ITIL Foundation Certificate – GET YOURS HERE

ITIL Intermediate Certificate – GET YOURS HERE

ITIL Foundation Certificate – GET YOURS HERE

ITIL Intermediate Certificate – GET YOURS HERE

All about Cloud Computing databases

Simply put, a database is a collection of data. Likewise, databases have been around for as long as computers have existed (even a simple hard drive is an example of a database). However, what gives form and shape to any database is not necessarily its “container” or housing, but rather its organizational structure. In other words, it is the way that operating systems, applications, and stored data are organized that truly provides higher functionality to any database. Cloud computing is certainly not exempt from this either; you could argue that a cloud’s database is the most important element in the system, as it often contains all other crucial components (OS, virtualization, apps, etc…).

A cloud computing database isn’t really that different from any other, however, that might soon change. You see, with any database, there will be a great deal more instances where data is read, accessed or delivered than those where new information is written or uploaded. Cloud computing databases are certainly no exception; their “reads” still heavily outweigh their “writes”. But given the nature of cloud computing, what it seeks to achieve and how it is being used, there is much more data writing occurring than ever before. Just think of all the social media sites out there which connect directly, and sometimes indirectly, to any number of clouds / databases. Sure, data that’s uploaded to these databases will be viewed many more times than it’s written, but should be noted that the technology has allowed for a great deal more uploads than ever before. The demands of cloud users seem to be having a significant effect on the way information is arranged in databases.

At the end of the day there are basically two concerns which any database must contend with (from the user’s point of view):

1. Accuracy of data (status)
2. Speed and fluidity with which it is delivered

It is absolutely crucial that information which is available via search queries be up-to-date at any given time (this is of course, a no-brainer). If data is not being updated correctly it highlights a problem with the way it is stored or being accessed. For example, all retain-driven businesses that rely on internet-based sales absolutely must have accurate data for customers to peruse, failure to provide such information translates directly into lost sales.

Additionally, data must be accessed quickly, eve across extensive databases. This is one of the big problems facing cloud computing, actually. Just think about all the data that hits a cloud from one or more social media sites on a daily basis, much of it being interconnected in numerous ways. As the size and scale of your average cloud grows (often across multiple server farms in several areas), it is becoming increasingly challenging to quickly locate and deliver specific data packets. The reason for this is once again, organization.

If data is stored across multiple servers (as is usually the case) queuing up a search will have to make its way through or past a number of other machines. The end result of this multi-system transit is degraded performance. In other words, every time a data partition is encountered, conventional wisdom would state that performance is negatively affected. Some of the major cloud computing players like Amazon have taken to replicated tables as a potential solution for this quandary, which is used in their SimpleDB solution. Replicated tables offers an alternative to traditional indexing and even takes geographical positioning and limitations into consideration as well. Arguably, the best solution is the “Shared-disk database”, which creates a central repository that’s devoid of the need for partitioning. Under this model, everything seems to function much better, especially when cloud computing is added to the equation; increased elasticity too is supported.

The technology and methods of constructing and managing cloud databases are increasing day-by-day. While there are certainly some very serious challenges facing cloud providers in this regard, it’s somewhat comforting to know that there are solutions on the table which are not only capable, but flexible as well. In the coming years it will be very interesting to see what organizations like Google, Microsoft and Amazon come up with regards to database requirements for Cloud Computing infrastructure.

Will your organization really be able to leverage the power of the cloud?
The truth is, cloud computing is taking over.  It’s not only social media, government, academia or personal email however, cloud computing is also becoming a major player in the world of business (small, medium and large). The fact of the matter is that the technologies of the cloud open the door to certain possibilities which never before existed. The scalability of the cloud gives even tiny businesses the ability to perform titanic feats; the question is, are you prepared to adapt and utilize the technology? Perhaps you’re wondering, why should I focus on cloud computing adoption? Well, aside from what it offers you directly, there’s the issue of your major competitors. In other words, when your competition begins using cloud computing to “get a leg up on you”, will it be too late? It doesn’t have to be that way however, all you need to do is look into Cloud Computing e-learning and certification. The truth is, your IT personnel should be studying, training and/or taking steps to become certified in one or more cloud computing disciplines (right now). Get educated, get in the game.

