Lately, cloud computing has been receiving some well-deserved attention. That’s because the concept has been changing the way businesses function, employees work, and consumers interact. Although the terminology is relatively new, the technology behind cloud computing virtualization is not. The excitement comes from the merging of dynamic methods and existing technologies to create a new model of service.
Virtualization: The Progression of a Process
As an analogy to virtualization in the cloud computing model, consider the widespread use of email. Take, for example, a person named John who buys a premium email account that guarantees a certain capacity of storage space for emails, photos and files. In exchange for a fee, John logs on to the Internet, sends messages, receives email, stores important information, saves photos of a friend’s new baby, saves a few files that he’ll need to review before an upcoming meeting, and then when he’s finished, he logs out. John doesn’t put any thought into setting up this email system, configuring any special software, worrying about where his files are being stored, and maintaining an infrastructure powerful enough to run such an email system. His only concerns are remembering his password and being sure that he doesn’t exceed the file capacity that he bought. Even then, passwords can be reset and if he needs more storage capacity, he can just pay a few more dollars to upgrade his service. With an electronic device and an Internet connection, John can access his email account from wherever he can get a signal.
The email service provider is responsible for creating and operating this service. The service provider manages data storage, maintains the hardware and software and provides support for John. The virtualization of their post office works because they maintain the infrastructure as users, like John, pay to log-on and access their accounts. Cloud computing virtualization of business applications works on the same principle but with a larger, more complex, and more versatile scale.
Cloud Computing: A Process becomes a Concept
The cloud computing concept is simply pay-per-use, shared online services. Businesses on a cloud share, deliver or use hosted services online. A host provider offers the infrastructure, platform or software service, much like the virtual post office. A number of businesses, much like John and those who have purchased the same email plan, can access these services through the Internet. Unlike the virtual post office, however, service providers on the cloud can provide just about any application to a number of businesses. Host providers maintain infrastructures that can monitor the capacity of its resources, conserve and utilize these resources as needed, and manage the schedule of their reserved space. They manage their platforms to quickly configure allocation of resources and to incorporate methods to track usage and billing. In this model, there is no hardware designed for only one application. By sharing these virtualized services among a number of businesses, host providers maximize the effectiveness of computing systems.
Virtualization on the Cloud: A Concept Becomes a Model
In this on-demand model, businesses are charged only for what they use from a service. If they need more of a service, they can pay for it, much like John’s ability to upgrade his email capacity. In cloud computing, the host manages and maintains the virtual services, while businesses receive (and offer to their customers) these services through an Internet connection. Like John, businesses don’t have to install any costly programs, worry about maintaining enough storage space to run them or need to access and manage a specific mainframe to receive the services they buy. The cloud computing concept can be a beneficial model for businesses when applied to a variety of areas, including sales, data storage, payment processing and customer service. Without the limits that most businesses would face managing and maintaining the infrastructure needed to run and offer a variety of elaborate applications, businesses save time and money. The cost-effective methods of cloud computing models streamline business functions. The virtualization of applications in areas such as marketing, data collection and customer relationship management can improve efficiency and allow businesses to more effectively serve their customers.
Cloud Computing Virtualization: A Model That Benefits Customers
Satisfied customers are the crux of any business. With a cloud computing model, businesses can provide customers with access to services through the convenience of the Internet. Virtual help desks, comprehensive order processing and simplified communications are just a few examples of how businesses can use the cloud computing model to provide easier access to their customers. When customers can utilize a business’ services as simply as John can access his email, they will not only appreciate it, but they will regard it as a sign of quality and assurance. The ability to continually improve customers’ experiences is just one of the many beneficial features of cloud computing. With numerous applications that can be used in accessible, resourceful and constructive new ways, businesses can maximize their potentials as they embrace the seemingly limitless possibilities of virtualization.
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