Cloud Development Services and Storage

      Cloud computing applications are limitless. If a cloud has the right middle ware, it is possible to run any program from the cloud. These applications range from the normal word processing programs to custom made programs meant to be used by specific organizations. The question that remains on everybody’s mind is why anyone would consider running programs on the cloud and storing data in the cloud instead of storing data on a local hard drive. There are several reasons why storing data and running applications in the cloud is better than doing the same in a local computer.

     One of the reasons why using the cloud is better is because of the fact that a customer can access data and applications from anywhere in the globe as long as there is internet connection. Therefore accessibility is a major factor when choosing to migrate to the cloud. This is much better considering the fact that many organizations that have not yet adopted cloud services use corporate network to store data or run their applications. Another reason for choosing cloud computing applications is because of the fact that it really brings the cost of operations down. Cloud computing eliminates the need for advanced infrastructure on the side of the customer. Therefore, a customer does not need very fast computers in order to run applications that require high performance machines. The cloud will take care of that. All one requires is just an average computer and internet in order to access the web. There is also no need for one to buy a hard drive with a large capacity since all the data will be stored in the cloud.

     Organizations can gain a lot by moving to the cloud. Instead of buying specific set of software in order to run day to day applications, the cloud gives such organizations a wide array of computer applications to choose from. All the organization will have to do is just to pay a certain fee to the cloud service provider.

     Cloud computing is an emerging branch of computer science. It is referred to as cloud computing because the all the applications and data is in a cloud of web servers. Despite the fact that it is called an emerging field, the idea has been around for a while. Cloud computing architecture is divided into two parts; there is the back end and the front end. It is just like many content management systems such as Joomla or WordPress. There is the front end which is accessed by the users and the back end which is used by system administrators. These two sections of the cloud are connected to each other by a network. In most of the times the means of connecting these two is through the internet.

     The section that is accessed by the users, that is the side that the customer or the cloud user is able to see. The back end is the cloud part of the cloud architecture. The front section of the cloud is usually a mobile phone, a laptop, desktop or a computer network. This section also has all the applications   that are required in order to access the cloud services. Such applications include web browsers, email programs which use the web browsers and other programs that are unique in the way they operate according to the customer needs.

     The back section is made up of servers, computers and storage systems that make up the cloud system. Therefore, it is safe to assume that cloud computing involves all computer programs that can basically do anything ranging from crunching massive data as well to processing data for video game programs. For such a system to work seamlessly, each program is hosted on its own dedicated server. A central server is used for system administration. It is also responsible for monitoring traffic according to the shifting demands from the customers. The central server follows defined protocols and uses special software called middle ware in order to allow communication between different computers.

     Cloud storage has changed the way people store data. The traditional method of storing data by storing it in flash drives and hard drives but with the introduction of cloud services, data storage methods have changed. Cloud storage is considered one of the most convenient and safest ways of storing data. Data stored in the cloud can be accessed any where in the planet with any device that has the ability to connect to the internet. Cloud storage makes use of strong encryption methods in order to ensure that the data the safe. The cloud service providers provide strong encryption keys which ensure that all the files which are stored or downloaded can only be accessed to the person who has access to the cloud storage.

     One way of accessing the cloud storage services can be directly through the web browser. However, it is also possible to download a cloud storage application than can be run from a laptop, a desktop computer or even a mobile phone. However, in order for such an application to work with the cloud storage, there has to be an internet connection. With the files and other data stored in the cloud, it is possible for such files or data to be sent over the internet in an encrypted form. They are then decrypted once they are accessed by the person who was meant to receive them.

     There are many forms or applications that work with cloud storage. One of them is Dropbox. Dropbox offers its users up to 5 gigabytes of free data storage. It is also known for the way it integrates seamlessly with other applications thus making it very favorite to many cloud users. However, Dropbox has proved to be a soft target for hackers and people are usually discouraged from using Dropbox. Other cloud storage applications include Google drive. If we want to define cloud computing in a word then we have to say cloud computing is a service which provides the computer resources like hardware, software by a network system.