Emerging Trends

Some cloud-based services we use are Google Docs, Microsoft Office 365, Dropbox, and backup/storage of photos and files on the Internet. These are examples of SaaS and cloud storage services used in daily life.

Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of devices that have embedded hardware and software to connect, communicate and exchange data with other devices on the same network. It brings ordinary devices like bulbs, fans, refrigerators, CCTV cameras, door locks, etc. into a smart network.

Potential applications include:
- Smart homes: remotely controlling lights, AC, door locks, CCTV, appliances
- Smart cities: efficient traffic, waste, water and power management
- Healthcare: monitoring patients and health devices
- Transportation: vehicle tracking and smart bus systems
- Agriculture: monitoring crops and irrigation

Cloud computing is an emerging trend in information technology where computer-based services are delivered over the Internet. These services include software, hardware, databases and storage. They are provided by cloud service providers, usually on a pay-per-use basis. A user can access them from anywhere using any smart device. Cloud computing allows users to run large applications or process large amounts of data without needing all the required storage or processing power on their own computer.

Big data refers to data sets of enormous volume and complexity that cannot be processed and analysed using traditional data processing tools. It includes unstructured data such as posts, chats, photographs, tweets, audio/video chats, news items and comments.

Its five characteristics are:
- Volume: very large size of data
- Velocity: high rate of data generation
- Variety: structured, semi-structured and unstructured data
- Veracity: trustworthiness or reliability of data
- Value: useful hidden patterns and knowledge that can provide business value

Artificial Intelligence (AI) aims to simulate human intelligence in machines so that they can behave intelligently. AI systems can learn, make decisions and solve problems with minimum human intervention.

Applications of AI include:
- smartphone maps finding the fastest route using real-time traffic data
- automatic tagging of people in photos on social networking sites
- digital assistants like Siri, Alexa, Google Now and Cortana

Machine Learning (ML) is a subsystem of AI in which computers learn from data using statistical techniques without being explicitly programmed. ML algorithms are trained and tested using training and testing data, and then used to make predictions about new data.

Applications of ML include:
- prediction systems based on past data
- spam filtering
- recommendation systems
- model training for recognising patterns in data

Cloud computing and grid computing are both used to share computing resources, but they are different.

- Cloud computing provides services over the Internet such as servers, storage, databases, software and platforms. The focus is on delivering services. Example: using Google Docs or cloud storage backup.
- Grid computing is a network of geographically dispersed and heterogeneous computational resources that work together to solve a single large task. The focus is on processing power and distributed problem-solving. Example: a group of computers joining to perform scientific calculations.

So, cloud computing is service-oriented, while grid computing is problem-oriented and acts like a virtual supercomputer.

Storage of data is cost effective and time saving in cloud computing because:
- The user does not need to buy or maintain expensive storage hardware.
- Data is stored on remote cloud servers, so the user can access it anywhere and anytime through the Internet.
- Cloud services are generally available on a pay-per-use basis, so a user pays only for the storage used.
- Backup and maintenance are handled by the cloud provider, saving both time and effort.
- Large storage can be obtained quickly without setting up local infrastructure.

An on-demand service is a service that can be availed whenever needed, without a large upfront investment.

In cloud computing, on-demand service is provided by allowing users to access hardware, software, storage, databases, or platforms over the Internet whenever they require them. The resources are taken from the cloud as needed and usually charged according to usage.

The Government of India cloud computing platform mentioned in the chapter is GI Cloud, named MeghRaj.