This article explains the concept and technical features of cloud computing and compares it to virtual libraries to help you understand it better. It also covers the economic benefits of cloud computing and the challenges it presents, with a discussion of security and ethical issues.
Understanding cloud computing through the lens of a virtual library
Cloud computing is a computer technology that allows users to access IT-related services, such as data storage and content usage, through servers on the Internet. Cloud computing, as we will explain, is a technology that is based on wireless networks and can be used anywhere, anytime, and is differentiated from cloud computing based on wired or local area networks, which are currently more or less widespread.
Consider the following hypothetical library, which has a large courier service that allows patrons to request certain books, the librarian locates the requested books, loads them into a courier vehicle, and delivers them to the patron’s desired location. Expensive or popular books cost more to borrow, while used or promotional books are free or relatively cheap to borrow. The library also keeps track of how far you’ve read a book and what notes you’ve taken, if you ask. If such a library existed, customers wouldn’t have to buy books or keep them in their libraries to read them.
Of course, we don’t have such a library, but it’s easy to understand the new features of cloud computing that make it different from traditional computing. The library refers to the Internet server of cloud computing, and the books refer to various applications (application software). Just as customers don’t have to buy books to read and keep them in their libraries, cloud computing users don’t have to buy the software they want to work with or download it to their devices. Therefore, if cloud computing becomes widely available, the storage space on everyone’s web-accessible devices – laptops, desktops, and smartphones – won’t need to be as large as it is today.
Social and economic impact of cloud computing
The adoption of cloud computing is expected to bring significant economic benefits not only to individuals, but also to society as a whole. Businesses will benefit from cost savings by not having to maintain traditional and expensive hardware infrastructure, while cloud-based software as a service (SaaS) will make it easier for small and medium-sized enterprises to adopt the latest technologies without the need for large investments. This speeds up the pace of innovation for businesses, which ultimately has a positive impact on economic growth.
Cloud computing is also helping to create new working environments, such as the proliferation of remote work. During the COVID-19 pandemic, working from home has become commonplace around the world, which has highlighted the importance of cloud computing. The ability to work from anywhere using cloud-based platforms has made it possible to get work done efficiently without the constraints of time and location.
Secondly, just as people who cannot afford to buy expensive books can borrow them from libraries, cloud computing allows users who cannot afford to buy expensive software to use it at a relatively low cost. Just as the market for smartphone applications has grown dramatically in recent years, the widespread adoption of cloud computing could breathe new life into the stagnant software market.
Finally, just as libraries keep track of how far you’ve read a book and what notes you’ve taken, so you don’t have to remember or write them down, you don’t have to store your work on your own web-accessible device or on a USB or other storage device. And just as libraries keep their books safe and secure, users can worry less about the security of their software and their data because their software is stored securely on cloud computing servers.
Security and ethical issues
Despite the convenience of cloud computing, security and ethical issues are still important to address. Since data is stored on a centralised server in a cloud computing environment, it’s at risk of being hacked or cyber-attacked. For example, if a cloud server is attacked, not only personal information but also sensitive corporate data can be compromised, which can significantly erode user trust. With stricter laws, especially around privacy, cloud service providers need to be more vigilant about data security.
The proliferation of cloud computing has also sparked an ethical debate about data ownership. Should data be considered the property of the individual user, or should the cloud provider retain some rights? Due to the nature of cloud computing, users do not physically own their data, so there is a need for transparency in how providers handle and manage data.
Addressing these issues requires not only technological advances, but also legal and institutional arrangements. For example, advances in data encryption technology and legislation that clearly defines the responsibilities of cloud service providers are needed. Once the security of cloud computing is enhanced and ethical issues are addressed, the scope of its use will be broadened and the pace of its development will accelerate.
Conclusion
It remains to be seen whether cloud computing in its fullest form will ever be commercialised. Even third-generation mobile communications, which is currently commercially available, is highly unreliable due to the limited number of repeaters that can be added due to economic reasons. Even if it is commercially available, cloud computing is not without its advantages. The centralisation of servers limits the availability of new software that users want, and updates can be slow. It can be harder to get service in areas with poor communications, and if the servers are attacked, there’s a risk that huge amounts of data, as well as personal information, could be compromised.
However, almost all telecoms technologies are now evolving towards cloud computing, which has attracted the attention of many companies and users due to its high utilisation. Cloud computing will definitely be the growth engine of the next generation of communication technology, and research will continue.
