Cloud-based ServicesThe cloud is a network of servers, and each server has a different function.

Cloud services include:Cloud storage (Dropbox, OneDrive, Google Drive)Webmail (Gmail, Hotmail, Yahoo Mail) Social Networking (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram)Media Services (YouTube, iTunes, Spotify)Web Applications (Google Docs, Office 365, Zoho)

Cloud StorageData is stored online in and accessible from multiple distributed and connected resources that comprise a cloud.

Cloud StorageAdvantagesAccessible anywhere with Internet connectionStrong data backup (plus recovery processes)Lower storage cost per Gigabyte - no need for server purchaseNo need to email files – just send linkLarge storage capacity

DisadvantagesSecurity and privacy – have to trust cloud storage providerSpeed of access – reliant on Internet connectionNo internet = no access to files

Public CloudApplications and storage available to the general public over the Internet

Free or pay-per-usage (sometimes Freemium)

AdvantagesGood for collaborationScalability (can increase amount of resource required easily)Inexpensive

DisadvantagesSecurity and privacy

Public Cloud (Dropbox)

Public Cloud (Dropbox)

Private CloudSimilar to public cloud BUT private cloud systems are owned and used by a single organisation (although potentially managed externally)

Advantages:High level of security and privacyCustomisable to needs of organisationScalability

DisadvantagesCost

Private Cloud (Rackspace)

Hybrid CloudA combination of both public and private cloud solutions

Organisation uses cheaper public cloud where security is not an issueOrganisation uses more expensive private cloud when storing sensitive data such as customer data

Advantages:Secure when security is requiredCheaper than private cloud solution

Web HostingWeb hosting is the service providing space on the Internet for websites.

Web sites are hosted on web servers.

ISPs commonly offer a small amount of space for personal web page/site.

Web hosting companies charge users/businesses for additional space and the ability to run scripts / databases.

To have a web site a business must pay for hosted web space and also a domain name.

Web HostingFree web hosting

Small amount of space provided by ISP or website such as Weebly, Wordpress or MoonFruitNot recommended for high traffic Need to use their domain e.g. wordrpess.com/mysuperwebsite/

Web Hosting (Weebly)

Web HostingShared web hosting

Own domain nameHosted on a web server shared with other web sitesReasonable cost (A few pounds per month)Scalable (increase space / traffic as required)Access to other tools (PHP, MySQL, CMS)Restrictions on traffic, CPU, RAM

Web Hosting (Fast Hosts)

Web HostingDedicated web hosting

Dedicated serverEntirely configurableGreater reliability (uptime)Required if high traffic

Web Hosting (WebFusion)