Updating your understanding of Cloud Computing

Cloud training, education & certification are becoming increasingly imperative

A great number of IT and technical professionals (who regularly use advanced computing services) are slowly discovering that their knowledge base might be lacking when it comes to certain modern or emerging technologies. While this is not terribly surprising (happens all the time), the thing that makes this scenario different is that these shortcomings are often related to cloud computing.

Just what is cloud computing you ask? Perhaps a better way of explaining what cloud computing is would be to start by detailing what traditional IT entails.

In the standard, traditional IT model you basically have grids or matrices of self contained machines which are connected to a network which then interfaces with servers and other hardware. These servers essentially ferry information to and from the internet, acting as riverboat captains carrying supplies from one shore to the other (pardon the analogy). While this model certainly works, it does have its pitfalls. For example, under traditional IT and networking, businesses who have a number of individual machines will find that a great deal of energy (electricity) is wasted due to the fact that most of these computers will be left constantly running without actually providing any work or benefit. In other words, a large percentage of a company’s annual energy budget will go toward powering machines which are doing no work. Additionally, each one of these machines will require constant upgrades in terms of OS, hardware and software (as well as peripherals, etc…). Moreover, each individual machine on the network will likely also be vastly overpowered in terms of processing ability for the tasks it is to be used for. The point is, traditional IT is extremely wasteful in a number of ways in addition to being somewhat inefficient.

Cloud computing on the other hand, is the answer to (or rather, evolution of) traditional IT. In a true cloud IT / networking model, there are a series of individual computers or terminals which all have limited internal hardware, software and OS’s. These user terminals connect to a central cloud which is then able to provide virtualized services which behave in nearly the same manner as a self-contained machine. In other words, an individual users’ machine will actually be an virtual instance of a computer in which hardware, software and the OS are simulated and distributed remotely to the individual. Think of it as being able to remotely access the innards of your computer instead of having them tucked away inside of it. The difference however is that clouds are able to elastically distribute processing power upon demand. Machines which are not active can also be shut off; the energy and processing power from the inactive machines can then be rerouted to those users who are online and need it.
The truth is, cloud computing solves a great number of problems for business in terms of being able to deliver technology while at the same time, making energy consumption more efficient. But the fun doesn’t end there; with cloud computing, it’s also much easier to integrate and deploy individual applications and web services (which are quickly becoming crucial for many modern businesses). For instance, if an app is added to a cloud it can be copied more easily, which makes access for individual users much more streamlined and friendly. Likewise, those companies which take the time to build their own private clouds often find that they are able to accomplish much more with their IT resources than ever before. Also, given that a cloud is basically a massive, centralized super-computer, servicing and maintaining IT is also much more intuitive and doesn’t require personnel to schlep all over the company’s premises in order to resolve individual technical issues or initiate upgrades.

However, as you might expect, taking advantage of cloud computing is not as simple as simply purchasing the hardware or provider services and pressing play. Transitioning to cloud computing should be a deliberate and calculated process which is accomplished over a period of time.

One of the most important and often overlooked aspects of any transition is often education, or rather, the level of understanding possessed by a business’ IT department with regards to cloud technology. It’s very hard to imagine any organization taking advantage of (or perhaps even utilizing) cloud computing without having qualified personnel on hand who know how to service and maintain these types of systems. This extends into the area of being able to integrate and manage emerging software and services as well; cloud computing is still growing, and new technologies will often need to be assimilated so that a business can compete. The easiest and most inexpensive way of landing truly qualified cloud professionals for your operation is to simply educate the professionals you already have on hand. Through e-learning, professionals can attain certification and training in virtually every cloud computing discipline out there; preparing them for all the challenges they will face on the job and in their future careers. What makes e-learning so superior is its convenience; students can complete their course entirely online and access them from virtually any device imaginable in any location they desire (and at any time).

