GREEN IT: Model and Key Factors

Cloud Computing

Cloud computing, storing and accessing data and software from remote servers, is changing the way the world does business. The cloud can be accessed from anywhere there’s an Internet connection. The cloud allows increasing amounts of big data generated from mobile devices and social channels to be captured, stored and continuously updated in one, central location. This dramatically reduces a business power consumption and in turn, energy bills.

Cloud computing, the next step on the path to more efficient use of computing resources, is a disruptive technology that is changing the way enterprises look to meet their IT hardware and software requirements. There are four main types of cloud computing service models available, commonly known as: (1) Software as a Service (SaaS), (2) Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), and (3) Platform as a Service (PaaS). There are certain characteristics of a cloud service: (1) offered online and self serving, (2) pay-per-use model, (3) scalability on demand, (4) elasticity on demand, (5) delivered over internet protocol (Singh, 2013, javacodegeeks.com).

Cloud computing service models:

Comparison:

Comparison cloud computing based on capability vs access:

Here are the key ways in which the cloud can help business going green while boosting efficiency on conducting business: (1) saves trees by reducing the need for paper, (2) lower power consumption, (3) effective collaboration reduces the need to travel, and (4) reduced office space for a more natural environment (usgreentechnology.com).