What is cloud computing?
Cloud computing is a mechanism that enables management of computing and IT infrastructure to be consolidated in one or more data centers to reduce the overall cost of operating computing facilities.
If break this definition further down, Cloud Computing is nothing but a computing technology that provides organisational abilities to access software and hardware resources from a virtual space. Commonly referred to as the ‘cloud’, a metaphor for the Internet, this technology facilitates delivery of common business applications online that are accessed from the Internet. This technology is expected to revolutionise the way data is stored and managed. Since the software and data are stored on Internet (remote or in the cloud) servers, the cloud also curbs the exponential expenses incurred on maintaining high end data servers. It is also specially aimed for cost advantages during IT investment to provide maintenance free software and infrastructure. The payment methodology for customers is based on an affordable pay-as-you-go model which provides optimum utilisation of resources, thus enhancing productivity and profitability of enterprises.
Scope
Cloud computing actually works very well for the 'unconnected'. They can use any manner of small applications/ programmes/ software to edit images, video, power points, excel sheets, etc which might not be available on local machines (either cyber cafes or desktops in schools etc).
Opposite to what is believed by criticisers that Cloud Computing is limited by the availability of internet, it’s very useful for remote areas. People can use all sorts of computer applications and manage data without being shifted to metros. It can be even in a small town.
Career Opportunities
This implies that in the near future there would be a requirement for professionals in this field. India is a huge potential market for cloud computing. As companies increasingly depend more on blogs/ online document storage or other web based applications, enterprising youngsters can actually set up a business to help people set-up these applications. Thus while there would be bigger players like Amazon, Google, IBM, Microsoft, Yahoo, who would need such professionals in the field of cloud computing, the smaller players too would need fresh talent. While these companies invest heavily to make cloud computing mainstream, it is the nimble startups like Nivio who rush to take advantage to ever cheaper cloud computing infrastructure to deliver innovative applications.
