Question

At least three paragraphs, please.

- How is the trend toward open systems and interoperability related to business use of web based systems including Cloud Computing and Software As A Service (SAAS)? Give examples of how different system platforms can use a common standard to communicate with each other. This is very important in the realm of business where not every company is using the same operating system version, file format, telecommunication standard or whatever difference that must be overcome in order to work together.

Answer 1

ANSWER:

Cloud Computing: Cloud Computing is the delivery of different services through the internet. These service include tools and applications like data storage, servers, databases, networking and software.

• Rather than keeping files on a proprietary hard drive or local storage device, cloud based storage (like Google drive, Dropbox, Amazon web services, Apple i cloud) makes it possible to save them to a remote database. As long as electronic device has access to the web, it has access to the data and the software programs to run it.
• Currently Cloud computing is a popular option for people and business because of reasons like a) cost savings, b) increased productivity, c) speed and efficiency, d) security.
• Cloud computing comprises of 3 services: 1) Software-as-a-service (SaaS), 2) Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), 3) Platform-as-a-Service (Paas).  

Software As A Service (SAAS): SaaS is a Software that you can access via internet browser without the need to download it onto your Computer, Laptop or Smartphone. SaaS has numerous applications like:

• Email services
• Automating sign-up for products and services.
• Auditing functions
• Managing documents, including file sharing and document collaboration.
• Shared company calendars which can be used for scheduling events.
  

TREND TOWARD OPEN SYSTEMS AND INTEROPERABILITY RELATED TO CLOUD COMPUTING & SAAS:

Client‐centric interoperability enables the migration of the data and applications across clouds; it gives the clients control over their workloads and a wider range of service choices. Whereas, Provider‐centric interoperability allows the providers to collaborate. Thus, providers, who have spare resources, can lend them to other providers who lack computational or storage capabilities to overcome the limitations of their local resources.

Client‐centric solutions are, mostly, semantic technologies and brokers. However, Provider‐centric solutions are middleware, protocols, and standards.

EXAMPLES OF DIFFERENT SYSTEM PLATFORMS USING COMMON STANDARD TO COMMUNICATE WITH EACH OTHER:

• In Cloud collaboration, multiple individuals may access, review and edit a document in real time. With the document housed in the cloud, it is always versioning, so everyone with access sees changes as they are made. It can be especially beneficial to businesses with multiple locations or remote employees, cloud collaboration is also an excellent way to work with others in close proximity. Whether they're working on meeting notes or a proposal document, cloud collaboration allows all team members to work together in real time. Google Spreadsheets are the best practical example.
  
• Dropbox: While most well-known as a free consumer service, Dropbox for Business allows employees to sync files from various devices and work from anywhere — as long as they have an internet connection. With enhanced security features, Dropbox helps ensure data is protected at all times.
  
• The Cloud Computing Giant Amazon Web Services (AWS) is providing services to large companies with different platforms / Standards like Netfilx, Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter, ESPN, BBC, Adobe.
  
• Microsoft OneDrive is designed for businesses, enabling them to access, share and collaborate on all their files, from anywhere. With features that connect all your files across Microsoft 365, Microsoft OneDrive enhances collaboration while maintaining visibility and security controls.
  
  

DIFFERENT BUSINESSES / COMPANIES USE DIFFERENT STANDARDS, HOW TO OVERCOME IN ORDER TO WORK TOGETHER:

One of the cloud challenges companies and enterprises are facing today is lack of resources and/or expertise in adopting the Cloud solutions. Organizations are increasingly placing more workloads in the cloud while cloud technologies continue to rapidly advance. Due to these factors, organizations are having a tough time keeping up with the tools. Also, the need for expertise continues to grow. These challenges can be minimized through additional training of IT and development staff.