Cloud computing is Internet-based computing, whereby shared resources, software and information are provided to computers and other devices on-demand, like the electricity grid. It is a paradigm shift following the shift from mainframe to client–server that preceded it in the early 1980s. Details are abstracted from the users who no longer have need of expertise in, or control over the technology infrastructure “in the cloud” that supports them. Cloud computing describes a new supplement, consumption and delivery model for IT services based on the Internet, and it typically involves the provision of dynamically scalable and often virtualized resources as a service over the Internet.It is a byproduct and consequence of the ease-of-access to remote computing sites provided by the Internet.
The term “cloud” is used as a metaphor for the Internet, based on the cloud drawing used in the past to represent the telephone network, and later to depict the Internet in computer network diagrams as an abstraction of the underlying infrastructure it represents. Typical cloud computing providers deliver common business applications online which are accessed from another web service or software like a web browser, while the software and data are stored on servers.
Most cloud computing infrastructure consists of reliable services delivered through data centers and built on servers. Clouds often appear as single points of access for all consumers’ computing needs. Commercial offerings are generally expected to meet quality of service (QoS) requirements of customers and typically offer SLAs. The major cloud vendors include the largest IT vendors: Google, IBM, Microsoft, and HP along with Amazon and VMWare. /MSNU
damtara 
Tim E Robertson
April 20, 2011 at 9:16 pm
As technology advances, new buzzwords appear in the lexicon. Lately, we’ve been hearing more and more about “cloud computing.” If you use Google Docs, Evernote, Dropbox, or web-based email, you’re using cloud computing. According to Wiktionary.org, cloud computing is, “Computing in which services and storage are provided over the Internet (or `cloud’).” Pretty simple, right? Maybe for us, as the user, but there are a lot of details that need to be worked out to create a cloud service.
This is where Cloud Computing Bible by Barrie Sosinsky comes in. If you’re looking for a book that explains how to use some of the cloud services mentioned above, stop here. This is not a how-to book on specific applications or services. If, however, you’re looking to create a cloud-based service, whether for public consumption or your own private company, then continue reading.
Cloud Computing Bible is divided into five parts: Examining the Value Proposition, Using Platforms, Exploring Cloud Infrastructures, Understanding Services and Applications, and Using the Mobile Cloud. Sosinsky goes into great detail explaining what cloud computing is and why it may or may not benefit a particular business. He discusses the architecture of building a cloud, how to address security, storage issues, and managing the cloud. In addition to these, and other topics, Cloud Computing Bible contains loads of diagrams, tables, screenshots, and web links to further explain points or to look up more information.
The only real issue I have with this book is the reading level listed on the back cover. I consider myself relatively technology savvy with reasonable intelligence, and much of the book was far beyond me. Classifying the reading level as Beginning to Advanced is a bit of a stretch. Someone with experience in programming or information technology (IT) would better appreciate everything Cloud Computing Bible has to offer. Intermediate to Advanced is more appropriate.
If you, or someone you know, is thinking of working with cloud computing, the Cloud Computing Bible would be a good starting point.
MyMac.com rating: 8 out of 10
*Original Review at […]
interesting facts
April 21, 2011 at 5:19 am
I enjoyed reading & I must say that I was very impressed with your writing skills. Keep up the good work it’s very refreshing to see someone like you 🙂