Christopher L. Smith, Gleaner Online Writer

Cloud computing, in its simplest sense, allows software to be centrally located instead of explicitly residing on a user's personal computer.

Such software is then accessed and used via the Internet.

The cloud may be formed by interconnecting many computers and, by extension, computer networks, to deliver supercomputing power over the Web.

Cloud computing opens the internet up to many applications. Web applications are perhaps among the most popular, taking the form of webmail, online auctions, and discussion boards, but also go beyond those relatively lightweight applications.

For example, cloud computing extends its application to the multibillion-dollar gaming industry.

Gamers will appreciate how it has come to facilitate such genres as MMORPGs or massive multiplayer online role-playing games.

In addition, with current availability of inexpensive servers and disc storage, it has become an attractive commercial endeavour to set up clouds as storage facilities for end users.

Low-cost high-performance multi-core processors can also be leveraged to provide raw computing services to clients with specific data crunching needs - all from the cloud.

Benefits

Cloud computing has some intrinsic benefits. The ability to locate its infrastructure in regions where energy and real estate costs are low is one such benefit. Also, developers are sure to appreciate the distinct separation of the physical resources from application code. Another cost-saving benefit is the ability to utilise the services which cloud computing provides for sporadic tasks instead of purchasing to own expensive hardware or other assets which would invariably remain underutilised.

Pitfalls

There are, however, a few drawbacks. As of yet, no technical standards have been absolutely defined for connecting the diverse range of computer systems and the varied bits of software which need to come together to allow for cloud computing.

Another downside is that while broadband penetration is increasing, the rate is still comparatively slow on a global scale, when you take into account the rapid growth in regions such as Europe and Asia.

Of course, the lack of high-speed connections (including wireless) would severely limit the accessibility of cloud computing services. One other area of concern is privacy and its protection, as clouds store huge amounts of users' identity data.

christopher.smith@gleanerjm.com