Cloud+Networking

**What is it?**
Generally the purpose of cloud computing is used to provide users on a network an IT sevice instead of a product where the specific information is distributed from a virtual 'cloud' which allows users to store data and access data or in certain instances access certain services which are not dependant on their location. Cloud computing does not rely on the physical storage of a user's machine rather it allows users to access data from what is called a 'cloud' where data or information is stored in a remote location accessable people using the service. Cloud computing also refers to the ability of computers on a network to be linked together through a network in order to combine their processing power to form a supercomputer known as grid computing. Cloud computing also refers to the multiple tasks people can do when linked together through a network.

**Characteristics of Cloud Computing**
The various applications of cloud computing are still not full accounted for but it has been refered to as 'green computing' due to its ability to link users on a network together in order to accomplish tasks. Some of the characteristics that cloud computing seems to exhibit are the following:
 * Cost- reduced cost per person simply due to economies of scale
 * Accessibility- enables users to access data regardless of their geographic location, as it simply connects to servers with the info.
 * Ease- Installation of softwares are not required as data is streamed direct on demand without the use of spending money on softwares
 * Expansion- virtually endless and fast spreading similar to P2P and endless amount of connections
 * Security- Since all the data is stored at one server and location and cloud computing is operated on a shared network monitoring
 * Communication- Increases the speed of data transfer, therefore increases data efficiency

One of the most promising ventures for cloud computing is the use of software development. With multiple developers from all over the world working on a single project it increases the rate of software development making it more efficient. Below are some of the main uses and potential uses for cloud computing:
 * 1) Software engineering with multiple software developers all over the world
 * 2) Establishing a Globalised network a concept which would run in sync with the internet making a worldwide collection of clouds
 * 3) Building extensive and real time database's containing live streaming information
 * 4) Data storage and access
 * 5) The ability to link computers together in order to combine processing power to get large tasks done
 * 6) Ability to make software readily available with multiple services and online live updates