Amazon EC2 Pay-As-You-Go Cloud-computing Tools

In the virtual computing environment, Amazon EC2 creates a web service interface that establishes multiple operating systems, loaded with custom applications, and centered on managed instances of pay-as-you-go resource consumption units. Though template based, the Amazon cloud-computing tools also provide for customized creation of virtual Amazon Machine Images (“AMI”). These customized AMIs permit specific user configuration settings including unique data management concepts, resource libraries, and information processing applications. The flexibility of the system is empowered by a collection of web service APIs and other Amazon cloud-computing management tools. Among other features, this package permits static IP endpoints, multiple machine instances, portable access locations, and near instantaneous reallocation of resources.

When integrated with the full stock of Amazon web service products such as S3 (http://www.labnol.org/internet/amazon-s3-clients-roundup/8286), Simple DB, and SQS, the Amazon EC2 package rounds out into a comprehensive solution for enterprise requirements concerning portable data storage, extended communications, and advanced system management tools. Mix in network access management for group controls, extended security features, and the restricted access functions of an Amazon Virtual Private Cloud, and this inexpensive collection of cloud-computing tools becomes the cornerstone of a resizable IT power center.

Wondering how well it works with Wordpress? See what Microsoft’s Bill Staples has to say on the matter. (http://articles.sitepoint.com/article/wordpress-in-the-cloud-with-ec2-and-wpi).

Google Apps, Easy To Use Cloud-computing Tools

By using Gmail to improve the effectiveness of online communications, the Google Apps collection of cloud-computing tools eases the complications of enterprise, group collaboration. This core focus on near instantaneous information exchange makes Google’s Internet-based email program the primary building block for Google’s cloud-computing tool-base. By providing online integration of group communication resources, calendar applications that help coordinate business schedules, and a Google Docs (http://www.blippr.com/apps/338339-Google-Docs) application that facilitates easy document creation and sharing, the Google Apps cloud-computing tools establish an open access, information exchange system that is second to none. Pitch in computer centered group management tools, instant messaging, and voice calls. Configure it all to work through an easy to design team website. Google Apps then becomes a resource of complete and workable cloud-computing tools.

Yet not everyone agrees that Google Apps is ready for the big time services. Consider the following opinion piece by a local small business tech writer: Should SMBs Switch to Google Apps for Business or Go with Office 2010? (http://www.itbusinessedge.com/cm/blogs/mah/should-smbs-switch-to-google-apps-for-business-or-go-with-office-2010/?cs=41330).

IBM Cloud-computing Tools

With a client list that includes China Telecome, the Ministry of Science and Technology of Vietnam, and others, IBM has a proven record for providing efficient cloud-computing tools and services. In conjunction with Google and other worldwide partners, IBM has launched “Blue Cloud”. This supplemental university curriculum of integrated cloud hardware, software, and services is designed to help train the next generation of application developers.

On a measure of specific tools, IBM has released a self-policing cloud-computing tool that searches for and removes malicious code from the cloud. This marvelous system examines virtual machines to determine which operating systems are running, and whether those systems are functioning properly, which implies the presence or lack thereof of malicious content. See more at http://www.ibm.com/search/csass/search?sn=mh&q=security%20tools〈=en&cc=us&en=utf.

The Rational Software Delivery Services is one of IBM’s latest entries into the cloud tools area. This “out-of-the-box” collection of application management tools applies to developing and testing cloud software. The goal is to decrease the time and expenses related to application deployment. Other IBM cloud-computing tools include WebSphere, a software tool that is designed to enhance the interconnection of business processes.

As with every collection of cloud-computing tools, the IBM offerings are also an ongoing project. The following white paper details one major use of the WebSpear software platform: http://www.research.ibm.com/people/y/yurdaer/papers/Yurdaer_(WSDJ).pdf.

Microsoft Azure, a Powerhouse of Cloud-computing Tools

Here is a quick doorway into the Microsoft Azure platform, including Windows Azure, SQL Azure, and Azure AppFabric: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/windowsazure/default.aspx.

The development, hosting, and management features of the Azure Service Platform equips the user with the cloud-computing tools that enable scaled Internet applications in a cost efficient manner. By enabling the user to utilize the tools and skills that they already possess, Microsoft Azure establishes a quicker productivity learning curve. New users can easily step into the areas of creating, debugging, executing, and deploying extended Visual Studio services.

