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Hybrid
A hybrid cloud is the integration of both private and public clouds. Under a hybrid cloud, an organization manages resources and operations locally while allocating other data to a public cloud service. Organizations that use public and private clouds get the best of both worlds such as scalability, cost-effectiveness, security and privacy protection from third party vulnerabilities. InfoWorld.com discusses how "using a hybrid model is a valuable approach to architecture, considering you can mix and match the resources between local infrastructure... with infrastructure that's scalable and provisioned on demand."
Programming Platforms
CloudComputingTopics.com describes programming platforms as advanced integrated systems and cloud solutions. Programmers can run and test applications and designs on these platforms. Platforms serve as a virtual environment where programmers can further fine-tune and implement versatile cloud solutions and applications for all types of operating systems. Developers who use a Paas (Platform as a service) can eliminate the risks, costs and complexities associated with using hardware, operation systems, web servers, and databases.
In the years to come, clouds are expected to significantly outweigh on-premise computing. Cloud Computing is expected to include security and penetration tests, disaster recovery services and even flexible Saas licensing models.
Green
Relying on a cloud delivery model on the Internet for accessing resources, sharing data and using software improves energy efficiency and reduces waste for a business. When an organization decides to deliver and acquire IT services using Cloud Computing, an organization eliminates the need for onsite hardware and data centers. As a result, an enterprise can reduce their energy consumption and lower carbon emissions. According to Forbes.com, the Carbon Disclosure Project estimates annual energy savings of $12.3 billion for U.S companies using Cloud Computing by 2020. For small businesses, Netmetix reports that energy costs can be cut by 90 percent.
Social Media
Social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter and Digg make up public Cloud Computing, which are IT resources and services that are operated by a third party and offered to users. Organizations that join a public cloud can distribute content, promote products and services, and strengthen public relations. A public cloud encourages a dialogue between customers and vendors in which businesses can research demographics, build credibility and promote their brand. Twitter as a public cloud offers trending topics and real-time updates for companies and customers to stay connected. Businesses can also emulate how social networks foster communication and productivity by adopting enterprise social networking such as Yammer.
Scalability
Businesses that use Cloud Computing for data storage and sharing benefit from its main feature: scalability. As opposed to hosting IT resources locally, Cloud Computing virtual infrastructures can be scaled to meet the specific needs of the business. Businesses have the control to upscale or downscale resources to quickly and easily accommodate business changes. With Cloud Computing, organizations only pay for the space that's used. Businesses can also depend on highly trained cloud experts who manage the data centers, monitor clouds and scale resources as needed.
Cost Reductions
Individuals and companies are turning to Cloud Computing not only for its ease of data accessibility and security but because of its economical benefits. Unlike traditional IT, Cloud Computing doesn't require installation costs and companies only pay for storage that's used. According to a global survey conducted by TNS, companies reported that 47 percent of operating costs decreased while efficiency increased by 52 percent.
Small Businesses
Small business have a lot to gain with Cloud Computing and integrated flexible applications. Businesses improve connectivity with outside partners, employee productivity and workload efficiency. Cloud Computing applications keep small businesses competitive and up-to-date with automated upgrades and affordable technological capabilities.
Mobile
Whether you're working with your smart phone, laptop or tablet, a company using a mobile cloud gives employees the opportunity to access work securely and remotely. Workers can work and access information using their mobile devices while away from an office and on-the-go. By investing in cloud computer applications, businesses can use mobile devices as tools for providing solutions and data anywhere, anytime. Google's acquisition of Motorola Mobility and the partnership between Nokia and Microsoft emphasize how Cloud Computing application accessibility via mobile capacities is in demand.
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
ERP deployment is providing information and solutions as automated activity and services available to companies anywhere with Internet connection. With ERP software, organizations can use integrated enterprise modules to manage operations, such as accounting, financing, inventory, sales and marketing. Enterprise modules are purchased separately to meet the needs and processes of business. With a resource management system, operations can be more easily handled and data can be easily stored and shared. Businesses can access information and resources effectively, efficiently and in real time.
Saas
Saas (Software as a service) is a delivery service model for enterprises, and an Saas provider hosts software and data on a cloud. Business users can also access various applications in the cloud, such as accounting, CRM, invoicing and HR, over a network or Internet. Known as "on-demand software," Saas provides easier administration, global availability and minimal IT troubleshooting. Using a third party and cloud, businesses depend less on traditional software and hardware that can be costly and inefficient. Core service models also include Paas (Platform as a service) and Iaas (Infrastructure as a service).