Week 1 Assignment Guidelines And Rubric

Its 532 Week 1 Assignment Guidelines And Rubrictopiccloud Based Organ

Your company is interested in learning more about cloud computing and the varying services offered. The head of the IT department has handed you a list of cloud-based organizations—he doesn’t have time to put together a report for the CEO that explains what cloud computing does and how it might benefit the organization. That, of course, is why YOU got the list. For each of the organizations on the list, you are to report back on the following: 1. What is the organization’s primary cloud function—what advantages might the organization have over another organization that provides the same product or service? 2. What type of cloud computing service model is the organization using? 3. Does the organization provide any type of cloud deployment model? If so, what is it and why might your organization choose the company you are reporting about over another one? 4. What “promises” of a secure cloud environment does the organization highlight? Are those considerations important to your company? Why? The list of organizations you were given to evaluate contains the following: 1. Apple iCloud 2. Amazon Web Services 3. Google Docs 4. Windows Azure 5. Salesforce.com Guidelines for Submission: Using APA 6th edition style standards, submit a proposal that is 3-5 pages in length and include at least three credible scholarly references to support your findings. The UC Library is a good place to find these sources. Be sure to cite and reference your work using the APA guides and essay template that are located in the courseroom. Include the following critical elements in your Assignment submission: I. The primary cloud function of the organization: Briefly summarize the cloud computing product(s) or service(s) for each organization in the list. Explain what advantages might the organization have over another organization that provides the same product or service. II. The cloud computing service model. Briefly summarize the service model for each organization in the list. III. The deployment model: Briefly summarize the deployment model and explain why your organization might choose a specific company. IV. Cloud security: Briefly summarize the security features or services offered by each organization. Explain why these considerations are important to your organization. Required elements: · Please ensure your paper complies APA 6th edition style guidelines. There is an essay template located under the Course Information link. · APA basics: · Your essay should be typed, double-spaced on standard-sized paper (8.5" x 11") · Use 1" margins on all sides, first line of all paragraphs is indented ½” from the margin · Use 12 pt. Times New Roman font · Follow the outline provided above and use section headers to improve the readability of your paper. If I cannot read and understand it, you will not earn credit for the content. · Refer to the Course Information for the grading rubric.

Paper For Above instruction

Cloud computing has revolutionized information technology by providing scalable, flexible, and cost-effective services that support a wide range of organizational needs. The organizations outlined—Apple iCloud, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Docs, Windows Azure, and Salesforce.com—each serve distinct functions within the cloud ecosystem, leveraging diverse service models and deployment strategies. Understanding their primary cloud functions, service models, deployment methods, and security promises offers valuable insights for organizations contemplating partnerships with these providers or integrating cloud solutions into their operations.

Primary Cloud Functions and Advantages

Apple iCloud serves primarily as a consumer-focused cloud storage and synchronization service. Its core function is to store and synchronize user data across Apple devices, including photos, documents, and app data, thereby creating an integrated ecosystem. The advantage of iCloud lies in its seamless integration with Apple's hardware and software, providing a user-friendly experience that enhances productivity and user satisfaction (Apple Inc., 2021). In contrast, organizations relying on cloud storage like Google Drive or Dropbox may not enjoy the same level of integration within the Apple ecosystem, which positions iCloud as uniquely advantageous for users committed to Apple’s product line.

Amazon Web Services (AWS) offers a comprehensive suite of cloud services, including infrastructure as a service (IaaS), platform as a service (PaaS), and software as a service (SaaS). AWS’s primary function is to provide scalable cloud infrastructure for enterprise applications, data storage, machine learning, and more. Its significant advantage over competitors is its extensive global data center footprint, which ensures high availability, low latency, and compliance with regional regulations (Amazon, 2023).

