1.0 Introduction
Cloud computing is a model for enabling ubiquitous, convenient on-demanding network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g networks, servers, storage applications and services) that can be rapidly positioned and released with minimal management effort or service provider interaction.
Although this widely-adopted description of what makes a cloud computing solution is very valuable, it is not very tangible or easy to understand. Why is cloud computing different than just visualization alone which is commonly mistaken to be cloud computing as well.
Cloud computing is composed of fine essential characteristic, three deployment models and four service models.
The essential characteristics consist of:
a) On-demand self service:
Users are able to position cloud computing resources without requiring human interaction, mostly done through a web based self service portal (management console).
b) Broad network access:
Cloud computing resources are accessible over the network, supporting heterogeneous client platforms such as mobile devices and workstations
c) Resource pooling:
Service multiple customers from the same physical resources, by securely separating the resources n logical level
d) Rapid elasticity:
Resources are positioned and released on demand and/or automated based on triggers or parameters. This will make sure your application will have exactly the capacity it needs at any point of time
e) Measured service:
Resource usage and monitored measured and reported (billed) transparently based on utilization.
Therefore, cloud computing is much more than just virtualization. It’s really about utilizing technology as a service. Users need little to no knowledge in the details of how a particular service is implemented on which hardware, on how many CPUs and so on. All that is important for a user is to have good understanding of what the service offers and what it does not and how to operate the self service portal.
1.1 Background Of The Study
When it comes to outsourcing, everyone has a tale of woe. Some software vendor that outsourced a new development project couldn’t meet deadline because they were amateur so, they switch from one platform to another. But the by-question is who pick the platform; did the customer check the work daily? No. Did it have automated status reporting? (it didn’t).
Outsourcing is the key part of every modern IT group. The problem is, we still don’t seem to do it well. Hence, many business technology professional fire their vendors within a short period of time. So, companies using IT outsourcing speak of the importance of managing outsourcing better. One is the growth of cloud computing and software as a service initiatives.
IT outsourcing is moving up the stack as vendors take over increasing strategic functions. Nearly 6 to 10 IT shops outsource some critical function − management, engineering executive and management functions in-house but look to outsource everything else. As companies relies more on outsiders a lack of oversight, management and even monitoring can have catastrophic consequences.
Cloud computing blurs the lines between what had been conventional outsourcing and internal operations and it will test IT’s management and control policies.
Therefore, this research seeks to investigate cloud computing as a better means of IT outsourcing.
1.2 Statement Of The Problem
The problem confronting this research is to investigate cloud computing as a better means of IT outsourcing.
1.3 Research Questions
- What is cloud computing?
- What is IT outsourcing?
- What is the role of cloud computing as a better means of IT outsourcing?
1.4 Objectives Of The Study
- To determine the nature and characteristics of cloud computing
- To determine the nature of IT outsourcing
- To highlight the role of the cloud computing as a better means of IT outsourcing.
1.5 Significance Of The Study
- The study shall be of immense importance to IT companies and IT professional
- The study shall provide a structural framework on the application of cloud computing as a better means of IT outsourcing
- It shall serve as a reference point of information on cloud computing as a better means of IT outsourcing.
1.6 Statement Of The Hypothesis
- H0 The growth of cloud computing is low
H1 The growth of cloud computing is high - H0 The level of IT outsourcing is low
H1 The level of IT outsourcing is high - H0 The importance of cloud computing in IT outsourcing is low
H1 The importance of cloud computing in IT outsourcing is high
1.7 Scope Of The Study
The study focuses on cloud computing as a better means of IT outsource
1.8 Definition Of Terms
Definition of cloud computing
Cloud computing is a model for enabling ubiquitous, convenient on-demanding network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g. networks, servers, storage applications and services) that can be rapidly positioned and released with minimal management effort or service provider interaction. Edwin S. (2004).
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