Since cloud computing is (by all measure accounts) replacing traditional IT, it only makes sense that training and certification in this area should be very high on one’s priority list. Top experts are predicting that soon we will see what amounts to a global cloud computing takeover in which virtually every business will be utilizing cloud computing in lieu of traditional IT. This startling realization should be a revelation for IT professionals; who should not hesitate to familiarize themselves with the finer points of cloud computing ASAP.

Joyent & GuardTime bring us a breakthrough in Cloud security

Could this be the advancement in cloud computing security we have been waiting and hoping for?  

GuardTime’s keyless signature concept and Joyent’s one-of-a-kind SmartDataCenter (with its “double-hulled” virtualization technology) have come together to produce an entirely new approach to cloud security. In fact, many people feel that this merger isn’t simply another offering, but is actually a major “game changer”. Taken separately, these two technologies are both highly functional and useful, but when combined they are able to provide cloud provider customers with an entirely new layer of security.

This is a really big deal, actually. Employing this technology basically ensures that all electronic data in the cloud (and that which is moving to and from it) is authentic. In the past, maintaining constant security in the face of manipulation and unknown 3rd party participants. It seems that this new approach will finally allow providers and clients alike to focus more intently on specific business and remove the need for reliance on virtually unknown groups.

How the technology works
The concept behind this technology is actually quite simple; everything that occurs within a user’s cloud is detailed and can be independently verified and accessed. This of course allows one to clearly see whether or not strings of data have been tampered with. Additionally, it may be easier to determine who is attempting to manipulate data and where they originate from. The technology driving Joyent’s double-hulled virtualization is itself, extremely secure; it has been called the most secure form of virtualization in existence. By combining GuardTime’s keyless signature technology with that of Joyent’s virtualization, you essentially have what is an already extremely secure component being backed-up by a rock-solid “Paper trail” / data trail which can further verify the integrity of all data. It’s a very ingenious solution to what has been one of the most frustrating issues with regards to cloud security.

Will this development alleviate fears and spur increased cloud adoption?  
Because there’s science and evidence present which can clearly promote the claims of increased cloud security through the use of this emerging strategic partnership, it is likely that more and more businesses will jump into the cloud race. Simply put, the single biggest fear of the last few years in cloud computing has been security.

Organizations that fear the cloud tend to see a disproportionate amount of risk vs. benefit. In other words, despite the many things cloud computing may be able to offer them, they see the security issues associated with typical cloud provider services and the fear overtakes them. You can’t really blame them however; the lifeblood of a great deal of businesses is their (internal) data and that of their customers. Corporate espionage, business plan leaks, long-term strategy leaks, customer / employee private data theft, and just regular malicious attacks can cause profits to plunge and destroy the ability of businesses to carry out their normal operations.

However, finally…for the first time, we have an approach to cloud data security that can be adapted across all subsequent technologies. This Joyent – GuardTime collaboration will help to make cloud computing hacking, fraud, theft and attack extremely rare; if it is properly applied, that is. The end result of a decreasing rate of cloud crime will certainly be (without a doubt), increased adoption and transition. Given that cloud computing is cheaper, more powerful and more efficient than any other infrastructure model in existence, a major jump in security will finally prove to businesses once-and-for-all that that cloud computing is absolutely the best approach on the market.

…But before your organization begins the process of cloud transition
Initializing a dedicated cloud computing operation might not be as simple as signing up however. You’re still going to need your own qualified IT personnel to ensure that your cloud service is solid and secure. Additionally, only those organizations with their own cloud experts are going to be able to devise inventive new ways of utilizing emerging cloud technologies. How can this be easily and affordably achieved you might ask? Through cloud computing certification and e-learning, virtually anyone can gain greater insight into how cloud computing works. Furthermore, it is highly advisable that companies with their own IT departments make an effort to push their employees to achieve some form of cloud certification.

This sort of breakthrough will bring additional businesses to the cloud
There’s simply no doubt about it, once this new security technology has been applied to conventional cloud provider services and more people catch wind of how effective it is, a slew of businesses will clamor to cloud. Even if cloud adoption rates don’t immediately increase as a result of this, time is on the side of the cloud providers. Once the track records of organizations that have incorporated the technology are made public, people will be able to clearly see the benefits of incorporating this new security technology. After the security stigma associated with cloud computing is eliminated, there will be nothing left to prevent or slow down businesses from signing up for cloud services.

