Cloud computing: A cloudy future?

Abstract

In this paper, we review and summarize some of the leading computing concepts including cluster, grid, and cloud computing. These ideas relate to bringing computers together to build a more powerful computational engine that is capable of processing multiple tasks concurrently. In cluster computing, a group of computers are located close by and directly linked with extremely high speed connections in order to perform as a single computer system. In grid computing, computer resources from multiple Internet domains are combined to reach a common computational goal. Compared with clusters, grids tend to be more loosely coupled, heterogeneous, and geographically distributed. Cloud computing is an emerging technology allowing a large number of interconnected computers, hardware and/or software to be rented as a commodity like electricity. The service types of cluster, grid, and cloud have been compared. We conclude that cloud computing has the potential to meet various computing demands in a cost effective easy way provided that some crucial issues like privacy, security, migration, and management are properly addressed.