SQL Azure is used to manage cloud related relational databases. With SQL Azure, you can setup project security, scale the project, develop the database, and then deploy an anytime, any place database solution. This cloud database service provides cost efficient scalability, reduced management overhead, and rapid provisioning. The following white paper will teach you how to use SQL Azure as a standalone database solution, or as an augment for your existing, on-site data infrastructure: http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9686976.

As always, product hype sometimes exceeds the promises. One might ask how SQL-Azure measures up. View the following link to read one developer’s concerns: http://www.devproconnections.com/article/database-development/Keep-Your-Eyes-on-Microsoft-s-SQL-Azure.aspx.

Cloud Computing Tools: Oracle, Salesforce, and VMware

Oracle’s Selection of Communications Solutions Through Cloud-computing Tools

The archived Oracle Collaboration Suite provides a collection of cloud-computing tools that permit users to continue working with the tools at hand: Microsoft Outlook, Windows Files Explorer, and more. The focus is on enterprise communications-solutions that provide advanced IT performance in a reliable but cost-efficient environment. The purposed benefits include lower cost of ownership through the deployment of scaled systems that incorporate floating content and communications access from anywhere, through any device, and at an increase in application reliability.

The Oracle Collaboration Suite comes with the core components common to most cloud-computing tool packages such as web clients, email packages, voice mail, fax system, scheduling calendar, files management, group policies, web conferencing, enhanced search tools, and system administration tools. That said, one should understand that the Oracle Collaboration Suite is an archived product. Though the collected components establish a great outline of the core cloud-computing tools, the modern Oracle solution package extends well beyond the core center of Collaboration Suite.

The Oracle cloud-computing tools arsenal includes cloud tools that address the needs of application technology, planning, user collaboration, developer tools, business monitoring, and an enormous range of database, enterprise, and server management models. For an in-depth study, see the Oracle Products, Technical Information page at http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/indexes/products/index.html.

Salesforce Cloud-computing Tools

Salesforce.com offers Software-as-a-Service and Platform-as-a-Service cloud-computing solutions.

The Salesforce CRM (“customer relationship management”) package is a SaaS model that focuses on automated sales, marketing, and customer management through cloud hosting. The CRM tool kit includes customization tools such as a layout editor, Twitter and Facebook features, and open access to the Salesforce API and Web services interfaces for application integration. The Salesforce CRM provides a comprehensive, on-demand cloud-computing tool that enables the user and the administrator to streamline the company sales process.

Force.com is a PaaS model that incorporates on-demand applications, information sharing, data exchange services, and a series of plug-in tools that enable developers to work from their desktops. The system includes a cloud-computing tool kit for Adobe AIR and Flex, a community-contributed web application that enables developers and administrators to access and manage salesforce.com organizations, and many more custom plug-in tools.

It seems that there is always a negative side to every company and every product. To view a bit of the dark side of the force, check out the following Better Business Bureau report: http://www.bbb.org/greater-san-francisco/business-reviews/computers-software-and-services/salesforcecom-in-san-francisco-ca-44164.

VMware Cloud-computing Tools

VMware Tools is designed to enhance the functionality of the VMware virtual system setup, deployment, and management process. Along with application management, they address issues the likes of video resolution, erratic mouse behavior, missing sound, and other fundamental system performance matters. Accessories include service tools, user process applications, a tools control panel, and device driver components.

System functionality is but one aspect of VMware cloud-computing tools.

The following web link provides detailed information on VMware’s ThinReg Helper, a cloud-computing tool that is designed to eliminate the necessity of batch scripts and excessive command line inputs: http://blogs.vmware.com/thinapp/tools.

Consider also the virtual appliance authoring tools that are associated with VMware Studio. This collection of cloud-computing tools extends the manageability of virtual appliances, simplifies the creation of the same, and augments the overall user experience in the world of virtual computing. This full service package enhances basic controls such as system backup, disaster recovery, fault tolerance, and system availability.

This is, of course, but a sampling of the products and services that VMware makes available to their customers. The articles in this section will dissect and examine VMware tools and products with great detail. Stay tuned. In the mean time, view the following link into a collection of white papers, blogs, and case studies concerning VMware enterprise applications and how the VMware cloud-computing tools are utilized: http://www.vmware.com/technical-resources/enterprise-applications/msoft_licensing_wp.html.

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