Cloud Computing 101

The Hype of the Cloud

2009 could be called “The Year of the Cloud.” The information technology sector has been buzzing with terminology such as “cloud computing” and “virtualization”. So what is all the hype about? In order to see why cloud computing has taken the technology world by storm (pun intended); we need to know what it is, how it works, and why it can be beneficial.

What is Cloud Computing?

“Cloud computing” isn’t a technology, but rather a model of computing.[1] A cloud consists of servers, networks, and applications that are available to end users via a network (usually the Internet). So anytime “cloud” is mentioned, it is referring to hardware, software, or services that are accessible from virtually anywhere, with a simple network connection.

“Virtualization” is usually in reference to server virtualization where one physical server actually hosts several virtual servers. In cloud computing, one stand alone server can make an entire data-center complete with servers, networking devices, systems management, storage, and security, look like a single computer. This lets companies buy exactly the amount of storage and security they need.[2]

Public Cloud

Public clouds are offered as a service, usually over an Internet connection. An off-site third party provider hosts and manages the system. Users connect to the system via web applications or services. Public clouds usually charge a monthly usage fee per gigabyte and bandwidth transfer charges.[3] The service is on-demand and users can add or subtract the amount of storage in their cloud simply by contacting the host provider.

Private Cloud

Private clouds are built from software that runs on a piece of hardware at the organization. The difference from a public cloud is that this system is controlled by the organization. The benefits of this system are that a private cloud, although an investment due to the fact hardware is required, costs considerably less than traditional data management systems. Deployments of a private cloud are easier as they are software based, and the system is more secure as the system is within the organization’s firewall and managed locally.

Why Go Virtual

There are a multitude of factors as to why a company would want to become virtualized. The most common reason why businesses adapt the cloud model is efficiency. Cloud computing drastically reduces the amount of time, money, and maintenance needed to operate a traditional data management system. With traditional systems; a company has to buy equipment; dedicate space within the office, while providing specific power and cooling needs to house the hardware; and hire administrators to install, secure, and maintain the data system. [4]

The cloud computing model helps to maximize efficiency and minimize cost.

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[1] Fogarty, Kevin. "Cloud Computing Definitions and Solutions." CIO 10 Sep. 2009:

Web. 27 Feb 2010. <http://www.cio.com/article/501814/Cloud_Computing_

Definitions_and_Solutions>.

[2] Ibid.

[3] Maxey, Mike. “Cloud Computing Public or Private? How to Choose Cloud Storage.”

Cloud Computing Journal (2009): Web. 2 Mar 2010. <http://cloudcomputing.sys-con.com/node/707840>.

[4] “Seeding the Clouds: Key Infrastructure Elements for Cloud Computing.” IBM. Feb.

2009. IBM Corporation. 26 Feb. 2010. <http://www-935.ibm.com/services/in

/cio/pdf/oiw03022usen.pdf>.

Preventing Computer Viruses

Far too many company and household computers become infected with viruses annually, and the affects of these infections can be devastating to the user. Since there are so many ways a virus can enter your computer’s system, it’s important that you know how to block off those entrances. Here are several ways to decrease the chances of your computer becoming infected:

-Don’t solely rely on anti-virus software, although you should have it installed. Be sure to update often to detect and protect your computer from the most recently created viruses.
(It also doesn't hurt to install a spyware, malware, and adware removal application)
-Read the headlines. Stay on top of the news to educate yourself about new viruses.
-Try not to open an e-mail attachment until you are sure it is safe. Make sure you know the person or why it may be sent to you.
-Once again, surf the web for news about viruses so you know common subject lines and file extensions relative to those viruses.
-Disable automatic attachment viewing in your e-mail settings.
-Set your Word and Excel settings so that Macros are disabled when a file is opened up for viewing.
- Use search engines that are well-known for generating results relevant to search terms. A site is probably safe if a lot of people have linked to it, but keep in mind that this isn’t always the case. This way, your chances of being directed to a site that hosts a virus is less likely.
-Make sure you set your security settings to ‘high’ in your web browser.
-Try to avoid downloading free applications from unverifiable websites.
-Configure your settings so that you can always view file extensions.
The following are examples of file extensions to be suspicious of when they show up in e-mail:

ADE, ADP, BAS, BAT, CHM, CMD, COM, CPL, CRT, DLL, EXE, HLP, HTA, INF, INS, ISP, JS, JSE, LNK, MDB, MDE, MSC, MSI, MSP, MST, OCX, PCD, PIF, POT, REG, SCR, SCT, SHB, SHS, SYS, URL, VB, VBE, VBS, WSC, WSF, WSH

It is easy to tell yourself you will regularly take these measures to maintain your computer security and implement virus protection, but it is also quite easy to forget. This is often how viruses end up finding their way into your computer.

Written by Melissa Cocks

The Importance of Having a Business Continuity Plan

What would happen if your data was lost or you lost internet for the day? If a hurricane hit and your information was gone, would you be able to continue performing your everyday business tasks? If not, how long would it take to recover your business? These questions are overwhelming, but important to ask yourself when it comes to threats to your business.

Whether you are the CEO or the CIO of your company, it is important to acknowledge the value of having an established business continuity plan. It is difficult to believe that something drastic enough to disrupt your everyday business activities could take place, but it is often when we assume things could never happen to us that they do.

Many U.S. companies encounter computer system failures annually. A lot of these failures last for over a day, which can significantly affect profit and customer relationship management (CRM). Also, it has been found that many businesses do not have a plan in place in case a disaster was to occur. That being said, there could be an even greater impact if disaster struck because many businesses depend on each other to operate efficiently and profitably. The potential domino effect that businesses would experience in the worst case scenario would be devastating.

On a lighter note, let’s just say that your email server was down for a day for whatever the reason may be. You might say, “But we could use the phone.” That is true, but consider how heavily businesses depend on databases, and rightfully so. Using them is easier and faster than going through a Rolodex of contacts, and they organize every piece of information regarding a single contact. You are going to want to make sure you have a plan in place and also seek help from IT professionals or an IT team in order to lessen the impact of disruption.

Assessing how vulnerable you are to being impacted by disaster or data loss is an important step in planning for business continuity. Here are a couple of questions that may make you think about how important a continuity plan is to your specific business:

-What activities are most important to your business?
-Can you survive without them or do you have an alternative?
-How much of your business’ productivity depends on computers/databases/internet?

Chances are that you feel concerned if you have not already established a plan, which isn’t surprising since most of America’s businesses rely on computers. Here are some steps you can take to make sure you are prepared in the case of disruption:

-Identify important roles in your company (who plays a crucial role in everyday business? If a certain person in your company was to no longer be there, would you have a backup?) Include solutions in your plan.

-Identify places for equipment rental and back-up supplies

-Implement off-site data backup or seek IT support/IT consulting

-Map out an alternate location (where would you move offices to temporarily if needed?)

-Have this plan set in stone

Additionally, you need to be sure every employee is informed of the plan, so it would be a good idea to conduct information sessions or send out newsletters regarding the business continuity plan.

Written by Melissa Cocks