Google Docs is a cloud-based productivity suite, primarily functioning as a SaaS application that facilitates real-time document creation, editing, and collaboration. Its advantage lies in its accessibility and ease of use, allowing multiple users to collaborate simultaneously from various locations, supported by Google's powerful cloud infrastructure (Google LLC, 2022).

Windows Azure, now known as Microsoft Azure, provides cloud computing services focusing on PaaS and IaaS. Its primary function is to enable application development, deployment, and management across data centers worldwide. Azure’s integration with Microsoft's enterprise software and developer tools offers a significant advantage for organizations already invested in Microsoft products (Microsoft, 2023).

Salesforce.com specializes in cloud-based customer relationship management (CRM) solutions. Its fundamental function is to enhance customer engagement and sales productivity through cloud-hosted CRM applications. The advantage of Salesforce over other CRM providers is its extensive ecosystem of add-ons, integrations, and its robust analytics capabilities (Salesforce, 2022).

Service Models

Each organization utilizes specific cloud service models aligned with their primary functions. Apple iCloud operates mainly as a SaaS, providing end-users with applications and data storage solutions. AWS and Azure support both IaaS and PaaS models to cater to enterprise clients seeking infrastructure, development, and deployment services. Google Docs employs a SaaS model as a hosted application allowing collaboration without the need for local software installation. Salesforce is a pure SaaS solution, offering CRM applications accessible via web browsers (Mell & Grance, 2011).

Deployment Models

Deployment models vary among these organizations. Apple iCloud predominantly employs a public cloud, offering services accessible via the internet to individual users with a focus on consumer data. AWS and Azure also operate primarily as public clouds, but they support hybrid models for enterprise clients needing private or community cloud options for sensitive data (Mell & Grance, 2011). Google Docs, as a SaaS application, is a public cloud service entirely accessible online. Salesforce also uses a public cloud deployment model to deliver its CRM solutions globally, with secure multi-tenant architecture (Salesforce, 2022).

Organizations might choose a specific provider based on factors such as integration with existing infrastructure, security compliance, geographic presence, and pricing strategies. For example, a company heavily invested in Microsoft tools might favor Azure for its seamless integration, while startups seeking flexible, scalable storage may prefer AWS.

Cloud Security Features

Security is paramount when selecting a cloud provider. Apple iCloud emphasizes data encryption both in transit and at rest, along with biometric authentication to secure user data (Apple Inc., 2021). AWS provides extensive security features, including identity and access management (IAM), encryption, and compliance certifications such as ISO 27001 and SOC reports, which are vital for enterprise data security (Amazon, 2023). Google Docs employs encrypted data transfer and storage, along with identity management controls, to protect user information (Google LLC, 2022). Microsoft Azure offers robust security controls, including Azure Security Center, threat detection, and compliance standards aligned with regulatory requirements (Microsoft, 2023). Salesforce employs multi-layered security protocols, including encryption, regular security audits, and user activity monitoring, ensuring data integrity and confidentiality (Salesforce, 2022). These security features are crucial for organizations to protect sensitive data, comply with regulations, and maintain customer trust.

Conclusion

In summary, these cloud organizations differ widely in their functions, service models, deployment strategies, and security offerings. Selecting the right cloud partner involves analyzing alignment with organizational needs, existing infrastructure, security requirements, and geographic considerations. As cloud computing continues to evolve, understanding these core aspects aids organizations in making informed decisions that enhance efficiency, security, and competitive advantage.

References

  • Amazon. (2023). Amazon Web Services (AWS). https://aws.amazon.com
  • Apple Inc. (2021). iCloud security overview. https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201303
  • Google LLC. (2022). Google Docs help. https://support.google.com/docs
  • Mell, P., & Grance, T. (2011). The NIST definition of cloud computing. National Institute of Standards and Technology. https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.SP.800-145
  • Microsoft. (2023). Overview of Microsoft Azure security. https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/overview/security/
  • Salesforce. (2022). Salesforce security overview. https://trust.salesforce.com/en/security

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