Cloud Computing
Cloud Computing is arising at the intersection of grid computing models and virtualization of hardware and new software architectures like service-oriented architecture. What it means is that applications are a product of software delivered as a service to massively distributed hardware over ubiquitous networks.
Our coverage of cloud computing includes several key sub-themes ranging from new hardware and software architectures to the enabling communications infrastructure. There are a few key requirement for Cloud Computing to become a reality. These include:
- Service Oriented Archiecture (SOA) for software and hardware. This is also key to allowing resources to be delivered on-demand as a service.
- Ubiquitous Broadband Networks. Networks are the backplane of the Cloud Computing model. Opportunities in networking range from the single device level to wide-area networks and fiber.
- Solutions to The Binding Problem. While Cloud Computing allows for essentially unlimited utility, it comes only with the ability to bind functions to objects in an extremely diverse and distributed environment.
Cloud Computing creates opportunities for new applications, delivery methods and business models. However there is still much groundwork to be done. Unreliable networks, conflicting standards, security challenges and legacy software are obstacles to rapid progress.
Still this computing model will become the standard framework for the design and delivery of applications over time.