iOS Users Get 50GB Free Storage On Box.net With A Limited Time Promotion [News]

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"></span><br /> <img alt="" class="aligncenter" data-mce-src="http://www.new-technology-news.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/e357587720h30_34.png.png" src="http://www.new-technology-news.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/e357587720h30_34.png.png" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" />iOS users, if you haven’t got your free 50GB from Box.net yet, hurry up and do so. A couple of weeks ago, Box.net announced that any iOS user that logs into the Box app from an iOS device will get 50GB of storage, for life. The promotion will only last 50 days, and about 14 of those have already passed, so not much time left for getting this hefty amount of free storage.<br /> Box.net is a cloud content management platform, similar to Dropbox, which lets you store, access and share content online and across devices. The company does offer a free option, which usually includes only 5GB of storage, with a 25MB limit on file size upload.<br /> Here is what you have to do to get a free 50GB with Box.net:<br /> <ul> <li>Download the Box app for iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch and install it.</li> <li>Log into your Box account from the app, or register for a new one from within the app.</li> </ul> <img alt="2011-10-26 22h29_32" border="0" data-mce-src="http://www.new-technology-news.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/7aab150df1h29_32.png.png" height="442" src="http://www.new-technology-news.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/7aab150df1h29_32.png.png" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="511" /><br /> And that’s it. After logging in you should see a message informing you about your free 50GB. On top of the free storage, you will also get an increased file size limit for uploads: 100MB instead of 25MB.<br /> Will you create a Box.net account just because of this promotion? Or do you prefer other solutions and will not be tempted by this?<br /> <small>Source: Box Blog</small><br /> <img alt="" data-mce-src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Makeuseof/~4/-SsRNz3qaZA" height="1" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Makeuseof/~4/-SsRNz3qaZA" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="1" /><br /> </div>

iOS Users Get 50GB Free Storage On Box.net With A Limited Time Promotion [News]

iOS users, if you haven’t got your free 50GB from Box.net yet, hurry up and do so. A couple of weeks ago, Box.net announced that any iOS u...

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Google Music Beta gives each current user invites to share

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia,'Bitstream Charter',serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 24px; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman','Bitstream Charter',Times,serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; max-width: 640px; padding: 0.6em;"> <div mce_style="text-align: center;" style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia,'Bitstream Charter',serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 24px; text-align: center;"> <img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="166" mce_src="http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/2774/googlemusicbeta540x277.jpg" src="http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/2774/googlemusicbeta540x277.jpg" style="border-width: 0px; clear: both; color: #444444; display: block; font-family: Georgia,'Bitstream Charter',serif; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px auto 12px; max-width: 640px;" width="324" />Back in May, we talked about the Google Music Beta service that was set to launch. The launch of the cloud service was open to invitation only and if you didn’t get an invitation, you may have been bummed. The good news is that if you know someone on the service already they will have invites they can hand out. You had better ask fast though since each of the users only gets a pair.</div> <div style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia,'Bitstream Charter',serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia,'Bitstream Charter',serif; line-height: 1.5;"></span></div> <div style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia,'Bitstream Charter',serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 24px;"> Google has announced that it is giving every current Google Music Beta account holder a pair of invites that they can share with anyone they want. That is assuming anyone they want to share with is in the US. If you missed the service before, it’s not a Spotify style offering or anything. It will give you access to your personally owned music library from anywhere you might be.</div> <div style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia,'Bitstream Charter',serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 24px;"> The music will stream from the cloud to your computer and there is an Android app that will allow you to stream to your mobile as well. I really like that mobile streaming part. I would expect support for other smartphone operating systems to come once the service leaves beta. You can play tracks by artist, album, and genre using the service or just shuffle all the tracks.</div> <div style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia,'Bitstream Charter',serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 24px;"> )</div> </div> </span></div>

Google Music Beta gives each current user invites to share

Back in May, we talked about the Google Music Beta service that was set to launch. The launch of the cloud service was open to invitation...

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Chromebook boards Virgin America, checks-in at Ace Hotel for summer vacation

<div><img alt="" border="1" class="aligncenter" height="241" hspace="4" src="http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/6706/americagooglechromebook.jpg" style="margin-top: 4px; margin-bottom: 4px; border: 1px solid black;" vspace="4" width="360" /></div><br/>How do you solve a consumer education problem like the Chromebook? You put it into the idle hands of urbanite travelers -- that's how. The fast-booting neither laptop, nor netbook entity with negligible storage and not-yet-defined purpose will find a temporary summer home at select Virgin America gates and New York's Ace Hotel starting Friday. Jet-setters flying between San Francisco and either Chicago O'Hare, Dallas / Fort Worth, or Boston Logan can get an on-the-fly, marketing-fortified crash course in Chrome OS computing by visiting special 'Chrome zones' located near departure gates. Virgin's also thrown in some free in-flight WiFi to ensure you test drive Google's Cloud-dependent lap-dweller . And if you're one of the millions of tourists planning on seeing the Big Apple in all its humid splendor, the Ace Hotel's got an on-the-house stash that lobby lizards can use, but only guests can take out. But the promotional push doesn't just stop there: all partners involved have bundled specialized travel-planning apps into the experience -- sure to be ripe with cooler-than-thou recommendations. It's a noble attempt by our search giant overlord to make a name for its portable computing entrant, and a helpful distraction from that armrest hog next to you.

Chromebook boards Virgin America, checks-in at Ace Hotel for summer vacation

How do you solve a consumer education problem like the Chromebook? You put it into the idle hands of urbanite travelers -- that's how. T...

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Advantages of Hosting Your Email Network on a Cloud

<P>If you are hosting your company's email network inside your physical building on an exchange server, there are certain risks you must deal with. What would happen if the building itself was damaged due to fire, flood, or another catastrophe? Having the server onsite also allows for unintended access by unauthorized people. There are other security issues, as well, such as the implementation of firewalls and other forms of preventing the data from being hacked - an important consideration for anyone who takes payments online.</P><br /><P>If you are worried about the safety and security of your commercial email account, you may want to consider hosting it on a cloud platform.</P><br /><P><STRONG>Defining Cloud Computing</STRONG></P><br /><P>Cloud computing is the latest way to host any number of digital services or resources. The infrastructure resides in a central location that is accessed via a single point over the internet, precluding the use of onsite servers. Many companies are now utilizing this technology because it tends to be cheaper, more scalable, and easier to upgrade to the latest level of technology.?</P><br /><P><STRONG>Benefits of Using a Cloud for Email Exchange Service</STRONG>?</P><br /><P>The traditional manner of setting up corporate email accounts usually involved the installation of a dedicated or semi-dedicated server and installation of Microsoft Exchange Server software. As previously mentioned, this has its risks. In addition, you must keep upgrading the software on your own dime.?</P><br /><P>When you use a cloud-based infrastructure architecture provided by an outside vendor, many of the problems associated with an onsite server disappear.?</P><br /><P>Commercial clouds adhere to quality of service standards and service level agreements, taking away the need for an IT department at your company. The system provided on the cloud is almost infinitely scalable; many software service plans are priced according to your specific usage and needs, making it a much less expensive alternative. Conversely, if your needs change due to the growth of your company, the cloud-based infrastructure can handle that, too.?</P><br /><P>And instead of Microsoft Exchange, you can use an enterprise-class software such as Kerio Connect. You don't need to allocate capital funds to upgrade; the service provider does that for you - ensuring that your email server software always uses the latest technology.</P><br /><P>Backing up the data is another thing you need not worry about when you use a cloud-based system. The service provider will perform this task automatically and keep a certain period of backup data available on their server. No more need to worry about a missed backup or a faulty tape drive.?</P><br /><P>There's a reason so many corporations are looking to cloud platforms to fill their need for resources and services. With benefits like these, who would want to keep the hassle and cost of maintaining their own email server?</P>

Advantages of Hosting Your Email Network on a Cloud

If you are hosting your company's email network inside your physical building on an exchange server, there are certain risks you must de...

