-A-Service (PAAS).

3 – Applications: Cloud based applications developed by different participants in cloud computing environment – is termed Software- As-A-Service (SAAS).

Benefits of Adopting Cloud Computing

Future adopters of cloud computing could choose to have private; go for readily available public or hybrid computing.

Private Cloud Computing

With private cloud, organizations can create a virtual networking environment and managing the infrastructure with individual data centre.

Benefits – private cloud computing allows organization to create self –service and automation sit at the back of firewall.

Public Cloud Computing

Public cloud manages by public cloud computing providers. The providers manage applications, infrastructure as well as protecting clients’ information and individual data. Notable and leading public providers such as Google, Amazon, Sales force.com, they all provide shared services controlling and managing by remotely located data centres.

Benefits – (1) No heartache over insecurity (2) Cost of maintaining of infrastructure totally eradicated (3) Payment of huge salary to skilful personnel abolished.

Hybrid Cloud Computing

Hybrid cloud service combines both private and public. Hybrid service providers such as IBM, Microsoft and others.

Olawale Bakare is the leading organizer of Cloud Camp for West Africa sub –region. Cloud Camp is an organization that promotes and markets cloud computing around the world. Cloud camp event involves sharing of ideas and opinions through open source technology.  The latest upcoming Cloud Camp event is taking place in Accra Ghana on the 27^th of August, 2011 – www.cloudcamp.org/accra . Participants are free to attend why not register at www.cloudcamp.org/register

For sponsorship please contact the organizers:

1 – Olawale Bakare Co – Founder/CTO PAWAAK Technologies Ltd

Email addresses:  | olawalebakare@pawaak.com  | wales.baky@gmail.com  |

pawaak@gmail.com |    m: +447901236822 

Twitter : @Bwale1

Skype VOIP: walex.george

2 – Abayomi Ayoola  | Abayomi@abayomiayoola.org | m: +358 44 518 5730

Photo credit/Awesomedc