BusinessWeek: Can you explain the concept of cloud computing in detail?
TM: The cloud is an invisible online server providing similar services to the ones provided by the traditional server, just that you do not have to go through the normal practice of establishing a server room, installation, configuration and maintenance of hardware and software. The provider acts as the host to your cloud, automatically controlling the cloud, and you do not have to worry about the underlying infrastructure while you get a full access to your cloud. There is a public cloud, which hosts many users and a private cloud that is specific to a single user. It is actually not a new technology, but rather a new model of consuming IT infrastructure. It is more like outsourcing IT services, though not entirely.
BusinessWeek: What are the advantages of having a cloud over a traditional server room?
TM: There are quite a good number of advantages a cloud user can have over the traditional method. Generally, the cloud is inherently efficient in the sense that it saves you the hassles of maintaining and upgrading the server room. It also removes the risks of human error due to automated updates and upgrading whenever there is a need to. The cloud is also advantageous due to its ability to be agile strategically. You can change and quickly integrate your new data systems into your cloud. It also helps with containment of risks of losing important data altogether.