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Cloud Computing Security

<br /> <p>One of the greatest game-changing innovations of this decade is cloud computing. The shift away from pure on-premises applications and data storage is already well underway, with consumers, small and midsize businesses, and even large enterprises putting applications and data into the cloud. The ever-present question however, is whether it is safe to do so. Cloud computing security is by far the biggest concern among those considering the technology. And if you're an IT manager, it's good to be paranoid. Losses from cybercrime and attack can be enormous, and the 2008 CSI Computer Crime and Security Survey show an overall average annual loss of just under $300,000.</p><p>It may seem like a leap of faith to put your valuable data and applications in the cloud, and to trust cloud computing security to a third party. Yet faith is not a part of the equation, nor should it be. Every enterprise needs to know that its data and applications are secure, and the question of cloud computing security must be addressed.</p><p>In fact, the cloud does have several security advantages. According to NIST, these cloud computing security advantages include:</p><p>o Shifting public data to a external cloud reduces the exposure of the internal sensitive data<br /><br>o Cloud homogeneity makes security auditing/testing simpler<br /><br>o Clouds enable automated security management<br /><br>o Redundancy / Disaster Recovery</p><p>All four points are well taken. Cloud providers naturally tend to include rigorous cloud computing security as part of their business models, often more than an individual user would do. In this respect, it's not just a matter of cloud computing providers deploying better security, the point is, rather, that they deploy the precautions that individual companies should, but often don't.</p><p><b>A common security model</b><br /><br>Most application providers impose some level of security with their applications, although when cloud application providers implement their own proprietary approaches to cloud computing security, concerns arise over international privacy laws, exposure of data to foreign entities, stovepipe approaches to authentication and role-based access, and leaks in multi-tenant architectures. These security concerns have slowed the adoption of cloud computing technology, although it need not pose a problem.</p><p>The very nature of a cloud platform is that it imposes an instance of common software elements that can be used by developers to "bolt on" to their applications without having to write them from scratch. This advantage is especially useful in the area of security. The cloud "platform as a service" brings an elegant solution to the security problem by implementing a standard security model to manage user authentication and authorization, role-based access, secure storage, multi-tenancy, and privacy policies. Consequently, any SaaS application that runs on the common platform would immediately benefit from the platform's standardized and robust security model.</p><p><b>Superior physical security through cloud computing provider</b><br /><br>Lack of physical security is the cause of an enormous amount of loss, and insider attacks account for a surprisingly large percentage of loss. And while the specter of black hats hacking into your network from a third world country is very much real, very often, the "black hat" is in reality a trusted employee. It's the guy from the Accounting department who you have lunch with. It's the lady who brings you coffee in the morning and always remembers that you like two sugars. It's the recent college grad with so much potential, who did such a great job on that last report.</p><p>Of course, insiders can attack your network and data regardless of where it is located, given enough incentive and information, but physical proximity of the actual hardware and data makes it much easier to gain access, and cloud data centers tend to have better internal physical security protocols, including locked rooms, regulated access, and other protections against physical theft and tampering.</p><p><b>Conclusion: Superior security through the cloud</b><br /><br>Besides physical security, technical security is of the utmost importance. Hosting your own servers and applications requires extra measures. A larger organization may need to deploy dedicated IT staff to security only. Cloud computing, on the other hand, builds cloud computing security directly into the cloud platform. While the company still must maintain in-house security in any case, the provider ensures that the applications and data are safe from attack.</p><p>We tend to think that retaining control over everything is inherently more secure, when this is not the case. Smaller companies especially may lack the skilled security staff in-house, and even larger firms often just don't have the resources to dedicate to implementing rigorous security on an ongoing basis. A cloud computing provider on the other hand, which offers a detailed service level agreement and retains skilled security staff in-house, will often provide superior security when compared with the in-house alternative.</p> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /><br /> <p>For more information about cloud computing, please visit <a href="http://www.cloudipedia.com" target="_new">http://www.cloudipedia.com</a> for a free copy of "Cloud Computing Made Easy." Cloudipedia is a property of Virtual Global, a provider of cloud-enabled enterprise IT solutions and the TeamHost? cloud computing platform for building SaaS applications without programming.</p> <br />

Cloud Computing Security

One of the greatest game-changing innovations of this decade is cloud computing. The shift away from pure on-premises applications and da...

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Is Cloud Computing Really a Good Idea?

<br /> <p>Those of us in the IT world are generally in favor of all the latest developments in the computer technology field. For instance, the explosion of the Internet from a handful of local bulletin boards to a global network was universally accepted by geeks the world over. We were equally impressed with HTML, Java, scalable servers, and the new tablet computer. But one emerging technology has some of us a little nervous. The technology I'm referring to is cloud computing.</p><p>In the simplest possible terms, cloud computing is Internet computing. In other words, the typical desktop PC is a self-contained unit with its own GUI, applications, drivers, and so forth. But with cloud computing the PC is really non-existent. The box on the user's desk is nothing more than a modem which connects to an internet mainframe where all function takes place.</p><p>Perhaps you've heard the hype regarding Google's attempt to create its own operating system called Chrome OS. If you're confused between Chrome OS and Google's Chrome web browser, don't worry; that's the intent. Chrome OS, and its open source twin, Chromium OS, are both cloud-based operating systems. They consist of a modified Chrome web browser which connects you to a cloud. The cloud is where all your applications reside and work. Your email, media player, office suite, and productivity software are all in the cloud.</p><p>This may sound like a great idea to a lot of people. But the concept is rife with dangers and pitfalls, not the least of which is personal privacy and security. We already face a mountain of privacy invasion just based on the fact that we use the Google search engine which mines data from our machines and uses it to target us for advertising. We also continue to hear the horror stories of corporate computer systems being hacked and compromised.</p><p>The fact is that while centralization may improve efficiency and cost, it also opens the door for exponentially increasing problems. Take retail business for example. In the traditional environment, every store in a national chain operates its computer systems independently. If one store goes down none of the others are affected. In a centralized model, a main server that goes down may cripple every store along the east coast. This very scenario happened with a major retailer just a few weeks ago.</p><p>Where computing is concerned, centralization requires more complicated technology and infrastructure to accommodate the needs of everyone involved. And the more complicated a system becomes, the easier it is to bring the entire system down. Cloud computing is just a scenario.</p><p>If the whole world were to be operating in a handful of clouds, it would take very little effort to bring it all to a screeching halt. Until security experts demonstrate a consistent ability to stop attacks from hackers and malware within our current framework, moving to the cloud is a big risk many of us are unwilling to take.</p> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /><br /> <p><a href="http://www.rackspacecloudreview.com/" target="_new">Rackspace Cloud</a> is one of the most reputable cloud computing companies out there. It has revolutionized the business by introducing utility billing of computing resources from a centered cloud pool. Alternatives include managed VPS hosting, in which, <a href="http://www.wiredtreecouponcode.com/" target="_new">WiredTree</a> is one of the best.</p> <br />

Is Cloud Computing Really a Good Idea?

Those of us in the IT world are generally in favor of all the latest developments in the computer technology field. For instance, the exp...

