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Hype on Cloud Computing, Mainframe on the Back Seat

When people say "Big Iron" they are referring to those powerful computers or the mainframes. They are generally used in vital applications in big companies usually involved in massive processing of data like census, statistics and transaction processing.

One of the biggest benefits of mainframes is their reliability in processing massive amounts of data no matter if one or two systems break down it will continue to function compared to normal computers and their biggest disadvantage falls on the high cost of hardware, OS software including its maintenance.

Cloud computing is a web – based application wherein shared resources, software and data are supplied to computers and other tools on demand.

Cloud computing provides a lot of benefits and one of its greatest benefits is cutting down the costs of big and small companies. Its disadvantages lie more on the security risks.

The enormous hype on cloud computing makes it seem that most companies who are doing business have learned to adopt its use but are these companies really ready to move all their information on the cloud or are they going to keep something in – house? A lot of companies have been taking advantage of its benefits but moving to the cloud is a step by step process and it will take some time to completely realize its aftermath.

The Start of Mainframe Computing

The prices of computers started to go down during the late 1980s but many big companies were not willing the pay the price in employing the use of several individual computers even after realizing how the use of PCs can help in performing daily functions, thinking that investing on hundreds of PCs and maintaining them is exorbitant. Going back 20 years, when cloud computing was first introduced through sheer clients or dumb terminals were all connected to a mainframe leading to the birth of mainframe computing scheme. The concept was to have one mainframe where the dumb terminals are connected for its power and display while all the data processing are being done by the mainframe just the way a normal PC is doing. The company's infrastructure was easily managed by mainframe computing service at a lesser cost. The concept of mainframe computing had taken a back seat when computers started dominating the market at a lower price.

The Birth Cloud Computing

The use of mainframe slowly lost its popularity especially when computers' prices started to fall continuously and majority of companies opted to use the latest and updated PCs. The concept of cloud computing has brought certain advantages to the users but the mainframe shift has remained stable until today. Cloud computing was designed to use the web from a remote access while mainframe computing was created to use on in – house resources. Both cloud and mainframe computing carry the same principle that is to employ shared computing resources in doing work.

The Cloud Computing Setback

Unlike the mainframe, cloud computing relies on an internet connection to be able to function, allowing users to have access on shared resources on the internet and without it the cloud will not run. Most companies have been worrying about the issues on their security but they have not realized that with cloud computing come the main problem of how dependent they have been with a cable modem that connects them to the internet to access their shared resources. A lot of problems in getting access to the internet can occur like internet connections going down, Internet Service Provider is encountering problems or they are upgrading their systems and problems with your computer is preventing you from going online. If your work is dependent on cloud computing and all these impediments happens a company or a person will not be able to get their job done. Most companies have seen all the advantages and benefits of cloud computing in their businesses but what happens when connections go down and computer hardware is preventing the use of the web will cloud computing still be as advantageous as it is?

Other experts see cloud computing as nothing new considering the increased hype regarding its benefits and use. The conveniences that cloud computing offers are very attractive but what happens when your computer crashes down? Will you recover your files easily? What if a hacker gets through your system is there any way in saving a company from hackers or getting bankrupt?

Most users have no time to read the policies and terms that goes with cloud computing like yahoo or hotmail. There are no certain rules that cover hosting files. Hosting companies as well will only shut you down when you start to complain.

Other software are available that can help existing businesses to function which can direct into a web service and costs less as well. They can run on Windows, Linux even IBMs. If you are thinking that mainframes are sitting on the back seat, think again! Mainframes are still being used in huge organizations like hospitals, insurance firms and even by the federal government.

Both mainframe and cloud computing have their own advantages and disadvantages. Considering the advantages of mainframe all files can be stored and processed even if part of the system breaks down your. Its disadvantages boil down on the huge cost of its maintenance, hardware and operating system. Aside from staff, companies have to pay a fixed rate when using mainframe computing.

On the other hand, the advantages of cloud computing are the exact opposite of mainframes. Cost of maintenance is out relieving companies from their IT maintenance staff and repairs can be done easily by making a phone call to the service provider. While its disadvantages falls on security and recovery of files on the internet especially when it crashes down.

Both mainframe and cloud computing have their own advantages and disadvantages what the other has the other one does not have. Will you consider working on a mainframe or cloud computing? Or is there a possibility of merging both their benefits to have better and profitable way of doing businesses.

About the Author

Anne Radoc is a freelance writer. Avail of her services NOW!

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