Benefits of the Cloud for Calibration Management Software Systems

Abstract

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) was directed by the federal government to define cloud computing to assist federal agencies in implementing cloud architectures. In 2011, NIST published NIST SP 800-145 “The NIST Definition of Cloud Computing” and defined cloud computing as: “Cloud computing is a model for enabling ubiquitous, convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g., networks, servers, storage, applications, and services) that can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort or service provider interaction. This cloud model is composed of five essential characteristics, three service models, and four deployment models. [1]” Cloud computing is a relatively new IT concept and as such, there is much to learn about the benefits that this business model can bring to organizations. Cloud computing will transform how you do business. The objective of this paper is to explain the benefits of using a cloud architecture for calibration management software systems. The following benefits and topics will be discussed: Work From Anywhere, Always On, Reduced IT Costs, Scalability, Automatic Updates, Reduce Coordination Costs, Improved Quality Control, Disaster Recovery, Environmental Sustainability, Increased Competitiveness, Stronger Security, and Compliance Considerations [2].