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Cloud Computing - A Win For Everyone

<br /> <p>Cloud Computing is a form of computing in which all applications, information and resources are managed in a virtual environment.  The term cloud computing, specifically the use of the word "cloud", it meant to represent the nature and structure of cloud computing. Cloud computing involves virtual hosted environments allowing users to connect to the services being hosted over the internet.</p><p>Google Apps is a great example of cloud computing as companies to no longer require the need for installed word processing software, in house email servers, multiple IT personnel and many more cost saving advantages. Google Apps allows companies to access all services including email, website hosting, calendar, document editing/creation and much more directly through a web browser. The advantage to using Google Apps is increased productivity, security, lower IT costs and data backup. Microsoft has also entered the cloud computing realm by integrating its current software such as Word and outlook with online storage and easy accessibility.</p><p>Many hosting companies and even a few internet retailers are beginning to offer cloud hosting services. Rackspace, an internet hosting company, has begun to offer cloud hosting for clients who wish to have personal cloud applications in an environment controlled by them. Amazon.com is also offering cloud hosting services due to its large infrastructure and internet bandwidth capabilities. Most cloud hosting companies offer easy setup and creation of private cloud hosting with simple user interfaces. Most cloud hosting companies have per usage pricing instead of flat rate pricing. Users simply pay for the amount of processing, bandwidth and storage that they use. This pricing method benefits both cloud hosting companies and end users.</p><p><b>There are three main variations of cloud computing:</b></p><p><br />IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service): The need for expensive equipment is outsourced. Instead of companies purchasing expensive equipment including servers, hard drives and networking equipment, they would instead be used over the Cloud and hosted by a cloud computing company. The business entity would use the virtual equipment on a cost usage basis.<br /> PaaS (Platform as a Service): Applications are run off of cloud servers hosted virtually. A small company selling cloud applications to businesses will use PaaS to "host" the sold cloud applications and have them run off of the cloud servers instead of having them run off of in-house servers. The company selling the applications pays for the services based on a processor/bandwidth basis.<br /> SaaS (Software as a Service): Cloud applications are paid for on a per use basis and not sold in bulk licenses. This allows small companies to purchase a la carte licensing for applications they may use infrequently. Instead of purchasing 15 licenses a company can instead only pay when the software is used and removing the limits on how many machines the software can be installed on.<br />IaaS, Infrastructure as a Service, is currently the most widely used cloud service. IaaS allows small, medium and even large companies to cut costs considerably. Companies can completely remove the need for expensive network equipment, expensive bandwidth to support their network, expensive network storage equipment and much more. A company only pays for what they use from the cloud infrastructure thus eliminating the capital lost due to lack of usage from in house network equipment, bandwidth, etc. As IaaS gains more popularity and more cloud hosting companies emerge, costs can potentially drop even more due to oversupply and increased cloud hosting competition.</p><p>PaaS, Platform as a Service, is second to IaaS in terms of popularity and consumer adoption. A small company selling cloud applications and/or cloud services does not have to host the applications but can instead have them hosted elsewhere. Platform as a Service saves the company selling the applications/services as expensive network equipment, bandwidth and the need for additional IT personnel are instead outsourced to a cloud hosting company. This allows cloud application companies and even small developers the ability to enter the cloud application market without the need for considerable startup capital. PaaS has the potential to overtake IaaS in terms of consumer adoption and overall use.</p><p>SaaS, Software as a Service, is the least used cloud hosting service. It is a win-win for both consumers and the software companies. Consumers save money as heavily priced software licenses are no longer necessary due to the fact that consumers are only paying when the software is used. The need to purchase software in bulk is removed and every consumers' software needs are custom suited based on usage. This is also a win for cloud software companies as it will attract more consumers due to the custom pricing model. Consumers who could not afford the high cost of bulk software licenses will now be able to purchase based directly on their software usage needs. SaaS has the potential to completely revolutionize the software industry and may even curb software piracy.</p><p>The customized nature of cloud computing is what makes it such a popular and newly adopted internet technology. It will revolutionize the way that networking and everyday computing is run. It is a great win-win situation for both cloud companies and consumers.</p><p><b>Potential Disadvantages</b></p><p>There are also disadvantages to cloud computing, specifically in online storage and client applications. A company which utilizes cloud computing to host its email, document editing, calendars and other applications can be shut down if a cloud hosting company experiences downtime. This specific disadvantage was the case on February 24th, 2009, when Google Apps as well as Gmail were down for several hours. The downtime also reiterated that if Google can go down so can any other hosting companies. Confidence in cloud computing may have been hindered after this specific downtime although Google has assured it will not happen again. Google Apps services over 1million business around the world and is the leader in cloud computing applications.</p><p>Security is also a potential disadvantage to cloud computing. Companies that are willing to adopt the ability to host their services on the cloud may be reluctant to do so until the security of cloud computing has been heavily demonstrated and thoroughly tested. Large companies may consider the additional costs of in-house network hosting outweigh the potential security risks associated with cloud hosting. A security breach involving a companys' cloud information storage has the potential for disaster. However, hacking and security breaches are rampant for in-house IT hosting such as millions of credit card numbers being stolen as well as detailed customer information. If cloud computing can prove that its security is much better than any in-house hosting this may help it to grow and overtake the percentage of companies that have in-house IT infrastructures.</p><p>Cloud computing is still in its infancy and is expected to grow and revolutionize the way of everyday computing. Many theorize that cloud computing will one day take over today's desktop computing altogether. Until intense applications are developed for use over the cloud, desktop computing will remain the staple of everyday computing. Cloud computing innovation is rapid and as new cloud technologies emerge more people will start to adopt the cloud.</p><p>Current browser technologies are not up to date with cloud computing capabilities, especially in the mobile computing world. Cloud applications require several browser technologies including Adobe Flash, JavaScript, Adobe Flex and much more. Until browser technology evolves to fit the capabilities of cloud computing, cloud computing will remain a relatively simple method of computing.</p><p><b>Overall Benefits</b></p><p>The advantages of the cloud heavily outweigh the disadvantages. As better cloud computing technologies are developed and redundancy is fine tuned, the disadvantages will slowly become obsolete. As mentioned, cloud computing is in its infancy and new cloud technologies are growing exponentially. One day we will all use the cloud. In-house IT hosting as well as desktop computing may become a thing of the past.</p> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /><br /> <p>Ryan Wood <br> Synergy Chat <br> <a href="http://www.synergychat.com" target="_new">http://www.synergychat.com</a></p> <br />

Cloud Computing - A Win For Everyone

Cloud Computing is a form of computing in which all applications, information and resources are managed in a virtual environment.  The te...

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Wikileaks website pushed off Amazon's cloud

<img src="http://cdn.mos.techradar.com//classifications/computing/internet-and-broadband/images/Wikileaks_3-200-200.jpg"> <br /><P>Wikileaks has been removed from Amazon's cloud computing servers, following the latest batch of high-profile leaks of US diplomatic messages.</P><br /><P>However, the move will not affect the online distribution of the diplomatic cable files, which are now being shared via Bittorrent.</P><br /><P><STRONG>Cablegate concerns</STRONG></P><br /><P>Wikileaks so-called<a href="http://www.techradar.com/news/internet/wikileaks-sparks-diplomatic-crisis-after-250-000-docs-leak-911452"> "cablegate" file </A>containing the leaked diplomatic files is already being widely distributed via Bittorrent, being shared by thousands of users directly online.</P><br /><P>Wikileaks is moving its hosting back to the Bahnhof ISP in Sweden, according to DNS checking. </P><br /><P>WikiLeaks confirmed the move from Amazon's server on <a href="https://twitter.com/wikileaks">its Twitter feed</A> this week.</P><br /><P>"WikiLeaks servers at Amazon ousted," read the post. "Free speech the land of the free--fine our $ are now spent to employ people in Europe." </P><br /><P>Another Twitter message from WikiLeaks read: "If Amazon are so uncomfortable with the first amendment, they should get out of the business of selling books."</P><br /><P>U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman said of Amazon's move: "I wish that Amazon had taken this action earlier based on WikiLeaks' previous publication of classified material. </P><br /><P>"The company's decision to cut off WikiLeaks now is the right decision and should set the standard for other companies WikiLeaks is using to distribute its illegally seized material."</P><br /><P>Wikileaks now appears to be <a href="http://wikileaks.org/">back online</A> </P>

Wikileaks website pushed off Amazon's cloud

Wikileaks has been removed from Amazon's cloud computing servers, following the latest batch of high-profile leaks of US diplomatic mes...

