Cloud Computing

Cloud Computing 

Cloud computing is the delivery of computing services over the Internet. Cloud 

services allow individuals and businesses to use software and hardware that are 

managed by third parties at remote locations. Examples of cloud services include 

online file storage, social networkingsites, webmail, and online business 

applications. The cloud computing model allows access to information and computer 

resources from anywhere that a network connection is available. Cloud computing 

provides a shared pool of resources, including data storage space, networks, 

computer processing power, and specialized corporate and user applications. 

The following definition of cloud computing has been developed by the U.S. National 

Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST): 

Cloud computing is a model for enabling 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 promotes availability and is composed of five essential 

characteristics, three service models, and four deployment models.

Characteristics

The characteristics of cloud computing include on-demand self service, broad 

network access, resource pooling, rapid elasticity and measuredservice. On-demand 

self service means that customers (usually organizations) can request and manage 

their own computing resources. Broad network access allows services to be offered 

over the Internet or private networks. Pooled resources means that customers draw 

from a pool of computing resources, usually in remote data centres. Services can be 

scaled larger or smaller; and use of a service is measured and customers are billed 

accordingly. 

Service models

The cloud computing service models are Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a 

Service (PaaS) and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS). In a Software as a Service 

model, a pre-made application, along withany required software, operating system, 

hardware, and network are provided. In PaaS, an operating system, hardware, and 

network are provided, and the customer installs or develops its own software and 

applications. The IaaS model provides just the hardware and network; the customer 

installs or develops its own operating systems, software and applications. 

Deployment of cloud services:

Cloud services are typically made available via a private cloud, community cloud, 

public cloud or hybrid cloud. 

Generally speaking, services provided by a public cloudare offered over the 

Internet and are owned and operated by a cloud provider. Some examples include 

services aimed at the general public, such as online photo storage services, e-mail 

services, or social networking sites. However, services for enterprises can also be 

offered in a public cloud. 

In a private cloud, the cloud infrastructure is operated solely for a specific 

organization, and is managed by the organization or a third party. 

In a community cloud, the service is shared by several organizations and made 

available only to those groups. The infrastructure may be owned and operated by the 

organizations or by a cloud service provider.

A hybrid cloud is a combination of different methods of resource pooling (for 

example, combining publicand community clouds).  

Why cloud services are popular

Cloud services are popular because they can reduce the cost and complexity of 

owning and operating computers and networks. Since cloud users do not have to 

invest in information technology infrastructure, purchase hardware, or buy software 

licences, the benefits are low up-front costs, rapid return on investment, rapid 

deployment, customization, flexible use, and solutions that can make use of new 

innovations. In addition, cloud providers that have specialized in a particular area 

(such as e-mail) can bring advanced services that a single company might not be 

able to afford or develop. 

Some other benefits to users include scalability, reliability, and efficiency. Scalability 

means that cloud computing offers unlimited processing and storage capacity. The 

cloud is reliable in that it enables access to applications and documents anywhere in 

the world via the Internet. Cloud computing is often considered efficient because it 

allows organizations to free up resources to focus on innovation and product 

development.

Privacy is not a barrier but it must be taken into consideration

The Personal Information Protectionand Electronic Documents Act(PIPEDA) does not 

prevent an organization from transferring personal information to an organization in 

another jurisdiction for processing. 

However, PIPEDA establishes rules governing those transfers — particularly with 

respect to obtaining consent for the collection, use and disclosure of personal 

information, securing the data, and ensuring accountability for the information and 

transparency in terms of practices. 

For more information on the views of the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of 

Canada with respect to outsourcing of personal data processing across borders, 

please see our Guidelines for Processing Personal Data Across Borders. These 

considerations apply whether moving data in the cloud or otherwise. 

It is important to note that many non-Canadian based cloud providers may also be 

subject to PIPEDA. To the extent that a cloud provider has a real and substantial 

connection to Canada, and collects, uses ordiscloses personal information in the 

course of a commercial activity, the provider is expected to protect personal 

information, in keeping with PIPEDA. 

Conclusion

Cloud computing offers benefits for organizations and individuals. There are also 

privacy and security concerns. If you are considering a cloud service, you should 

think about how your personal information, and that of your customers, can best be 

protected. Carefully review the terms of service or contracts, and challenge the 

provider to meet your needs.