Cloud computing allows for a new approach to technology by leveraging shared resources to maximize productivity, competency and expertise to individuals and businesses. The advantages of cloud computing are well-known: efficiency, economy, and flexibility which aid businesses to meet the technological challenges and requirements quickly and efficiently.
What is the cloud?
Cloud computing is a broad concept to define as there are numerous services allowing for numerous different forms and methods for individuals to utilise. It is complex enough that the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) devoted an entire publication to define cloud computing. The short definition they provided is:
‘Cloud computing is a model for enabling ubiquitous, convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources, such as networks, servers, storage, applications, and services, that can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort or service provider interaction’.
The concept of virtual environments
Virtual environments and remote access aren’t new topics in computing but are advancing and becoming phenomenal. The very initial computers used by businesses were accessed via dumb terminals, as technology has progressed, the concept has moulded to give administrators greater control over business resources. One of the most recent emphasis of this concept is the virtual desktop initiative (VDI) that enables the deployment of a workplace desktop anywhere in the world and on any device, while giving administrators the ability to centrally manage the entire infrastructure from one central place.
However, the cloud is still relatively new but is rapidly evolving. Despite its popularity, it remains an unexplored division within technology for many, and with this, it brings its own set of challenges and risks to businesses. There is a misconception that moving to the cloud can fix any IT problems, in some cases it can be seen that existing problems have become worse or new problems have been created.
Security within the cloud
Security within the cloud can be complicated. It can disrupt the central IT security model that relies on the logical and physical system boundaries. These boundaries become less clear and more complex in the cloud, rendering traditional security mechanisms that rely on perimeter defences less effective. A cloud system also must meet the security needs of many customers who might be tenants on the same physical infrastructure, so no single policy for security or IT governance will meet everyone’s needs. Differing policies must co-exist on the same platform and be implemented with confidence, irrespective of the location and jurisdiction of the platform.
There are also questions of proprietorship to consider: who owns the data in the cloud? Who is responsible for different aspects of security? It’s probably a good bet that encryption will be used somewhere; who generates, holds and manages the encryption keys?
Using Amazon Web Services with Hypersocket Software
Thus, Hypersocket is selective and provides effortless deployment methods to suit every environment and business requirements. Dedicated as a virtual appliance, Hypersocket targets a hassle-free approach providing easy and quick access to self-service password management.
However, Hypersocket Access Manager can be used on Amazon Web Services (AWS). Amazon Web Services is a secure cloud services platform that offers a broad IT infrastructure platform such as database storage. The connection allows users to run Access Manager from the AWS cloud service making it convenient for all businesses. A complete guide on setting up Hypersocket Access Manager with AWS can be found here
For more information on cloud computing, download our free eBook in collaboration with Tech Writers Bureau here.