To effectively compete in today's complex global marketplace, businesses need new levels of agility. In response, Information Technology departments are turning to the Cloud.
Cloud computing differs from the classic client-server model by providing applications from a server that are executed and managed by a client's web browser, with no installed client version of an application required.
Centralization gives cloud service providers complete control over the versions of the browser-based applications provided to clients, which removes the need for version upgrades or license management on individual client computing devices.
As further defined, Cloud Computing refers to the use and access of multiple server-based computational resources via a digital network to access the World Wide Web. Cloud users may access the server resources using a computer, netbook, pad computer, smart phone, or other device. In cloud computing, applications are provided and managed by the cloud server and data is also stored remotely in the cloud configuration. Users do not download and install applications on their own device or computer; all processing and storage is maintained by the cloud server. The on-line services may be offered from a cloud provider or by a private organization.
Instead of building and maintaining IT systems themselves, cloud users can turn to outside service providers who maintain whatever IT resources they need, including hardware, software, data storage, and networking. This results in a efficient and responsive work environment that is infinitely scalable and available almost anywhere. Recent findings by The Gartner Group indicates an annual growth rate of approximately 17% for the cloud computing marketplace, with 2014 revenues expected to reach greater than $145 billion. The United States is the global leader in cloud computing, with a current 60% share of the global market and a predicted 50% market share in 2014.
Indicative of its importance, The US government has launched the Federal Cloud Computing Initiative (FCCI) to �increase operational efficiencies, optimize common services and solutions across organizational boundaries and enable transparent, collaborative and participatory government�.
Over the last few years, cloud computing has rapidly grown from an untested technology paradigm to a reliable, scalable, and economical hosting solution for many businesses. Its presence in the business commmunity is just emerging; a wave the will continue to grow.
