Cloud Computing and Web 2.0, Research Paper Example

The Web, which started as a hypertext system, has over the years evolved into a platform for distribution of applications of all kinds. These applications are designed in such a way that the user interface and the application logic are totally separated. As web technology moves towards Web 2.0, the internet is shifting from just content distribution to application distribution, where most of the user data will be stored in the cloud as opposed to the local machine that came with the PC era.

Applications running on the web enabled by Web 2.0 and cloud computing are today very critical to the internet infrastructure. These applications are used for banking, email, financial management, online shopping, social networking, auctions and so much more. Internet giants such as Google, Microsoft, Yahoo and Amazon have invested billions of dollars towards creating redundant infrastructures to support heavy demand occasioned by Web 2.0.

Cloud Computing and Web 2.0

Web 2.0 applications are primarily client server applications through which the browser provides the user interface communicating with the server via the http requests and responses. The application is designed to ensure security in the communication. Most of the security challenges associated with internet concern these kinds of applications. Therefore, Web 2.0 can be defined as the application of various web technologies to the web that results in the user controlling the presentation of information and interaction. An example of the difference between Web 2.0 and the previous Web 1.0 is that it is now possible to integrate various applications to work as one such as shown by the integration of weather sites with travel sites. This is made possible by use of APIs.

Cloud computing is the new paradigm where applications and data are stored on the internet and not on the client machine. Cloud computing has made it possible to improve the capabilities of a computer on demand basis without the need to license any new software, buy new hardware or build a massive infrastructure. These applications are bought, licensed and used over the network without being installed on the user’s desktop computer. Cloud applications for common business uses are now available online for access via the browser while the applications and the data reside in the server. Cloud computing services are accessible from anywhere in the world and users only need to own a computer or a phone with a browser connected to the internet to use these services. Another key advantage of cloud computing is that it is paid per use; users only need to pay for their usage and storage needs (Raman, 2008).

For an organization to be able to implement Web 2.0 and cloud computing, the requirements are exceedingly minimal, and the upfront costs are also very limited. Working with standard business applications for word processing such as Microsoft Word or even Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Software such as Oracle and SAP is fairly simple. All these applications are already available in the cloud, and all a company needs is to subscribe and train its users. Most of these applications are charged per user per year. With cloud computing, the hassle of setting up data centers, installing software and ensuring its security is no more. This ensures that working with cloud application radically reduces deployment time and costs.

Advantages for using cloud computing and Web 2.0 are very many. They include reduced costs, simplicity in deployment, reliability, and flexibility in usage. Many companies today are moving to the cloud reaping huge benefits from collaboration and flexibility enabled by cloud computing.

References

Raman, T (2008). Cloud computing and equal access for all. Proceedings of the international cross-disciplinary workshop on Web Accessibility, pp. 1-4.