3721836
Cloud computing and
ubiquitous computing systems
- Cloud computing and cloud storage
- cloud computing means using computer
services on another organisation’s computers,
which are known as hosts. The services are
provided by organisations known as hosting
companies. Some well-known hosting
companies for cloud computing include
Amazon®, Microsoft ® , Google™ and
RackSpace. Cloud users can access software,
data and storage on the host computers,
which will be at a remote location. Users do
this through a web browser or mobile app,
without ever directly accessing the servers that
the information is stored on.
- Cloud Storage is related to
cloud computing- it is where
only the storage, access and
retrieval facilities are provided
by the host provider, often via
the internet.
- cloud computing means using computer
services on another organisation’s computers,
which are known as hosts. The services are
provided by organisations known as hosting
companies. Some well-known hosting
companies for cloud computing include
Amazon®, Microsoft ® , Google™ and
RackSpace. Cloud users can access software,
data and storage on the host computers,
which will be at a remote location. Users do
this through a web browser or mobile app,
without ever directly accessing the servers that
the information is stored on.
- Ubiquitous computing systems
- Ubiquitous means ‘existing
everywhere’. Processors
can be embedded in any
device, including clothing,
appliances, vehicles,
buildings and people, to
connect them to the
internet so that the data
generated by the
processors will be readily
available.
- Radio frequency identification (RFID)
- Currently, objects within a ubiquitous
computing environment usually contain
radio frequency identification (RFID)
chips. RFID is a technology that uses
radio waves to transfer data to a tag on
a person or an object so that the
person/object can be identified and
tracked. These tags contain information
that is stored electronically and which
can be transmitted. It is similar to the
bar code systems used in supermarkets,
but unlike a bar code, RFID does not
need to be scanned. An example of a
use of RFID is the cat flaps that only
open for the animal that has the correct
chip in its collar.
- Currently, objects within a ubiquitous
computing environment usually contain
radio frequency identification (RFID)
chips. RFID is a technology that uses
radio waves to transfer data to a tag on
a person or an object so that the
person/object can be identified and
tracked. These tags contain information
that is stored electronically and which
can be transmitted. It is similar to the
bar code systems used in supermarkets,
but unlike a bar code, RFID does not
need to be scanned. An example of a
use of RFID is the cat flaps that only
open for the animal that has the correct
chip in its collar.
- Applications of ubiquitous computing
- Currently, there are computing systems in place which
monitor the shelf and warehouse stock. This technology is
used by many industries (supermarkets, book and DVD
suppliers, car part manufacturers, etc). When the stock reaches
a certain minimum level, an order is automatically placed with
the appropriate supplier electronically. Mainly this is done by a
process where the tills feed product sales to a central
computer, which then calculates the present stock. Currently
manual checks still have to be made to allow for ‘shrinkage’
(i.e. loss due to theft or damage). However, there are now
experimental systems involving products which contain RFID.
The RFIDs register when any product leaves the premises.
Some futuristic examples of ubiquitous computing include: • a
car that can inform the owner when it needs servicing, book
itself into the garage and place orders for any parts needed • a
refrigerator that can monitor its contents, compile an order as
food is used and add the items to the
- Currently, there are computing systems in place which
monitor the shelf and warehouse stock. This technology is
used by many industries (supermarkets, book and DVD
suppliers, car part manufacturers, etc). When the stock reaches
a certain minimum level, an order is automatically placed with
the appropriate supplier electronically. Mainly this is done by a
process where the tills feed product sales to a central
computer, which then calculates the present stock. Currently
manual checks still have to be made to allow for ‘shrinkage’
(i.e. loss due to theft or damage). However, there are now
experimental systems involving products which contain RFID.
The RFIDs register when any product leaves the premises.
Some futuristic examples of ubiquitous computing include: • a
car that can inform the owner when it needs servicing, book
itself into the garage and place orders for any parts needed • a
refrigerator that can monitor its contents, compile an order as
food is used and add the items to the
- Ubiquitous means ‘existing
everywhere’. Processors
can be embedded in any
device, including clothing,
appliances, vehicles,
buildings and people, to
connect them to the
internet so that the data
generated by the
processors will be readily
available.
- Key terms
- Cloud computing –
This is when a
computer uses
services provided
by another
organisation’s
computer systems.
- Servers – A computer
hardware system
which acts as a host for
other computers on the
same network.
- Cloud storage – This is when
a computer’s storage, access
and retrieval facilities are
hosted by another computer
system.
- Radio frequency identification
(RFID) – The use of a wireless
non-contact system which uses
radio waves to transfer data
from a tag attached to an object
or person. The technology is
mainly used for the purposes of
automatic identification and
tracking.
- Cloud computing –
This is when a
computer uses
services provided
by another
organisation’s
computer systems.
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