In addition there are internal, external, and hybrid variations of the cloud. The internal cloud refers to an in-house, or on site cloud, where data and peripherals are stored locally. The external cloud refers to all the virtual functionality and applications hosted externally on your server (in the clouds). And a hybrid is the confusing idea of an internal cloud being managed in-house – but existing externally in the cloud. Clear as mud, huh.
The Cloud sounds very appealing. But creates as much intrigue as it does skepticism, as it is still very new and unfamiliar. There are many questions and concerns regarding security, off- site data management, and the necessary oversight involved. Who is responsible for maintaining this alleged superior functionality and security? Or, who exactly has hands on access to our entrusted intellectual property in the cloud? It is redefining our understanding of the term “virtual.”
Just as there are so many questions, there are equally as many answers, as the cloud’s capacity and potential is being developed and configured to accommodate any requirements that a client may find a need for. Volumes of books and literature are being highly consumed as more and more people, businesses and developers are looking to adapt to and function within the new trend and better understand this innovation in the way we manage our computing environment.
Basically this brings us right back where we started. Cloud computing is open to interpretation, and its applications seem to be infinite. Only now we might be left with the question of what it can’t do? Maybe it is most accurately defined by what it is not – at least not yet. So for now – the cloud is a modified server capable of performing more and more functions that we are typically used to managing ourselves.
