Cloud Computing

22 April 2010

Cloud Computing

Cloud computing is Internet-based computing, whereby shared resources, software and information are provided to computers and other devices on-demand, similar to a public utility such as the electricity grid. Details are abstracted from the users who no longer have need of, expertise in, or control over the technology infrastructure "in the cloud" that supports them *Source Wikipedia*.

There has been lots of talk about the security. What we have seen on the news has been reports of security issues affecting the large multi nationals that have been dependent upon cloud based technologies but this has not resulted in a uturn on their part. Why is this case? Whilst the media has reported on the clouds failures this is largely because the cloud is pretty much in the public eye. As for the traditional data centres whilst there have also been failures there, the fact that the media is not focusing on them has meant that they have been kept out of the lime light.

Clouds are often very large scale operations with lots of staff and resources and high levels of security and scrutiny. Mid and long term the cloud is likely to be a safer bet than traditional data centres.

Izaz Ali (Izaz.Ali@lawdit.co.uk) Izaz is a commercial lawyer who specialises in information technology law and intellectual property law with an emphasis on IT, escrow, online and off-line contracts, and the buying and selling of online businesses.