Computer Systems and Website Planning

J. Cloud Computing

Updated on July 13, 2011

Cloud Computing may be the only way for THNC to accomplish its objectives. This success may hinge on using scalability and pay-as-you-go. We are starting with just an idea. We need to find tools and systems that are powerful and flexible enough to enable THNC's ideas and then locate funding support to make it happen.

Our understanding of cloud capabilities came from "Introduction to Cloud Computing Architecture", a Sun Microsystems white paper released in June, 2009. It is available at: http://webobjects.cdw.com/webobjects/media/pdf/Sun_CloudComputing.pdf .

1. Necessary Cloud Features
1. Access to gradually, ever-increasing amounts of storage;
2. Access to software and systems that can drive search engines and other aspects of THNC's website for its members and a variety of capabilities for employees to gather, screen, and place reliable information at the hands of our members;
3. Respond to varying levels of traffic, so that THNC pays for the resources it needs;
4. Rapid response time to satisfy members and keep employees productive.
5. Respond to rapid database growth as increasing numbers of members, more funding, and more employees expands THNC activity;
6. Response to and analysis of increased demands for cross referencing and keyword searches;
7. Full, intense security, in-use and at rest;
8. Use of a network-based Intrusion Prevention System (IPS)
9. Zero-loss tolerance;
10. 100% backup to servers different than where information goes;
11. Loss recovery protocols



2. Questions about clouds
1. Where does software reside?
2. Must each server also have a copy of software?
3. How is security handled with respect to software? (to prevent unauthorized alternations)
4. Can software modules be monitored for unauthorized changes?