Shawna Sirianni

BUSA 345 Information Systems

Research Paper
Cloud-Based Computing
Cloud-based computing is a paradigm that shares computing and storage infrastructure over a
scalable network of resources (Monterio, 2013). In other words, cloud computing is simply
storing and accessing data and programs over the Internet instead of your computer's hard drive.
The cloud is just a universal metaphor for the Internet.
In the modern world, data are scattered in different data centers and applications are in remote
servers. Cloud-based technology brings the dispersed data and remote applications to the user in
a virtual form (Manuel, 2015). . The main idea is to make computing and storage infrastructure
available for users regardless of time and location. This paper will explore the most interesting
elements of cloud-based computing: infrastructure as a service, on-demand self-service and
broad network access. These features are what make cloud-based computing efficient, effective
and an incredibly powerful tool.
Infrastructure as a service - A third-party provider hosts hardware, software, servers, storage and
other infrastructure components on behalf of its users (Rouse, 2015). This service eliminates the
need for businesses and individuals to purchase costly hardware such as servers and network
components. IaaS providers also host users' applications and handle tasks including system
maintenance, backup and resiliency planning.
IaaS platforms offer highly scalable resources that can be adjusted on-demand, allowing users to
pay only for the IaaS that they need, when they need it. This flexibility makes IaaS well suited
for workloads that are temporary, experimental or change unexpectedly (Rouse, 2015).

Users are provided with physical and virtual processing, storage, networks and other computing
resources that allow them to run software and operating systems. With IaaS, the user does not
need to worry about managing or controlling the underlying cloud infrastructure they simply
use what they need.
On-demand self service - Allows users to unilaterally provision computing capabilities, such as
server time and network storage, as needed and automatically, without requiring human
interaction with each service provider (Manuel, 2015). This feature makes it possible for users
to have instantaneous access to the products and services they need, without paying for extras
that they wont use. In the rapidly changing world of a mobile workforce and even more mobile
clients, the availability of technology solutions must be flexible enough to keep pace with these
moving targets.
Broad Network access - Capabilities are available over the network and accessed through
standard mechanisms that promote use by mobile phones, tablets, laptops and workstations.
Increasingly mobile workforces and clients need mobile devices that are capable of mostif not
allof the things their software and hardware can do back at the office. This includes access to
the company networks where key client, company and product data is securely stored.
There are a number of drivers for cloud's increasing popularity. Some factors have to do with the
maturation of cloud computing models. Others have to do with external factors, such as business
needs that are searching for a solution that could be solved with the cloud (Monterio, 2013).
Corporate attitudes about security and privacy of information in the cloud have been evolving
and fear is being replaced by trust in the cloud.

The cloud is becoming a powerful tool to help companies of all sizes save money, streamline
operations, improve productivity and efficiency, become more mobile, keep up with changes in
technology, lower IT investment, and scale IT solutions that best match their needseven if
those needs fluctuate. Smaller organizations and individuals can now access powerful IaaS
solutions never seen before, which gives them the opportunity to compete more effectively
(Monterio, 2013). On-demand self-service allows users to get the tailor made technology
packages that they need, when they need it. It also means that users do not have to pay for
services they dont want. Broad network access allows corporate firms and individuals alike to
take advantage of cloud solutions, anywhere, any time. The results of cloud computing are more
efficient operations and enhanced flexibility in the workforce, leading to profitable growth and
higher overall customer and employee satisfaction.

References
Manuel, P. (2015). A trust model of cloud computing based on quality of service. Annals Of
Operations Research, 233(1), 281-292.
Monterio, B. J. (2013). Silver lining to gold. California CPA, 81(9), 14-18.
Rouse, M. (2015, January). Infrastructure as a service. TechTarget.com