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Acer announces Clear.fi cloud server and alive store

<img src="http://cdn.mos.techradar.com//classifications/computing/images/Clear.Fi_photo-200-200.jpg"><br /><P>Acer has announced Clear.fi, an 'innovative content sharing platform, and 'alive' a next generation store alongside a host of new tablets. </P><br /><P>The announcement of the dual touchscreen Iconia and a range of more traditional tablets somewhat overshadowed the arrival of Clear.fi and alive, but they are significant to the computer giant. </P><br /><P>"With Clear.fi, Acer has created an innovative content sharing platform that merges content stored on different devices across the same network around the idea that it is easier and better if this content is simply linked together under one system with a common interface," stated Acer's official release.</P><br /><P>"At the same time, Acer also developed 'alive' – its next generation store – from the desire to complete the circle of services and solutions offered by all Acer Group brands by adding content, convergency and continuity to the product mix."</P><br /><P><STRONG>One place to join them all</STRONG></P><br /><P>Acer believes that people's digital content needs one place to live and be easily accessed – although it will be how well it plays with devices from other manufacturers that decides its fate. </P><br /><P>"There are no limits to the Clear.fi scalability: any Acer branded device will have Clear.fi embedded, and can instantly join the wireless home network and share stored multimedia," added Acer.</P><br /><P>"Take a photo on your smartphone and when you get home, it will be available straight away on your notebook or TV. Edit a video on your PC and you can watch it back on your TV straight away. </P><br /><P>"When a friend comes to visit you with his wedding album, Clear.fi immediately detects his notebook and the image library; just select where you want the content appear be played and it's done."</P><br /><P><STRONG>It's alive!</STRONG></P><br /><P><STRONG><img alt="Alive" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/classifications/computing/images/Alive_Homepage-420-90.jpg" width="420"></IMG><BR></STRONG></P><br /><P>The 'alive' store is a 'collaboration with key partners' and "lets users discover and enjoy a rich variety of digital content." </P><br /><P>"Alive provides them with content related to their personal interests, whether it's music, movies, books or games. </P><br /><P>"Last but not least, as alive content is managed directly by content providers, it is instantly updated any time there is something new and relevant, allowing users to be constantly up to speed with their interests."</P><br /><P>Do we need another web store and cloud server? Depends on how it integrates with our digital lives.</P>

Acer announces Clear.fi cloud server and alive store

Acer has announced Clear.fi, an 'innovative content sharing platform, and 'alive' a next generation store alongside a host of ne...

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Rumour: Beatles to take iTunes into the cloud

<img src="http://cdn.mos.techradar.com//classifications/computing/mac/images/itunes-store-eminem-200-200.jpg"><br /><P>Apple is set to make a series of major iTunes-related announcements today, with rumours circulating that <EM>The Beatles' </EM>back catalogue is finally set to arrive on the service.</P><br /><P>Reuters cites unnamed sources claiming that the Fab Four's tunes will finally be arriving on iTunes this week.</P><br /><P><STRONG>EMI about to play ball?</STRONG></P><br /><P>There have been prolonged negotiations between Apple and EMI for years to try to get The Beatles on iTunes. It looks like there might have finally been a breakthrough announcement reached.</P><br /><P>Apple and EMI Group Ltd have both declined to comment on the rumours.</P><br /><P>Apple teased the iTunes announcement on its website earlier this week, with the announcement set for 3pm GMT later today.</P><br /><P>Apple's <a href="http://www.techradar.com/news/computing/apple/apple-itunes-announcement-major-update-incoming-908358">message</A> read: "Tomorrow is just another day. That you'll never forget." </P><br /><P>Since launch back in 2003, Apple has sold over 10 billion tunes via its iTunes store. </P><br /><P>The company is also expected to announce some cloud-based element to iTunes later today, following the acquisition of streaming service LaLa back in 2009. </P><br /><P>"There's been a lot of speculation about iTunes.com, with the cloud. I'm not sure if that's ready. It's really more around partnerships, content partnerships, before they can announce anything," claims Kaufman Bros analyst Shaw Wu.</P><br /><P>Stay tuned just after 3pm for the news.</P>

Rumour: Beatles to take iTunes into the cloud

Apple is set to make a series of major iTunes-related announcements today, with rumours circulating that The Beatles' back catalogue is ...

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Controlling Enterprise Mobility in the Cloud

