The computing world is evolving so quickly, that sometimes it is hard to keep up with it. Ultimately, in order to be knowledgeable about the latest trends, it is important to understand the differences between them. Without fully understanding their differences, it is impossible to decide which options may be most beneficial to maximizing computing performance and potential.
One such area of confusion relates to cloud computing. Cloud computing has emerged thanks to the prevalence of outsourcing options on the internet. While companies were able to shift customer services overseas and to other agencies, much of the computing still had to be done in-house due to the nature of networks. This required skilled staff to both maintain and utilize the computing resources, which could be especially problematic for new and smaller companies.
To compensate, companies began to outsource their computing infrastructure needs. Essentially, this meant that companies would lease the hardware and software they needed. While previous efforts had seen infrastructure, platforms, and software all individually leased as a service, cloud computing combined the three, creating virtual style of computing that required few physical resources and employees with less specialized knowledge. Whereas in the past, computing abilities were limited by both skill and money, cloud computing created a computing space that was only hindered by the financial capabilities of a company.
Though the ideas and theories behind cloud computing have been around for years, it has only gained in popularity recently, which is why many professionals may still confuse cloud computing with other computing styles. One commonly confused area is grid computing, which has some similar features, but, ultimately, a very different purpose and foundation.
While both cloud computing and grid computing structures rely on the idea of distributing information and systems over multiple computers, the scope of this distribution varies greatly. Cloud computing, as explained, is akin to outsourcing, utilizing the hardware and software of other companies to perform their computing needs. In this way, the data and processes are distributed via the Internet and used by the company to perform necessary tasks. The scope of distribution for grid computing is positioned on a different level. Instead of relying on an outside entity for the infrastructure and software needs, the information and tasks are merely spread across multiple computers, all working in tandem to accomplish the same goal. The work is spread out, much like cloud computing, but it is still all localized, giving the company complete control and responsibility for the hardware and software being run.
This key difference relates to the varying functions of cloud computing and grid computing. Cloud computing is designed to take out the cost, development, and maintenance of the computing systems, making it easier and more affordable to complete the necessary computing tasks. Companies pursue cloud computing as a cost saving measure, to help forgo the initial investment necessary to purchase much of the infrastructure necessary to start a business. Cloud computing is also preferred for its user-friendly nature, and proponents suggest that cloud computing increases agility and scalability. For example, cloud computing is commonly utilized for customer relationship management (CRM). Through this computing style, even start-up companies can have easy access to client information without having to invest heavily in costly computer systems.
By contrast, grid computing, while also offering increased agility and scalability, requires more of an upfront cost. Therefore, grid computing is more geared toward increasing computing efficiency and is often the choice of companies with more money upfront, due to the infrastructure and development demands of such a system. Grid computing seeks to assist skilled programmers. While it can be used for tasks like customer relationship management, it is better suited to more complex and involved business tasks.
Overall, while many of the benefits and pitfalls of these types of computing are similar, they are often pursued for different reasons due to the needs they meet for any given company.
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