Cloud Computing For Dummies

by Judith Hurwitz, Robin Bloor, Marcia Kaufman

The easy way to understand and implement cloud computing technology written by a team of experts Cloud computing can be difficult to understand at first, but the cost-saving possibilities are great and many companies are getting on board. If you've been put in charge of implementing cloud computing, this straightforward, plain-English guide clears up the confusion and helps you get your plan in place. You'll learn how cloud computing enables you to run a more green IT infrastructure, and access technology-enabled services from the Internet ("in the cloud") without having to understand, manage, or invest in the technology infrastructure that supports them. You'll also find out what you need to consider when implementing a plan, how to handle security issues, and more. Cloud Computing For Dummies gets straight to the point, providing the practical information you need to know.

Genres: Technology, Computer Science, Reference

336 pages, Paperback

First published October 20, 2009

Reviews

[Mohammed Almahfoudh]

This is the first book I read about "cloud computing", it is also a first edition. I enjoyed reading this book because of its comprehensiveness and simplicity at the same time. The book is divided into 6 parts in 24 short chapters for convenience. Part I is an introductory part about the concept of cloud computing ( 4 chapters). Part II is about the nature of the cloud, its types and other related classifications (5 chapters). Part III is about elements or components of the cloud. In my opinion, part III is one of the most important parts and you cannot continue reading the rest of the book if you haven't read this part. Part IV is about managing the cloud and its different elements. Part V is a very important short part about planning for the cloud if you decided to implement one. Part VI is about standards related to the cloud and the dos and don'ts and it also includes glossary of the important terms used throughout the text. It has some grammatical and typos especially in the last 3 or 4 chapters. I think that the fact that the book is written by people who worked or are still working for the same company provides room for bias, but in general the book is a good start for "cloud computing" newbies, like me!

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good intro to Cloud Computing from technology perspective (which I was looking for). I found it way more relevant and useful then other 'cloud' books written by business or marketing types who's definition of 'cloud' is some 'magic' land with infinite capabilities. Anyway, the concept of pay-as-you-go technology rental services has been around for a long time. In fact, IBM tried to popularize it with 'On Demand' branding some years ago based (btw, failed miserably). It is fitting that the new comers like Amazon, Google and Salesforce.com were the ones able to finally figure it out and make it widely available. The book does get somewhat technical, but just enough to explain the pluming beyond different types of Cloud services.

[John Orman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book lists the risks and benefits of using cloud services. The business impact and economics of cloud computing are discussed. Various strategies for using cloud services are described, noting the elasticity and scalability of cloud computing. API's can be quite useful. Virtualization, the use of computer resources to imitate other computer resources or arrays of other computers is one of the key points of computing in the cloud.

Overall, a good general, easy-to-understand introduction to the topic.

[Tyler · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this book for work. It was exactly what I needed - a quick primer on cloud computing and what it meant for the organization I work for. That said, it devoted a lot of time to the business side of cloud computing, as well as security and governance, none of which I care about.

I wish it had included more technical information while simultaneously expecting less technical knowledge from the reader. Oh well. Like I said, it served its purpose well enough.

[David · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think they took the Cloud for Dummies and inserted the word 'Hybrid' here and there.

[Ioana Lily Balas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yes, this does sound simpler than what I would like from a Cloud Computing book, but I had a reason for it! I checked a few blogs on recommended reading for the business and economics side of the cloud, such as deciding on the transition, how business processes will be moved, picking the right cloud provider, choosing a hybrid model or assessing risk. This one came up as a beginner friendly one, and the introduction mentions that it's catering specifically to roles closer to the business than the technical side, to software engineers that are new to the cloud, and to complete beginners. Might as well start with this.

I will say that this book has a lot of repetitiveness. It explains simple concepts intuitively and it is easy to grasp even for those who are completely new to the area, but you will encounter all the definitions and explanations in various sections of the book. For me personally, this works quite well, because I realise that my learning style is very dependent on familiarity and habit. However, I could see how this could be frustrating and towards the end, I found myself skimming over some sections that looked a bit too familiar already. Specifically, these were on:
- SLA/SLO/SLI;
- Security;
- Vendor lock-in;
- Self-servicing;
- Data governance;
- Cost assessments;
- Salesforce (lots of chapters and blurbs on Salesforce in this!).