<br /> <p>According to a recent Gartner survey, as reported by InfoWorld, Cloud Computing was mentioned as one of the top two technology priorities for CIOs in 2010. What's also interesting is that on the Top 10 list is also security technologies.</p><p>The concept of cloud computing is not new. The economic viability of this model is quite compelling for many enterprises, with the Gartner survey also mentioning cost reduction and improved workforce effectiveness as two of the top 10 CIO business priorities. However, concerns around security and relinquishing control over sensitive corporate data have been stalling the widespread adoption of cloud computing in the last couple of years. But, becoming clear is that the cloud computing era is approaching fast. And here's why.</p><p>Past experience has taught us that economic viability is a strong driver for innovation, and that drive will prevail over technical challenges. One example is the shift from mainframe computing paradigm, which dominated the marketplace in the 80s, to the client-server paradigm, which prevailed in the 90s. The mainframe generation was characterized by silos of data and voice communications. In this generation, dumb terminals used to connect to proprietary mainframes for specific yet limited computing applications, with voice, video and data running on completely segregated networks. The mainframe paradigm was simple and secure, with enterprises being fully in control of access privileges to data and applications.</p><p>However, the economic benefits of unifying voice, video, and data applications on a single converged network became a stronger, more prevailing force. Continuing this example, the client-server paradigm galvanized the adoption of TCP/IP worldwide, which in turn spurred the development of the internet and unified communications.</p><p>These same concepts are applicable to the cloud computing industry. The economic viability of pay-as-you-go for virtually unlimited elastic computing resources, required for fast and efficient implementation of IT projects, will overcome the security concerns. The fact that existing cloud computing vendors are prospering and that major new players are entering the cloud computing market, is yet another indication that this industry is beginning to emerge successfully across the chasm.</p><p>This market growth is an indication that the adoption of the technology is shifting from the early adaptors, who are visionary in nature, to the pragmatic early majority. There is ample evidence that cloud computing is gaining momentum. Amazon is substantially growing their Elastic Compute Cloud and S3 services and a stock price appreciating over 175% from January 2009; Google Apps Engine is challenging the Microsoft domination of the office applications, and Salesforce-dot-com's stock price is appreciating over 180% in the last year, There are also new major players who are entering this market, including IBM with Blue Cloud and AT&T with Synaptic Hosting, and the expectation is that other major Service Providers will be adding cloud services to their portfolio in 2010.</p><p>Independent of whether your corporation is an early adaptor or an early majority company, if you will be adopting cloud computing technologies in the foreseeable future, then an interesting question to ponder would be: "How would the adoption of cloud computing and SaaS applications impact the enforcement of corporate security policies for mobile users?"</p><p>The traditional approach to enforcing corporate access security is to require mobile users accessing the corporate LAN to launch either SSL VPN or IPSec VPN clients. With these technologies, tunnels are established at the application or network layer respectively to ensure confidentiality of data traversing these VPNs. The challenge of this approach is that mobile workers who use their corporate remote access devices to access the internet either don't launch their VPN clients, or their sessions are routed directly to internet through a split tunnel connection provisioned on access routers.</p><p>When remote users are accessing the corporate LAN through VPN, they are protected by firewalls with UTM (Unified Threat Management) functionality. This is not the case, however, when the users connect directly to the Internet. In this case, they are exposed to a multitude of risks, including viruses, phishing, and spyware.</p><p>A practical example of this risk would be the following scenario. Consider that you are using your corporate laptop to log from your home into the Dolphin Stadium and the Miami Dolphins team website to purchase tickets for the 2010 Super Bowl football game. What you don't know is that this web site has been hacked into (based on a real scenario*), and it downloads and installs a malicious code on your laptop. This code acts as Trojan and can install a keylogger code and disable the anti-virus application on your laptop. After purchasing your tickets to the Super Bowl, you decide it's time to get some work done and log into your Google Apps. Unfortunately, your password to Google Apps is captured by the keylogger and compromised at that time. This scenario could have been avoided with a mobile connection manager blocking the remote access to Google Apps after detecting that the Antivirus application is disabled.</p><p>As the control point in the cloud computing era is shifting from VPN to internet connection, the connection manager will be required to enforce corporate policies for endpoint security. The recently announced iPass Open Mobile Platform has been designed with this paradigm shift in mind. The Open Mobile Client is always running on the mobile device, which enables it to become the ultimate control point for all mobility purposes, regardless of whether the accessed applications reside in the cloud or on the corporate LAN.</p><p>The client in most cases is transparent to the end users, enforcing policies in the background. Policies may include optimal network selection, launching and passing on user credentials to VPN clients, and performing end-point integrity checks and remediation. The ECA (Event Condition Action) functionality on the Open Mobile Client empowers IT administrators to enforce corporate endpoint security policies. ECA is used to enforce both pre- and post-connect policies and spans across all integrated technologies (e.g. VPNs) and application (e.g. UTM apps running on the mobile device).</p><p>*Based on a real hacking scenario, please refer to the PC World website for the article "Super Bowl Related Websites Hacked." or <a href="http://www.pcworld.com/article/128750/super_bowlrelated_web_sites_hacked.html" rel="nofollow" target="_new">http://www.pcworld.com/article/128750/super_bowlrelated_web_sites_hacked.html</a>.</p> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /><br /> <p>By Michael Segal, iPass.<br> iPass Inc. helps enterprises and individuals unify the management of remote and mobile connectivity. With iPass software and services, enterprise customers can create easy-to-use wireless and broadband solutions for their mobile workers, home offices, and branch and retail locations, complete with web-based management, security validation, and unified billing. Visit us at <a href="http://www.ipass.com" target="_new">http://www.ipass.com</a>, or blog at: <a href="http://www3.ipass.com/blog" target="_new">http://www3.ipass.com/blog</a> or find a hotspot at: ipass.jiwire.com</p> <br />

Controlling Enterprise Mobility in the Cloud

According to a recent Gartner survey, as reported by InfoWorld, Cloud Computing was mentioned as one of the top two technology priorities...

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How Cloud Computing Can Cut Data Center Costs

<br /> <p>Cloud computing is the use of computer resources over the Internet, utilizing a remote, dynamic, and scalable computing system. Computer servers provide managed IT services to users remotely, offering a technology infrastructure without requiring an investment in physical computing resources. Essentially, computing systems are available through Internet access rather than expensive in-house systems.</p><p>Data center services -- from data storage to data protection and disaster recovery -- are available without a costly, dedicated IT department. Instead of having a server room and a complex assortment of computing devices to run business systems, all IT services are available remotely. This paradigm is a massive cost saver because it eliminates the large up-front capital expense of an in-house data center as well as the ongoing operational expense of computer and software maintenance and upgrades, and the IT staff to manage them. Companies that take advantage of cloud computing leverage efficiencies to reduce their operating costs and pass those savings onto their clients.</p><p><strong>Eliminating Capital Expenditures</strong></p><p>The use of cloud computing eliminates the need for capital expenses involved in information technology. Through cloud computing, IT infrastructure including hardware, software, and services are offered on a utility or subscription plan. This enables any company to have world-class IT infrastructure without having to set up a single piece of hardware or install any software. These benefits nearly totally eliminate barriers to end-user access to necessary services. With managed IT services delivered through the Cloud, costs are tied to use, not physical assets; there is not an up-front set-up or operational cost that would be commensurate with actual use.</p><p>With remote access to managed IT services through cloud computing, the burden of infrastructure and management are removed from the end user company. World-class design, implementation, and management are handled by the IT service provider as are hardware, software, and firmware. The cloud computing option can more easily adapt to technology innovation and eradicates downtime by employing virtualized resources and redundant systems. Cloud computing offers leading edge capabilities, allowing users to take advantage of technology innovation without the risk inherit in an in-house roll-out. Generally, the cloud computing IT service provider features an expert IT support and service department available 24x7x365 to monitor, report, and correct any issues. This eliminates the risk that the end user organization will be crippled by a problem which their potentially smaller IT department could not immediately resolve.</p><p><strong>Managing Operating Expenses</strong></p><p>In many rental or leasing programs, the operating costs for the equipment is roughly identical if the equipment was instead bought out-right; the fundamental savings are on the capital expense side. However, with cloud computing, operating expenses can actually be lower than a similar system installed in-house.</p><p>For example, the average business runs its data center 10 hours a day. During off-hours, the system is typically idle. With cloud computing, IT infrastructure and managed IT services can be utilized around the clock. Computing power is constantly available, maximizing efficiency. This cost savings is passed on to the cloud computing customer. This setup is similar to having a traditional IT department leasing their services during off-hours, reducing costs for everyone involved.</p><p>Personnel costs are streamlined in the same manner. Most IT implementations do not require a full IT department for routine support, but do need more manpower during outages, upgrades and turnarounds, peak usage loads, or when problems arise. With cloud computing, the IT service provider offers a dedicated. 24x7x365 workforce for data center and managed IT services fields a constant volume of work, offering further reductions to operating costs in relation to in-house technology systems.</p><p><strong>Security</strong></p><p>Data security has rapidly moved into the forefront of most people's minds. From identity theft to corporate espionage and the vandalism of government websites, the safeguards on computer systems have become as important as the lock on the front door.</p><p>A data center or colocation facility is well-suited to handling the latest security threats and viruses. They are inherently more responsive and flexible because it is their core business. In addition to managing against malignant attacks and natural disasters, data protection, backup, and disaster recovery are vital to any business and its critical customer and operational data. . After just one incident where months or years worth of information is lost, any manager readily appreciates the need for meticulous backups and redundancy.</p><p>Ultimately, cloud computing leverages technological efficiencies to offer remote services with lower operating costs while eliminating an end user's capital investments. The managed IT services provided are of top quality and are readily accessible through always-on Internet portals. Dedicated staff, hardware, and software solutions are utilized in an on-demand configuration for safe, secure, and effective data storage and management.</p> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /><br /> <p>Steve Bulmer is CTO and an author for Consonus, a solutions provider of <a href="http://www.consonus.com/" target="_new">data center services</a>, IT consulting and infrastructure and managed services. Consonus offers <a href="http://www.consonus.com/data-centers/data-center-virtualization.aspx" target="_new">cloud computing</a> virtual systems tailor-made to fit any business need.</p> <br />

How Cloud Computing Can Cut Data Center Costs

Cloud computing is the use of computer resources over the Internet, utilizing a remote, dynamic, and scalable computing system. Computer ...

