CIS 500
August 28, 2012
Introduction The world is turning to cloud computing to manage data. Businesses are at the forefront of this new trend with companies such as Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and others leading the way by providing these services. What exactly is cloud computing? According to Turban & Volonino (2011), cloud computing is Internet- based computing in which shared resources (such as hard drives for storage) and software apps are provided to computers and other devices on- demand (p. 48).
The author will explain in this case study how Ericsson benefitted from using Amazon Web Services (AWS) in terms of cost reduction, automated software updates, remote access, and on-demand availability. The study will also evaluate the scalability, dependability, manageability, and adaptability of Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (Amazon EC2), Amazon Simple Storage Services (Amazon S3), and RightScale. The author will also discuss the security concerns of cloud-based services and make suggestions to cope with these concerns. Lastly, the author will assess possible scalability, reliability, and cost issues associated with cloud computing, and make suggestions to overcome each of these issues.
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
AWS has been integral in Ericsson becoming one of the most powerful providers of technology and services to telecom operators. Ericsson has managed to reduce cost by using AWS which precludes them from having to invest in new IT infrastructure. According to Amazon.com. (2012),
AWS offers low, pay-as-you-go pricing with no up-front expenses or long-term commitments. We are able to build and manage a global infrastructure at scale, and pass the cost saving benefits onto you in the form of lower prices. With the efficiencies of our scale and expertise, we have been able to lower our prices on 15 different occasions over the past four years (para. 3).
Because AWS services are provided through the internet from
References: Turban, E., & Volonino, L. (2011) Information technology for management (8th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons Paulstamatiou.com. (2008). How To: Getting Started with Amazon EC2. Retrieved from http://paulstamatiou.com/how-to-getting-started-with-amazon-ec2 Amazon.com. (2012). About AWS. Retrieved from http://aws.amazon.com/what-is-aws Modis.com. (n.d).Cloud Computing for Mid-Market Companies. Retrieved from http://www.modis.com/it-insights/it-white-papers/downloads/whitepaper-cloud-computing-for-mid-market-companies.pdf Gwu.edu (2010) Cyber Security and Privacy in Cloud Computing: Multidisciplinary Research Problems in Business Retrieved from http://www.cspri.seas.gwu.edu/Publications,%20Papers,%20and%20Research/CloudComputing_Lumley.pdf