Cloud Computing & Storage

Introduction

In the simplest terms, cloud computing means storing and accessing data and programs over the Internet instead of the local computer's hard drive. In cloud computing, the word cloud (also phrased as "the cloud") is used as a metaphor for "the Internet," so the phrase cloud computing means "a type of Internet-based computing," where different services — such as servers, storage, and applications — are delivered to an organization's computers and devices through the internet.

Application of Technology

Cloud Computing: Cloud computing is a model for enabling access to shared pools of configurable IT resources (such as computer networks, servers, storage, applications, and services), which can be rapidly provisioned on-demand with minimal effort, often over the Internet. Cloud computing allows users and enterprises with various computing capabilities to store and process data through a remote server located in a data center. Benefits include sharing of resources, the economy of scale, minimize up-front IT infrastructure costs, and reducing the time to implement with improved manageability and less maintenance.

Cloud Storage: It is a model in which digital data is stored in logical pools in multiple servers in a secured physical environment owned and managed by a hosting company. Users can buy or lease storage capacity from the providers to store their data.

Business Case Example

Lowering the Costs: FMCG player Jyothy Laboratories drove down costs and carbon footprint by going in for server consolidation while building a robust cloud infrastructure. Jyothy Laboratories was running with a server count of 10 physical servers which was constraining performance and efficiency levels as each server would require to be monitored at the individual level. The company consolidated its servers to its very own private cloud infrastructure. This gave the company ability to dynamically allocate resources to the virtual machine to meet peak demand improving performance. The funds and resources behind managing 10 physical servers were cut down and also resulted in savings of intangible costs of power, heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning along with the space required to house the servers.

The Akshaya Patra Foundation: The foundation is one of India's most renowned non-profit organizations that runs the largest mid-day meal program in the world. To manage data generated by millions of transactions across the huge supply chain, the foundation needed a strong IT infrastructure. Existing data centers had become inadequate to handle the rising IT load. They, therefore, upgraded the IT infrastructure to ensure foolproof supply chain, management information system, enterprise resource planning and customer relationship management across 30 locations. Akshaya Patra migrated to a private cloud to manage its supply chain. The new infrastructure has helped the organization achieve its enormous task of supplying mid-day meals to millions of poor students across India. Using private cloud and virtual machines, the foundation has now the ability to expand their infrastructure as and when they require. Also, all the transactions can be easily managed on centralized ERP and CRM.