Cloud computing refers to storing and accessing data and programs over the Internet instead of a local computer's hard drive. It provides users access to servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics and more through services delivered over the Internet. There are three types of cloud computing: Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS). Cloud computing provides benefits to businesses such as lower costs, increased productivity, more storage capacity, less downtime and decreased overhead. However, concerns regarding reliability, security, effects on jobs, and lack of regulations remain issues.

1. GeekSpeak:
Cloud Computing
Dawn Quinn
MCDM
Kathy Gill, COM585-A
November 14, 2012

2. What is cloud computing?
The “cloud” is a metaphor for the amorphous space
that is the Internet, which is often depicted with a
cloud-shaped symbol.
Thus, cloud computing is the practice of Internet-based
computing, where different services, (such as servers
and apps) are regularly stored and accessed through
the Internet.

3. A brief history
 The concept of the cloud dates back to the 1950s, when mainframe
computers became accessible via thin clients
 The Internet was first referred to/depicted as “the cloud” in 1994
 In the ‘90s, telecom companies began using VPN (virtual private
network) services
 After the dot-com bubble (1997-2000), Amazon played an integral
part in development of cloud computing by modernizing their data
centers. They launched Amazon Web Service (AWS) in 2006 to offer
cloud computing to external customers
 In 2008, Eucalyptus became the first open-source, AWS API-
compatible platform for deploying private clouds. That same year,
OpenNebula became the first open-source software for private and
hybrid clouds

4. The cloud, by xkcd:

5. Three types of cloud computing:
 Infrastructure as a service (IaaS):
Provides users with server, storage and
networking software. Ex: Amazon Web
Service
 Platform as a service (PaaS): AKA
middleware. Offers users virtualized
servers and operating systems so that
they can create and run apps. Ex: Google
Apps
 Software as a service (SaaS): This is the
one that we interact with most.
Accessible through web browsers, this is
any application that is hosted on a
remote server and accessed through the
Internet. Ex: Netflix

6. Benefits: or how I learned to quit
worrying and love “the cloud”
Just a few examples of how we use the
cloud daily:
Gmail
Facebook/YouTube
Web site hosting companies
Google Docs
The App Store for iPhone
Dropbox
…And it’s only going to continue to
grow as more businesses adapt to the
cloud.

7. Benefits for businesses
Just a few reasons cloud computing is smart for
businesses of any size:
Cost-effective
Increase productivity / aligns with a mobile workforce
More capacity for storage
Less downtime
Decreases overhead

8. Issues and concerns
 Reliability
 Security
 Effects on IT industry/jobs
 No current regulations or standards
 Support

9. References
http://computer.howstuffworks.com/cloud-computing/cloud-computing.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cloud_computing
http://www.infoworld.com/d/cloud-computing/what-cloud-computing-really-means-
031
http://venturebeat.com/2011/11/14/cloud-iaas-paas-saas/
http://www.cbrdigital.com/2012/10/05/top-5-reasons-businesses-should-use-cloud-
computing.html
Images: http://xkcd.com/908/
http://cuttopieces.blogspot.com/2012/08/this-is-part-of-ongoing-series-of-posts.html
http://www.calmresponse.com/business-in-the-cloud/
http://cheezburger.com/277474048