Purely Technology

Cloud Computing is definitely ‘Fluffy Stuff’

There is broad agreement that cloud computing can be narrowly defined as an updated version of utility computing; in simple terms, virtual servers available over the Internet running software programmes for clients that previously would have sat on their own server or PC.

However, it could be well argued that this definition also largely describes SaaS or Software as a Service – a type of cloud computing which delivers a single application through the browser to thousands of customers using a multitenant architecture.  Looking on the positive side for clients, it means no upfront investment in servers or software licensing; on the provider side, with just one app to maintain, costs are low compared to conventional hosting. It’s similar to leasing a car rather than buying it outright. There are many examples of well-respected SaaS products in use; Netsuite, Salesforce.com, and 5PM project management are among many.

Despite these similarities, though, SaaS definitely has the edge over cloud computing up to press. For example, customers with T-Mobile USA recently suffered significant data losses when files stored with the smartphone service and cloud provider, Sidekick, got lost during maintenance.  Proponents of cloud computing such as Professor Katzenbeisser of the Technical University of Darmstadt in Germany, argue though that it’s not cloud computing at fault but a problem with the way the data is stored. A secure backup means saving data two or three times at different locations, which should be common practice. Anyone who wants to save data online can check with a provider about their practices, suggests Professor Katzenbeisser. But if a third party is subcontracted to do server maintenance, the possibility of mistakes increases.

With virtually all SaaS products you will know where its’ all being run from, whereas with cloud computing data and programmes could be anywhere in the World. And with companies chasing improved profits it means boxes might be put into low cost centres like China, a country whose Internet rules and copyright laws are dubious at best.

A final aspect for consideration is that PC hard drives are getting bigger and cheaper than ever – one terabyte is now fairly common. So maybe a hybrid of some self-storage plus known location SaaS is the best way forward. Leave the ‘fluffy stuff’ to those who can afford to screw up without getting fired!