Cloud Services (Edexcel IGCSE Ict)
What is the cloud?
-
The cloud is a word used to describe the use of the internet to:
- Store data
- Access software
-
Data & software accessed locally are confined to the resources of the specific device you are using
-
Data & software accessed using the cloud rely on an internet connection
Hosted & local software
Spec point —
4.3.2
What is hosted software?
-
Hosted software is software accessed using the internet
-
Unlike local software where installation files are stored on local secondary storage, the software is stored on a remote server
-
Hosted software can also be called web applications (web apps)
-
Software is hosted on a server and accessed through a web browser
-
Common examples of hosted software include:
- Microsoft Office 365
- Google Docs/Sheets/Slides
-
Hosted software operates on a subscription model
Advantages and disadvantages of hosted software
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Access from different types of device | Can only be accessed using an internet connection |
| Combined with online storage, can save files online | User experience is affected by: - High latency (delay) - Low bandwidth (slow internet) |
| Features that enable collaboration | Not as many features as locally installed software |
| Updates & security managed by someone else | Privacy concerns, who has access to your data |
| Cost effective (pay monthly plans) | Hidden fees can add up |
What is local software?
-
Local software is software that is installed directly onto a device's secondary storage (such as an HDD or SSD) and runs from that device without needing an internet connection.
-
Installation files can come from a download, a CD/DVD, or a USB drive
-
Once installed, the software runs using the device's own processor, RAM and storage
-
Local software is usually purchased with a one-off licence fee, although some products now offer subscription options
-
Common examples of local software include:
- Microsoft Office (desktop version)
- Adobe Photoshop
- iTunes
Advantages and disadvantages of local software
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Works without an internet connection | Can only be used on the device it is installed on |
| Generally runs faster as it uses the device's own resources | Higher upfront cost (one-off licence fee) |
| Often includes more advanced features than web-based equivalents | The user is responsible for installing updates |
| The user has full control over their software and files | The user is responsible for security (e.g. anti-malware) |
| No ongoing subscription required for many products | Takes up space on the device's secondary storage |
Online & local storage
Spec point —
4.3.3
What is online storage?
-
Online storage (cloud storage) is a term to describe long-term (secondary) storage of data that resides in a remote location, accessible only via a wide area network (Internet)
-
Data is stored on remote servers, typically using magnetic storage (HDD), but increasingly using solid state (SSD)
-
The three types of online storage are:
- Public cloud - The customer and the cloud storage provider are different companies
- Private cloud - The customer and the cloud storage provider are a single organisation
- Hybrid cloud - Combines both public and private cloud options and allows for sensitive data to remain private whilst providing public cloud services for less sensitive information
Advantages and disadvantages of online storage
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Data can be accessed from anywhere | A stable internet connection is required to use cloud storage |
| Data can be accessed by anyone with the relevant permissions, making it quick to share files and collaborate with others | Storing data in the cloud may be vulnerable to security breaches |
| Data can be accessed on any device with an internet connection | The user is dependent on the storage provider for the availability and reliability of its services |
| Allows customers to increase or decrease their storage capacity as needed | Should the company dissolve or cease to exist, all cloud data may be lost |
| Providers often use multiple servers to store and backup data, reducing the risk of data loss due to hardware failure | As the amount of storage or bandwidth required increases, the service may become expensive over time |
| Providers offer advanced security features, such as data encryption and multi-factor authentication multi-factor authentication, to protect user data from unauthorised access | |
| There is no need to hire specialist staff as IT services being provided by the cloud storage provider |
What is local storage?
-
Local storage is the long-term (secondary) storage of data on a device's own internal or directly connected storage media
-
Data is saved directly to the device and accessed without needing an internet connection
-
Local storage can be internal(HDD, SSD) or external/portable (USB flash drive, external HDD, SD card)
-
The user has direct physical control over where their data is kept
-
Common examples of local storage include:
- Internal hard disk drive (HDD) or solid state drive (SSD)
- USB flash drive
- External hard drive
- SD memory card
Advantages and disadvantages of local storage
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| No internet connection needed to access files | Limited capacity compared to cloud options |
| Faster read and write speeds, especially with SSDs | Vulnerable to device loss, theft or physical damage |
| The user has full control over their data and privacy | If the device fails, data can be lost without a backup |
| One-off cost, no ongoing subscription fees | Harder to share files and collaborate with others |
| Works on devices that are offline or have poor connectivity | The user is responsible for their own backups and security |
Worked Example Explain one drawback of using cloud storage to back up a digital music library
[2]
Answer
- Uploads will take a long time [1] because bandwidth is limited / file sizes are large [1]
- Increased cost [1] as data often charged per Mb used [1]
Was this revision note helpful?
Build on this topic