Cloud+Computing



= What is Cloud Computing? = toc The Cloud 101: Introduction to Cloud Computing

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Cloud Computing Defined- Cloud computing is the term which describes various concepts of computing. With Cloud Computing, a person can store the data on the network, usually through the internet. When using Cloud Computing, multiple computers connect to each other through a communication network. One purpose of Cloud Computing is to save and share data, run programs, and view/ edit documents on different computers via the communication network. ([])

= Pros and Cons to Cloud Computing = media type="custom" key="23943092"

Benefits:

User Friendly The Cloud offers computing as a service by providing shared resources, and allows software and information to be accessed by multiple users through many means of technology. For example, users may use Cloud Computing by accessing information through their phones, computers or tablets through the internet. The Cloud is able to also run applications at a faster speed, is easy to manage with less maintenance. ([])

Cost Efficient: The Cloud is a cost efficient way to store and access information. Customers of the Cloud Computing programs only have to pay for the services they use based on the amount that they use. Customers can decide what resources they want to use and when they want to increase or decrease them without consulting the provider of the Cloud program. Document creating apps can allow for editing of word processed documents, spreadsheets and Powerpoints through the Could. The documents can be collaborated and stored for access by multiple users. ([])

Service To Educators: According to the “Why are the services provided for free to educational institutions? There are a number of advantages to companies who are currently competing for market share. Software has always been provided at a discount to the educational sector and vendors seek to build relationships with the institutions, which provide their future employees." Educational institutions are able to use the Cloud Computing services for purposes such as data storage, student access to assignments and sharing, and video streaming ([]).

Drawbacks:

Data Breach Number show that data breach is one of the top threats to cloud computing. The source of these breaches can be traced to the flaw in cloud computing. The fact is that all computer systems connected to the internet can be accessed by anybody. Hackers gaining access to other people’s information through the Cloud Computing system can lead to identity theft, affecting the community and economy worldwide. Other contributing factors to data base breaches may include the ability to access sensitive information that passes through the communication channel. The applications and programs might not have the security mechanisms in place that would otherwise exist at a privately used computer. These weak applications and programs in the Cloud have been labeled as insecure application programing interfaces (APIs).

Data Loss The Cloud's inability to prevent data loss is next on the list of drawbacks for the system. For example, in 2012 there were over 200 server cases reported, resulting in the loss of about 9 million data records. These losses reflect results from use of the Cloud Computing system. Data can also be lost by going through cloud computing firms, where they can accidentally be deleted or corrupted.

When Things Go Wrong... Glitches can occur in the Cloud Computing programs, such as Evernote and other applications. Problems such as “Denial of Service” can temporarily deny access of files, pictures, and information to legitimate users. To say the least, there is room for improvement for these programs. ([])

= Who uses the Cloud? =

Cloud Computing Benefits for Businesses:

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Cloud Computing Benefits for Educators:

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One program, called "Evernote" is shown useful in schools. Evernote is a Cloud Computing program. For educators, it can be a very useful tool for organizing students work, and for having information and documents easily accessed and uploaded in various forms. The video below illustrates how the program can be beneficial to educators and students in schools. The video was documented at Eisenhower High School to show how students can use their own technology and integrate it into their learning.

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=__ References: __=

Consulting and Technology Solutions. Cloud Commuting. Retrieved 27 Sept, 2013. From: []

Tom Caper. Top 6 Security Threats Facing the Cloud. Retrieved 27 Sept, 2013. From: []

The Rovio Tech Team. What is Cloud computing technology?. Retrieved 27 Sept, 2013. From: []

UNESCO Institute for Information Technologies in Education. Cloud Computing in Education. Retrieved 27 Sept, 2013. From: []

Youtube.com

This topic was edited by Ally Adams. Please e-mail me if you have any suggestions or would like to make changes to this page. aadams53@uas.alaska.edu