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Cloud Computing - What it is and How it Works

<br /> <p>Nowadays, the concept of Cloud Computing is an emerging IT delivery model. It is a rising computing technology that uses both the Internet, and central remote servers, located within the Internet, to maintain data and applications. The technology lets consumers, enterprises and businesses, to use applications, without having any need for software, or hardware installation, providing an always on access capability, to their files at any computer with Internet access, at any place and any time.</p><p>The Internet is basically the, "cloud" for all the applications, and services that are available to be accessed by subscribers. A person simply has to log into their desired computer application - for example, a sales force or office automation program, a web service, a data storage service, spam filtering, or blog sites. Usually, you get access to these programs by monthly or annually paid subscriptions. This technology allows for far more efficient computing by centralizing storage, memory, and processing.</p><p>Cloud computing, basically consists of hardware, and software resources, which are made available on the Internet. These are specifically known as cloud computing services. These services normally, provide access to advanced software applications, and high-end networks of server computers. The services of this technology can be chiefly divided into three categories: Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS).</p><p>Cloud computing has become very significant, in the IT and business world. This is due to the countless benefits driven from this concept. Advantages can be obtained from this massive web infrastructure by both small and medium sized businesses. Moreover, many huge enterprises and governments are now shifting towards cloud computing, because of its greater significance and importance.</p><p>Cloud Computing, is in frenzy these days, because it can considerably reduce IT costs and other technology complexities, whilst improving workload optimization, and service delivery. The technology is extremely scalable. It provides a superior user experience.</p><p>Furthermore, it hardly requires any time to be arranged, and established since there is no need to buy hardware, software licenses or their implementation services. Also unlike other services, there are only skilled practitioners, dealing in cloud computing. Normally, whenever any technology becomes all the rage and is recognized, a lot of people start to become more interested in it. In the case of cloud computing, vendors; specifically the more reputable ones, offer their customers very reliable services, with unlimited storage and computing capacity. Some of these vendors include Microsoft, Google, IBM, Yahoo Inc. etc.</p><p>In cloud computing, there are two basic general types of clouds: public cloud and private cloud. A public cloud, typically sells services to anyone on the Internet. Anyone can use it. There is usually no or very little privacy as such involved in it. A private cloud on the other hand, is usually a proprietary network, or a data center that provides hosted services to a restricted number of people. When a service provider uses public cloud resources, to create a private cloud, the result is often called a virtual private cloud or a hybrid.</p><p>Cloud Computing offers a significant amount of potential benefits but at the same time a balance has to be maintained on the downsides of using this technology such as diminished privacy and control of your data.</p> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /><br /> <p>Please read more at <a href="http://theCloudComputingAdvisor.com" target="_new">http://theCloudComputingAdvisor.com</a> the blog that has been created to answer your questions. Please submit your comments and feedback.</p> <br />

Cloud Computing - What it is and How it Works

Nowadays, the concept of Cloud Computing is an emerging IT delivery model. It is a rising computing technology that uses both the Interne...

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Introduction to Cloud Computing

<br /> <p><strong>1. Introduction to Cloud Computing</strong></p><p>Cloud computing refers to both the applications delivered as services over the Internet and the hardware and systems software in the data centers that provide those services. The data center hardware and software is what we will call a Cloud. Cloud computing is relatively new concept and it has become popular recently. Cloud leverages virtualization technology and in the essence of Cloud computing there is a logical separation between different nodes, each node appears as a different physical machine to the user. Unlike grid computing, it makes several distributed computers connected together to form a big logical computer which can handle large amount of data and computation. In case of Cloud computing the virtualization technology makes it possible to have each node appear as separate physical machine allowing user to load custom software and operating system on each node and configure custom rules for each node.</p><p>The idea of Cloud computing is evolved from parallel processing, distributed computing and grid computing. There is a bit similarity between them but they work differently. Although Cloud computing is an emerging field of computer science, the idea has been around for a few years. It's called Cloud computing because the data and applications exist on a "cloud" of Web servers. To simplify the concept, Cloud computing can be defined as simply the sharing and use of applications and resources of a network environment to get work done without concern about ownership and management of the network's resources and applications. According to Scale, with Cloud computing, computer resources for getting work done and their data are no longer stored on one's personal computer, but are hosted elsewhere to be made accessible in any location and at any time.</p><p><strong>2. Related Technology Comparison</strong></p><p>2.1. Grid computing A form of distributed computing and parallel computing, whereby a 'super and virtual computer' is composed of a cluster of networked, loosely coupled computers acting in concert to perform very large tasks</p><p>2.2. Utility computing The packaging of computing resources, such as computation and storage, as a metered service similar to a traditional public utility, such as electricity.</p><p>2.3. Autonomic computing</p><p>Computer systems capable of self management.</p><p>3. General mechanism</p><p>Cloud computing using information technology as a services over the network. The concept generally encompasses of Infrastructure as a service (IaaS), Platform as a service (PaaS) Hardware as a Service (HaaS) and Software as a service (SaaS). It can be the ability to rent a server or servers and run a geophysical modeling application available anywhere. It can be the ability to (S Rupley, 2009) rent a virtual server, load software on it, turn it on and off at will, or clone it to meet a sudden workload demand. It can be storing and securing large amounts of data that is accessible only by authorized applications and users. It can be supported by a cloud provider that sets up a platform with the ability to scale automatically in response to changing workloads. It can be using a storage cloud to hold application, business, and personal data. And it can be the ability to use a handful of Web services to integrate photos, maps, and GPS information to create a front page in customer Web browsers.</p><p>In a cloud computing system, there is a significant workload shift. Local computers no longer have to run applications. The network of computers that make up the cloud handles them instead. In this situation the demand of hardware and software on the user's side is decreased. Let the cloud take care of it. The only thing that local computers should aware is the interface software that will run the application. Today's, a Web Browser such as Mozilla Firefox and Internet Explorer 8 is widely use as an interface software in cloud computing system.</p><p>The truth is, internet users already used some form of cloud computing. If they have an email account with a Webbased email service like Hotmail, Yahoo! Mail or Gmail, then they had some experience with cloud computing. Instead of running an email program on a local computer, user will log in to a Web email account remotely. The software and storage for the account does not exist in the local computer it is on the service's computer cloud.</p><p>4. Key characteristic of Cloud Computing</p><p>Currently, there is no standard definition or specification for Cloud Computing. It may take some time to define the key characteristics of Cloud Computing based on practices in the field.Based on practices in the areas of service provisioning and solution design, the following two key enabling technologies could play a vital role in this revolutionary phase of cloud computing:</p><p>4.1. Virtualization technology</p><p>Virtualization technology works to handle on how the image of the operating system, middleware, and application procreated and allocated to a physical machine or part of the server stack away. The virtualization technology can also help reuse licenses of operating systems, middleware, or software applications, once a subscriber releases their service from the Cloud Computing platform.</p><p>4.2. Service Oriented Architecture (SOA).</p><p>A service oriented architecture is essentially a collection of services. These services communicate with each other. The communication can involve either simple data passing or it could involve two or more services coordinating some activity. Some means of connecting services to each other is needed. The evolution of a system or software architecture is now moving towards services oriented, unlike several decades ago most of the application is stand alone and purposely for single use. Recently, the gigantic growth of the internet user and internet technology availability the use of software now can be rented. Giant company such as Google, Microsoft, Sun or even Amazon have this capability provide software services instead of selling the software directly to user. The SOA is software or system architecture that addressing componentization, reusability, extensibility, and flexibility. These entire characteristic is a fundamentals need for company that are looking for reducing cost and opt to rent instead of purchase.</p> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /><br /> <p><a href="http://www.zuraidin.com/2010/04/cloud-computing.html" target="_new">Cloud Computing full document</a></p> <br />

Introduction to Cloud Computing

1. Introduction to Cloud Computing Cloud computing refers to both the applications delivered as services over the Internet and the hardwa...

