The Technological Influences on Cloud Computing

Technology is continually evolving, and with this technological evolution, cloud computing must change and evolve with it. In this article, we are going to discuss how advances in technology have had an impact on the development and implementation of cloud computing, focusing on some of the key influencers.Open-Source SoftwareThere exists a place for open-source software in cloud computing, in a number of different forms, however there is a mix of opinions towards its use. The people and organisations in favor of using open-source software can cite various advantages, including:

• Lack of license fees and no need to pay for updates/upgrades
• Use of open file formats
• Open and accessible source code
• Easy adoption and low barriers for new users
• New applications can be easily developed and integrated
• Software that can be modified and redistributed
• Avoidance of proprietary lock-in

Proprietary technology can often emerge from the use of open-source software - cloud providers that use software like Linux can customize the services by modifying the source code.Universal ConnectivityWithout universal connectivity (universal access to the internet), cloud computing would not be able to progress or advance. Fast, broadband networks, available to all, allows cloud computing to serve and connect businesses, organizations and customers. Thankfully, cloud computings growth is supported by the ongoing worldwide expansion of broadband connections.According to itfacts.biz:“As the total number of broadband lines in the world passes 400 mln, Point Topic forecasts that the total in the 40 biggest broadband countries in the world will grow from 393 mln by the end of 2008 to 635 mln by 2013”VirtualizationServer virtualization has progressed enough that it is no longer seen as simply a method of cutting costs. It is now considered to allow greater flexibility in the use of resources and to have allowed cloud computing to grow. The main advantages of server virtualization are:

• Additional servers can be swiftly deployed
• Costs and billing can work around usage (also known as utility pricing)
• The support of alternative sourcing
• Customers can be separated from the locations of physical servers
• The promotion of economies of scale
• The servers and data centers allow application mobility

What virtualization provides, is greater choice and flexibility for customers, and greater efficiency and reduced costs for cloud providers.The capability of utility computing (a customer being able to open virtual machines on a cloud providers resources) is incredibly useful for meeting the resource requirements in expected and unexpected peak demands.