Understanding Cloud Computing

Cloud Computing

OK, so let's recap a little. You may recall that there are 9 core elements/technologies that makeup Industry 4.0 or the smart factory. Our 1st blog looked at the application of simulation, our 2nd blog focused on the Internet of Things, our 3rd blog explored how big data can make a difference to an organisation, our 4th blog unpacked the variety of additive manufacturing and our last blog interrogated artificial intelligence. 

This leaves us with exploring the last four technologies that include cloud computing, cybersecurity, System integration and autonomous robots. 

Once again it is pertinent to note that the ideal scenario for designing and implementing an Industry 4.0 solution lies in devising an appropriate strategy for your organisation. To embark on an Industry 4.0 journey is expensive and hence, one needs to understand how once can exploit the system, to essentially fund itself, resulting in the ultimate outcome of increased efficiencies, customer service and revenue and lower costs.  

When we think of cloud computing, we assume that computers and peripherals are located somewhere in the sky or in some virtual or abstract environment. Of course, we know this is not true. Thus, the physical location of the service provider is of no consequence to the User. 

Cloud computing is really made possible by the internet having networks, connected to other networks that are now able to provide on-demand availability of computer system resources, especially data storage and computing power, without direct active management by the User. This includes then the provision of both hardware and software, typically on a pay as you use basis. So, this is useful in that organisations do not have to lay pour capital for expensive hardware and software and rather be charged a manageable fee that fits their budget and needs. This service resulted in the popular term as a service and is driving new income streams and business models.  

Providers of cloud computing services can now generate economies of scale by providing competitive service offerings over a wide customer base. 

Cloud computing consists of three main areas:

- Infrastructure as a service (IaaS) focuses on hardware services such as storage and networking but does require companies to have technical skills. Some examples of IaaS include DigitalOcean, Rackspace, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Microsoft Azure etc. 

- Platform as a service - (PaaS) this relates to the next layer up and includes both hardware and software tools providing computing platforms which typically include operating systems, programming language execution environment, database and webserver etc. This could include middleware, database management, operating systems, and development tools. Examples include AWS, Windows Azure, Heroku, Force.com, Google App Engine and Apache Stratos.

- Software as a service (SaaS) also known as on-demand software, this is arguably the version of cloud computing that most people use on a day-to-day basis. A popular SaaS example is the use of Salesforce, the customer relations management solution that enables businesses to collect all information on customers, prospects and leads within a single online platform, enabling authorized employees to access critical data on any connected device at any time.

As things change, so they also stay the same. One will recall that data was originally stored on servers within the physical boundaries of an organisation. There was then a significant shift to storing data in the cloud, for security reasons and server performance. More recently there is a new impetus to moving data to the edge and even onsite again, due to the ever-increasing threats of cyber-attacks and security challenges.  

Nevertheless, cloud computing remains powerful and will certainly continue to grow in the future and provide many additional benefits. Whilst it remains cost-effective and value-adding organisations will continue using it to support their growth within the 4IR space.