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Fog - Bringing Cloud Computing Down to Earth

<br /> <p>Many business executives are probably wondering why their IT staff has such a sudden interest in the weather. On a sunny afternoon, they're equally perplexed by all the references to clouds. In this perspective, we'll help you decipher what they're talking about, why you should care, and how you should proceed.</p><p>What is the Cloud?</p><p>First the "Cloud" is not a thing; it's a method of delivering IT computing services. There is no new device called the "Cloud". But, a cloud delivered solution does have a physical presence; it sits on hardware and runs software just like the servers sitting in your data center today. The difference is how it's done as much as where it's done.</p><p>Cloud computing relies on the virtualization of servers (taking a physical server and subdividing it into a number of virtual servers which each operate independently on the same physical device), storage virtualization through SAN's (storage area networks), and networking (internet, VPN, LAN, WAN). These technologies are combined and engineered to then provide a solution that provides the experience of independent, physical infrastructure.</p><p>Second, while there are a variety of experts and providers talking about Cloud Computing, you're not going to find a single definition. One man's cloud is another's hosted server farm. We're not going to claim our definitions are the final answer, but they are consistent with what you will find in the marketplace today and where it is likely to be moving toward.</p><p>In our view, Cloud computing comes in a few flavors; Public Clouds, Private Clouds, and Multi-tenant Clouds.</p><p>Public Clouds have been with us for a while. If you use Gmail, Google Applications, Hotmail, or host your website with Microsoft (as UPi does), you're using Cloud computing. The hardware and applications are residing someplace else and you're sharing those resources with a lot of other people. You connect (typically over the internet) and make use of these services at dramatically lower cost than you could ever hope to duplicate them yourself. Think if we all had to run our own Exchange servers for email or keep technicians on staff to support a small business website, not practical.</p><p>Private Clouds are the other end of the spectrum. A business has a group of servers and business applications that its various departments, operating units and sites all connect to. These connections can be over the internet, VPN, local area networks, or wide area networks, it doesn't matter. The computing resources are centralized and everybody in that business is using them. It also doesn't matter where these servers are, they can be in a company's data center, at a co-location data center owned by somebody else, or even running on hardware provided by a 3rd party in that company's data center. What makes the Cloud the Cloud in this case, versus just a central data center, is the nuances of how the servers, storage and networks are configured and interconnected to achieve the benefits of Cloud computing.</p><p>Multi-tenant Clouds are the hybrid answer and where we will truly start so see something radically different from how we've traditionally thought of IT. In this Multi-tenant environment, you're sharing resources, but think of it more as a car pool than a public bus. The Multi-tenant Cloud provider subdivides the Cloud resources amongst its customers. This subdivision method varies by provider and is a key consideration when a business goes looking for these services. All the customers on the Cloud are sharing the big pool of resources but with "fences" and "swim lanes" and other methods of security and control, customer data and processing is separated and protected.</p><p>Lastly, you may also hear talk of Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS). Cloud computing is one type of IaaS. A hosted server model in which the provider owns the equipment, hosts it at their data center, and provides the services to manage the infrastructure would also fall under the IaaS umbrella. The pricing model, availability, and flexibility would be different than a Cloud, but its still infrastructure provided as a service vs. physically delivered and owned or leased by you.</p><p>Why do I care?</p><p>Now that we've confused you and you're reaching for the aspirin bottle, let's take a second to say why a business should care about this. The answer is three fold: Availability, Flexibility and Cost.</p><p>A properly engineered Cloud solution is highly available. Individual servers share the load with other servers and if one fails the other one picks up the slack. In theory, you would never experience any down time due to server failure so long as the Cloud itself still exists (remember the Cloud does reside on physical devices and can be destroyed or incapacitated just like any physical thing). Similarly, data storage is configured using RAID (not the bug spray) technologies that allow for redundancy of the data so that a single hardware failure on the storage device won't bring your business to a halt. This is really cool, but really complicated stuff that requires very experienced technical engineers to design, configure, build and maintain. In other words, don't try this at home unless you have a very talented staff.</p><p>Now, we just said the Cloud is highly available unless something happens to the Cloud. This is not meant to be an oxymoron. The Cloud lives on servers and sits in a data center some place. That data center could become unusable; fire, weather destruction, extended power loss, loss of connectivity. If that occurs, your highly available Cloud isn't so available. In this case, you either need a traditional disaster recovery solution, or a provider who offers a more robust solution such as data replication to a second Cloud in a second (distant) data center. With a replicated solution, you could quickly (think an hour or less not days) bring your systems back up on the second Cloud with limited data loss from the point the first Cloud went puff.</p><p>Along with Availability, Cloud computing can provide a high degree of Flexibility. Since the Cloud is a pool of resources, a business could spin up new servers in minutes not days. No need to go acquire a new piece of server hardware, wait for delivery, install it in a rack, connect it to your network, and load your system. In a Cloud environment, you should be able to just create the new server environment on the already existing physical infrastructure in a matter of minutes. Similarly, if you only need the environment for a short period of time, say a test environment for some project, when you're done you can just turn it off and go back to using what you need without having an expensive asset sitting there unused. For businesses with wide swings in processing demands due to seasonality, new product launch or other business drivers, this flexibility can be very effective. Turn on the new servers for the peak holiday season, then turn them off in January and quit carrying that cost.</p><p>This then leads us to the third benefit, Cost. We already talked about the cost saving from not having to have infrastructure sitting around for peak seasonal demand, but even without a seasonal demand driver, studies have shown that as much as 80% of available server capacity sits idol at any point in time. That means that on average your business has a huge amount of capacity (and investment) doing nothing most of the day/week/month/year.</p><p>With virtualization technologies, you can squeeze some of this excess capacity out by simply sharing the servers among your own applications. A Private Cloud would achieve the same result except that you would have a 3rd party providing the platform to your business with possibly greater efficiency and effectiveness than you might be able to achieve with a limited in-house IT organization. Multi-tenant Cloud computing takes it one step further by allowing that sharing to be among multiple enterprises.</p><p>Ultimately, the true nirvana state will be when you pay for only what you use, a "Utility" model. The industry isn't quite there yet so any Cloud you get today will have some excess built into it, but the direction is clear.</p><p>The end result is lower capital cost, lower software and maintenance costs, and lower operating costs. Add these direct cost savings to the intangible savings associated with high availability and less business disruption from unplanned outages, and the business case for moving to a Cloud environment can be compelling.</p><p>How do I get there?</p><p>At the beginning of this Perspective, we said that there wasn't a single definition of the Cloud. One man's Cloud is another's hosted solution. Therefore the trick in moving to the Cloud is really determining if that's what you're getting or is it just a more sophisticated hosted services solution. Not to say the latter is bad, just that the key thing to understand is what you're buying.</p><p>Therefore, ask these key questions:</p><p>1. What is/are the unit(s) of measure that I would be billed for?<br /><br>2. How do you determine how many I need to start with?<br /><br>3. How do you/I determine if the amount is sufficient for my needs now and as time goes on and my business changes?<br /><br>4. In what increments can I obtain additional capacity as my business grows?<br /><br>5. How often can I add/subtract capacity and what is the lead time?<br /><br>6. What redundancy for the Cloud is offered and how do I assess what's right for my business?</p><p>The answers to these questions will help you quickly identify if you're looking at a Cloud.</p><p>In addition to determining the real service being offered, you'll need to do the same due diligence as any traditional hosting services contract; review the providers processes for managing the service, visit the data centers and ensure they are adequately configured/secured, review the providers service level agreements, and check references closely. Because of the shared nature of the Cloud, you'll also need to delve a little deeper into a few areas; security and data protection, roles and responsibilities for management of the various layers of technology, and technology refresh and advancement approach and commitment. Finally, since you'll be moving from where you are to a new environment, you'll need a good explanation and understanding of the migration process; approach, checks and balances, time frames, your labor commitment, and costs. To move an enterprise of any size is going to be a complex undertaking, make sure you and your provider have a firm understanding of what's entailed.</p><p>Summary:</p><p>To recap, in this Perspective we provided a definition for the Cloud and outlined three types (Public, Private and Multi-tenant). We talked about the advantages of moving to a Cloud environment and the key things to consider in moving in that direction.</p><p>As we said, the concept of the Cloud is really quite simple but the underlying technologies and their integration is quite complex. To create a truly Multi-tenant environment with all of the protections and security found on independent servers and the assurances of performance, availability, and redundancy required is a very complex undertaking. Selecting the right provider with the expertise to do this is ultimately the key to achieving the promised benefits of the Cloud.</p> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /><br /> <p>Mr. Urban is the Founder and Managing Partner of UPi> Urban Partners, Inc. UPi is dedicated to maximizing the success of all involved parties by creating and utilizing a collaborative environment between our team members and clients and within our communities. Leveraging the experience of our team in the service of our clients, we bring to mid-size businesses and organizations the deep business and IT knowledge and experience typically only available to much larger enterprises. We provide the level of experience that can be found in the large consulting firms to the small and midsized organization. UPi's mission is to provide senior executive level experience on, and only on, an as needed basis to its clients and make its charges proportional to the value delivered. With over 25 years of business management experience, Gary has delivered high value to his broad range of companies across multiple industries. He has held executive positions with global consulting organizations (Accenture and Capgemini) and multi-national corporations, including the position of VP IT for Ryder Transportation Services. In addition, he has established UPi and been a partner in another startup business that was later sold to a global company. During his career he has worked with companies in a variety of industries. His experience includes work on strategic business planning, IT management, outsource services management and delivery, business process design, operations strategy, and general project management. Gary holds a Bachelor of Science in Business and a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Florida.</p> <br />

