The Cloud Connection

Commonly referred to as the 'cloud,' a metaphor for the Internet, this technology facilitates delivery of common business applications online that are accessed from the Internet. This technology is expected to revolutionise the way data is stored and managed. Since the software and data are stored on Internet (remote or in the cloud) servers, the cloud also curbs the exponential expenses incurred in maintaining high-end data servers. "The cloud eliminates expensive server farms and allows companies to analyse petabytes of data. The cloud changes everything in technology," informs Vijay Mukhi, IT expert, writer, teacher and consultant. "It is also specially aimed for cost advantages during IT investment to provide maintenance-free software and infrastructure. The payment methodology for customers is based on an affordable pay-as-yougo model, which provides optimum utilisation of resources, thus enhancing productivity and profitability of enterprises," adds Arora.

MYTHS AND FACTS

As mentioned, globally the cloud has made inroads into our daily lives. "Webmail (web-based email) is a cloud application, which means webmail runs on clouds. Thus it isn't as new as it sounds," points out Saurabh Gupta, CEO, Phonethics.

Having said that, we do have a long way to cover. "While we are far ahead than the western countries in all other technologies, when it comes to the cloud we are lagging behind. China is far ahead of us with respect to the cloud," admits Mukhi.

But playing the devil's advocate here, one questions the promise this technology holds especially since the Internet penetration in the country is about 7%. "While the metros have good connectivity, in the smaller cities the connectivity is fairly good. Companies who use leased lines in smaller cities can use the cloud, connectivity is really not a problem," Mukhi explains.

Saurabh presents the other side of the coin, "Cloud computing actually works very well for the 'un-connected .' They can use any manner of small applications/programmes/software to edit images, video, PowerPoint presentations, Excel sheets, etc which might not be available on local machines (either cyber cafes or desktops in schools etc)."

Arora addresses other issues plaguing this technology, "Besides the limitations of broadband requirements, there are other concerns such as security, incomplete control over IT infrastructure, privacy of critical data on the cloud, etc. This model is absolutely new and will take some time before it gets accepted. However, in the long run, cloud computing is the way for homogenous computing in a universal environment accessible to all at an affordable price. Moreover, we believe that this model will be of immediate relevance to small and medium businesses (SMBs) by allowing them to automate business processes without large upfront investments in hardware and software."

OPPORTUNITIES ABOUND

This implies that in the near future there would be a requirement for professionals in this field. Arora offers, "India is a huge potential market for cloud computing. Analysts position India as the fastest growing SaaS market in Asia Pacific." Saurabh further elaborates, "As companies increasingly depend more on blogs/online document storage or other web-based applications, enterprising youngsters can actually set up a business to help people set-up these applications. Enterprising students in Europe make pocket money doing this kind of stuff."