Reading Assignment #8

Title: 7 Things You Should Know About Cloud Computing

Publisher: Educause

URL: "7 Things You Should Know About Cloud Computing". Educause. 2009 August. Retrieved August 1, 2011.

Abstract of the article:

Cloud computing is the delivery of scalable IT resources over the Internet, as opposed to hosting and operating those resources locally, such as on a college or university network. Those resources can include applications and services, as well as the infrastructure on which they operate. By deploying IT infrastructure and services over the network, an organization can purchase these resources on an as-needed basis and avoid the capital costs of software and hardware. With cloud computing, IT capacity can be adjusted quickly and easily to accommodate changes in demand. Cloud computing also allows IT providers to make IT costs transparent and thus match consumption of IT services to those who pay for such services. Operating in a cloud environment requires IT leaders and staff to develop different skills, such as managing contracts, overseeing integration between in-house and outsourced services, and mastering a different model of IT budgets.

Three things I learned from my Reading Assignment:

• Cloud computing relies on applications and file storage that resides on a network (usually the internet itself), and is being maintained by a host provider.
• Cloud computing would be a good alternative for those institutions who can't afford to purchase their own servers, or those who have limited resources.
• Although cloud computing technology brings convenience to cloud users, there are still issues that need consideration such as privacy, security, intellectual property, etc.

Application / Implication of the new things I learned to my work / to me as a person:

Upon learning that I am already a cloud user, I will continue using this technology because of its many advantages. However, knowing that it has also its disadvantages, I will use it with caution.