That said, there were also areas that I thought were particularly interesting:
- How SOA works with the cloud;
- Virtualisation;
- Cost breakdowns;
- Cultural implications when it comes to the transition;
- Criteria when choosing between different cloud providers;
- How the cloud is a business and economic model, as much as technical one;
- The progression of the Amazon offering and in general the history of cloud and a comparison with services such as GoDaddy.

I would not recommend this book to senior leaders who have already been involved in decisions involving cloud technologies - this will be too simplistic. But if you are someone who would like to understand the business decision side better, it's a great intro, you might just need to look into further reading material afterwards because it is more for understanding the broad lines.

[Siyu · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very brief intro to hybrid cloud, however, it is not very accurate to define the hybrid cloud challenges in the current world.

Although the goal of hybrid cloud is to achieve seamless movement from on-premise to cloud, it is very hard to achieve, and this might be the most important reason that block the hybrid cloud to be largely adopted by customers.

[Alvaro Alcocer Sotil · Rating 5 out of 5]

tips sobre una herramienta esencial para la transformación digital de toda empresa. Básicamente define y da buenos ejemplos respecto a conceptos como el saas, paas, baas, etc.

[Kristyn2214 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful introduction to make work conversations more meaningful

[David Fhu · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a book that teach me a lot for cloud computing. It have a great coverage of cloud computing from all direction.

There are time that it get a little technical. But it is still better than most of the cloud computing book outside.

Recommend to start from this book to give you a boarder insight on cloud computing.

[Phillip · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the first edition so the info was a little dated. However, the principles are solid. The technology of the cloud is less important the business case. This book does a good job explaining the business case reasons for moving to the cloud and how it will change many facets of your business. Not just finances but also, governance, compliance, security, etc.

[Daniel Messer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This wasn't a bad book, but it wasn't what I was after. I was into something a little more technical in nature. This one, on the other hand, focuses mainly on the business aspects of cloud computing. I mean it's not bad, it just wasn't what I was after is all.

[Stan Lee]

To learn basic something about Cloud Computing

[Franz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Guter Überblick über das Thema mit einigen brauchbaren URLs

[Dgg32 · Rating 3 out of 5]

So so. I don't know whether cloud computing is just this simple or the book writes it this simple. Not too much insight.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, as proven by other dummy books. This one about cloud based computing will surely be helpful!

[Madhavsingh]

zddhzd

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

For class, Communication/Technology Convergence. Which should be titled All About the Cloud.

[Aasim Waheed · Rating 3 out of 5]

OK; nothing special

[Ben Kellermann]

The easy way to understand and implement cloud computing technology written by a team of experts

Cloud computing can be difficult to understand at first, but the cost-saving possibilities are great and many companies are getting on board. If you've been put in charge of implementing cloud computing, this straightforward, plain-English guide clears up the confusion and helps you get your plan in place.

You'll learn how cloud computing enables you to run a more green IT infrastructure, and access technology-enabled services from the Internet ("in the cloud") without having to understand, manage, or invest in the technology infrastructure that supports them. You'll also find out what you need to consider when implementing a plan, how to handle security issues, and more.

Cloud computing is a way for businesses to take advantage of storage and virtual services through the Internet, saving money on infrastructure and support
This book provides a clear definition of cloud computing from the utility computing standpoint and also addresses security concerns
Offers practical guidance on delivering and managing cloud computing services effectively and efficiently
Presents a proactive and pragmatic approach to implementing cloud computing in any organization
Helps IT managers and staff understand the benefits and challenges of cloud computing, how to select a service, and what's involved in getting it up and running
Highly experienced author team consults and gives presentations on emerging technologies

Cloud Computing For Dummies gets straight to the point, providing the practical information you need to know.

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