Fog - Bringing Cloud Computing Down to Earth

Many business executives are probably wondering why their IT staff has such a sudden interest in the weather. On a sunny afternoon, they...

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Cloud Computing - What and How

<br /> <p>It was always very interesting to know about information and technology. Living in contemporary society is difficult if you don't know anything about information and technology because it is around us. This discussion will be something like the network computer architecture clouds. We will discuss it about what and how it works.</p><p>Internet computing is a cloud on the computer system. Note that this concept will change from mainframe computer system to client-server computer system. The average consumer will no need to get directions for their computer's cloud supported. If somebody looking at the diagram, the ordinary website like everyone using would be like it. However, it is all relatives, even though they are separated. Programs can be obtained via Internet because the cloud server is on the internet. The cloud computing user doesn't have to install it on the computer they owned. So, this cloud can be describe as the internet is a cloud. Other related services or applications in many locations can be connected because it has internet connection.</p><p>If the users using these services, it will save their money a lot. With this system, they don't need to own all of the hardware or software, they only have to rent both of them which it resource necessary or which has been used for their requirement. And it is more comfortable for everyone to access their software through the secure access internet provided by cloud computing. So this entire structure can be described as cloud computing architecture. Cloud depends on the application interface elements which communicate it one to each other. Front and rear of the two main components of this structure. Front of the computer is the interface seen by the client while in the back is the cloud.</p><p>Cloud computing developed while the ideas of computer can be used by the public is come. The power sector industry or electricity industry and private and public usage, complete the government ideas of the cloud computing. They are obviously the dream comes true. By using the concept, cloud is extending from the telephone company.</p><p>In almost every field of entrepreneurship, as a computer system requires this cloud technology to be played in a key role for information technology. Information is now a needs for the people, the current technology can provide that, but with the cheaper cost it will be better.</p><p>Obsolete within a year or two, that is an old model of computer system, and company may have to buy a computer again after that. But this model can cut the old computer system's budget every year or two and just make a simple order from the cloud provider available through the internet. This can connect millions of people to the internet with a very simple interface configurations. High pressure or huge jobs can be done while paying just for the resource used, saves some time and money.</p> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /><br /> <br />

Cloud Computing - What and How

It was always very interesting to know about information and technology. Living in contemporary society is difficult if you don't kno...

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The Definition of Cloud Computing

<br /> <p>Cloud computing is one of the IT industry's newest buzzwords. If you're anything like me, you're wondering what on earth it actually means, especially when authors like Nicholas Carr proclaim it the way of the future. I was so curious that I went out and did some research so I could figure out this new phenomenon for myself.</p><p>Splitting up the two words makes this term easier to understand. The cloud is generally understood to be the internet, and in short cloud computing means using the internet for all of your computer needs. Rather than having disc storage, software, and hardware of your own, you store all of your information on the internet. If you use a service like Hotmail or Google Mail (Gmail in the States), you're already doing it. That's because Google and Microsoft's email services store all of your files for you on their servers. In fact, Google is one of the biggest players in the game, as they have several software suites that are free for use on the internet, like Google Docs or Google Calendar.</p><p>These services are provided for free, but many companies want to make money off cloud computing by extending into businesses. Unsurprisingly, Microsoft is one of them, particularly because cloud computing will take away much of the proprietary benefit they gain from their many pre-installed Windows programs and operating system. Amazon is another provider; they already allow users to set up stores and sell items via their own websites without any additional need for storage, and they plan to expand into other areas of the market as well.</p><p>As a business model, users typically rent software and hardware facilities that they previously had to buy. Start-ups are already taking advantage of cloud computing because it significantly lowers their initial costs; no longer do they have to buy expensive hardware and software for each employee. It lowers the barrier for entry, though it may not be a cost-effective service for the long run. Consider it like renting an apartment before you save up the money for a down payment on a house.</p><p>Similarly, the cloud model doesn't make sense for larger companies who already own the necessary hardware and software. It would just be too expensive. In the future, however, some technology enthusiast are already envisioning cloud computing as a common utility like electricity or gas, completely eliminating the need to run servers or potentially even individual computers on your own. To me, however, this seems to be a number of years off.</p><p>How will users benefit from cloud computing when it does fully arrive? Well, for one thing, everyone would be able to access any of their files at any location. If you do some work from home, you'll no longer need a laptop or even a flash drive because everything you could access at home will also be available to you at work. Like webmail services, your information will automatically sync because it's all stored in the same place. Perhaps information will also be cheaper, but no one quite knows where this revolution is headed - yet.</p> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /><br /> <p>Meghan Burton is a professional copywriter writing on behalf of <a href="http://www.octaviais.co.uk/" target="_new">Octavia IT services</a>.</p> <br />

The Definition of Cloud Computing

Cloud computing is one of the IT industry's newest buzzwords. If you're anything like me, you're wondering what on earth it a...

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