Security Cloud Computing

Security Cloud Computing

Cloud Computing

Introduction

Cloud computing represents a paradigm shift—a transition from computing-as-a-product to computing-as-a-service. Instead of buying hardware and software products, which require installation, configuration, and maintenance, cloud computing lets you use applications and computing infrastructures in the cloud as a service, so you pay only for resources used.

Cloud computing has the power to transform emerging markets by offering access to advanced IT infrastructure and applications that many of them couldn't afford otherwise. An informed understanding of cloud computing and its benefits and limitations are the key to successfully embracing the opportunities this new computing paradigm offers (Buyya, Yeo &Venugopal, 2008: 5). This article discusses the prospects of clouds in emerging regions and how the stakeholders in emerging regions can successfully embrace cloud computing.

Discussion and Analysis

Emerging markets have been quick to recognize this and other benefits of cloud computing. The study also found that decision makers in Brazil, China, and India have a much more positive view of cloud computing than their counterparts in the US and UK. The former cited cost effectiveness, flexibility, and security as cloud computing's main benefits, while the latter viewed security as a barrier rather than benefit, listing flexibility as the main advantage (Brown, 1999: 56). Could cloud computing give emerging-market companies and individuals an opportunity to leapfrog their counterparts in developed countries?

Opportunities Abound

Cloud computing can be applied to a range of areas, including e-commerce, education, healthcare, governance, telecommuting, community building, and emergency response. Not having legacy systems or applications requiring migration gives enterprises and individuals in emerging markets an optimal opportunity for cloud solutions (Brown, 1999: 57).

A recent World Economic Forum report emphasized how cloud computing, coupled with sound business and software strategies, can speed up the creation of innovative products or services and help companies provide better customer service. It also highlighted how cloud-based pay-for-use services can reduce server, data-centre, and software-licensing costs. Other cloud computing benefits outlined in the report include more immediate and affordable access to next-generation applications, tools, and infrastructure, which could help emerging economies advance to higher levels of technological development (Borja et al, 2009: 121).

Cloud Investments Support Emerging Markets

Several ongoing initiatives are aiding and accelerating cloud adoption in emerging markets through investments in cloud services and the supporting infrastructure, the development of new data centres, cloud awareness and training programs, and government support. In particular, Taiwan, China, and India are making huge investments in cloud computing and are looking for support in the form of foreign investments in cloud computing services and joint projects with other nations (Biddick, 2008: 63). Multinational companies are establishing cloud and data centers and promoting clouds in emerging regions, adopting unique approaches to address the regions' specific needs. For example, they're (Bharadwaj & Anil, 2004: 14):

using pricing localization for better market penetration,

building a local infrastructure to showcase market commitment and minimize latency,

performing local research and development for better market understanding and acceptance,

building alliances with universities and local IT companies for product innovation that addresses unique needs, and

Developing ...