How NASA & Cloud Computing are connected

From open-source cloud computing via the Nebula platform to the Mars Rover Mission…NASA and Cloud Computing certainly have a history together

Since the beginning of the NASA program, certain types of technological breakthroughs were often necessary in order to facilitate the larger goal or mission at hand, whether that meant achieving Earth orbit, landing on the moon, or placing a rover on the surface of Mars. Often times, the breakthroughs made at NASA find their way into the public sector in the form of new products, which are often referred to as NASA “Spin-offs”.

In all actuality, you probably came into contact with at least a couple of pieces of commercial technology today that originated from technologies that NASA helped to develop. Coatings for metals, insulating materials for your refrigerator, machine lubricants, automated computer systems, Medical Lasers, Medical Imaging systems, and even cordless power tools found their way to us by way of NASA.  NASA and Cloud Computing

Like many other forms of technology, Cloud Computing has also been advanced through direct action from NASA. The NASA.net project, for example, is part of an ongoing attempt to create a universal platform for all of its ongoing web-related projects (with the focus being transparency). By emphasizing focus on services and a type of IT infrastructure which could be considered highly flexible and “reusable”, NASA was actually building a cloud (whether or not they realized it), specifically, IaaS. This breakthrough led directly to NASA acting as a cloud provider, servicing many of other organizations that are part of its professional community. The name of that program was NASA Nebula.

Instead of hiding or squirreling away its newly developed cloud technologies, NASA instead opted to make them effectively open-source. That is to say, they sought to create a loose society around Nebula’s open-source code and its apparent widespread potential applications. This move attracted the interest of Rackspace (a name that is now synonymous with cloud computing); they ended up merging and Openstack was created (which is concerned with providing open-source software for constructing private or public clouds). In other words, through the actions of NASA, cloud companies and developers now have a dedicated open-source platform for building future crucial cloud technologies.

In the days since then, NASA has turned away from development in the cloud computing sector and instead opted to become a user of the tech.  For instance, the Mars Rover Mission is making direct use of cloud computing technology in a number of startling ways. By working directly with some of the top cloud providers like Amazon, NASA is using cloud computing as a form of on-demand computing service that can be tapped to provide the extra power it needs to perform calculations and conduct operations. Just like virtually any other company or business out there with its eyes set on cloud computing, NASA is also ecstatic about the ability of the cloud to trim costs and provide critical services in times of need.

Perhaps the most amazing application of NASA’s cloud computing technology is their “Be a Martian” program. This amazing program allows ordinary scientists and citizens to sign up and help or assist in some way with analyzing data from Mars. This is all part of an effort to create better surface maps and basically employ “crowdfunding” to speed along research.

Curiosity, the upcoming Mars Rover Project which is slated to hit the surface of Mars sometime in the fall of this year (2012), is also making direct use of cloud computing technologies through JPL’s private cloud.

As you can clearly see, NASA and other related organizations like JPL are helping to pave the way for great advancements in cloud computing. It should also be noted that organizations such as NASA rarely elect to use or rely on flimsy, fly-by-night technologies. The simple fact that cloud computing has made such an impact in the space and science communities is proof positive that there’s more to cloud computing than meets the eye and that it certainly has a long future ahead of it.

Get involved, get prepared, and take advantage of this momentous business opportunity
Given that there are so many institutions openly working on the further development of advanced cloud computing technologies we should continue to expect the potential application for use of them in a business-related capacity. Quite simply, if you own a business and are reliant on computing, networking and/or IT services, you should know that cloud computing can open new doors for you. Likewise, given the extremely fast rate of development, cloud computing is poised to replace traditional IT entirely (perhaps in the next few years). While this might create a sense of panic for some, this situation actually presents businesses with some truly great opportunities to take advantage of the many features cloud computing will be able to offer them. Along with creating a formalized plan for a cloud computing transition, it is absolutely imperative that you look into additional professional development for your IT personnel at this time (cloud computing certification and training).