Technology

Cloud computing, the solution to high infrastructure cost

by Gamini WARUSHAMANA

Computing as a utility similar to electricity or water you use, pay only for what you use was a dream for long years.

The concept was first presented by computer scientist John McCarthy in 1960. He used the term utility computing.

Lavi de Silva	Paul Fremantle

In 1961, he suggested that computer time-sharing technology might lead to a future in which computing power and even specific applications could be sold through the utility business model (like water and electricity). But his dream did not materialised until 2000 since hardware, software and telecommunications technologies of the time were not ready.

However, with the rapid development of all these domains the idea has resurfaced in new forms and today it has developed as a business model.

The WSO2's Co-founder and CTO Paul Fremantle and Vice President, global sales Lavi de Silva spoke on this latest revolution in IT, Cloud Computing in an exclusive interview with the Sunday Observer. Following are the excerpts.

There are three aspects in cloud computing; infrastructure, platform and applications.

Availability to sell computer infrastructure on the internet is very important. It slashes the investment cost of businesses in IT systems. The classic example of selling infrastructure on the web is Amazon Elastic Computer Cloud (EC2).

They have thousands of machines that you can load your operating system on probation and use.

This is the lowest level of cloud computing.

Similarly the platform applications are also in the cloud and you can run your application on a web page.

The highest level of cloud computing is the availability of software in the cloud as a service.

You can use software on the internet and pay per user per year.

Therefore, in cloud computing you have a set of resources; machines, platform and software or applications, that is waiting for you. What you got to do grab them as and when you need. Cloud computing is not about how big or small but how fast.

When companies start a new project there are a lot of campaigns.

It takes time for the IT department to provide the required software and platform and the company has to invest on hardware. As a result it takes a long time to launch a project. Cloud computing address these issues.

For instance the Newyork Times wanted to put its past 100 years newspapers on the web archives and for that the company rented machines from Amazon.

There are a lot of benefits in cloud computing. Mainly there are three benefits; firstly it allows you to move quickly. Secondly it allows you to move easily so you need not have a big investment. Thirdly it is more flexible and you can grow and shrink according to the business.

You need not pay for hardware or physically acquire them but instead you can use them and pay only for what you use. This enables you to globally compete and access world class IT infrastructure, platforms and applications.

This is very important in the current financial climate where people are willing to pay more and use rather than pay upfront.

When WSO2 spoke to some of the leading edge global companies, some of them were looking at private clouds. In a private cloud it uses dedicated machines for a company and it ensures the security of the data while the benefits of flexibility, speed and resilience are the same as a public cloud.

Cloud computing also helps the businesses to reduce their power costs. During the last two years the cost of power has doubled and as a result some data centres have decided to stop expansion.

Cloud computing enables these companies to optimally use existing data centres.

According to research average CPU utilisation of data centres is only around 10%.

It has found that CPU utilisation can be expanded to 30% by vertualisation and to over 50% by cloud computing.

It reduces machine idling and allows you to optimally use resources.

Therefore, data centres can be more efficient with cloud computing and they can provide a better service to customers.

Cloud computing revolutionary changed the landscape of the IT industry. Cloud gives opportunity to countries like Sri Lanka to use world class computer systems.

There is a gap between use of cloud infrastructure at hardware level and software level and software companies have to catch up.

Software need to be cloud native and take the full advantage and run on this super highway.

There are business opportunities and they need to be ready within the next 2-5 years to run on the cloud. WSO2 provides a platform for the software companies to use cloud infrastructure and integration to clouds.

Amazon Elastic Computer Cloud (EC2) is a central part of Amazon.com's cloud computing platform, Amazon Web Services (AWS). EC2 allows users to rent virtual computers on which they run their own computer applications. EC2 allows scalable deployment of applications by providing a web service through which a user can boot an Amazon Machine Image to create a virtual machine, which Amazon calls an "instance", containing any software desired.

A user can create, launch, and terminate server instances as needed, paying by the hour for active servers, hence the term "elastic". EC2 provides users with control over the geographical location of instances which allows for latency optimisation and high levels of redundancy.

For example, to minimize down time, a user can set up server instances in multiple zones which are insulated from each other for most causes of failure as one backs up the other. Wikepedia

Etisalat gives Voice to International SMS

Etisalat has attained a new benchmark in mobile value added services with the launch of International Voice SMS for its UAE customers. As part of the new feature, Etisalat's UAE customers will now be able to send and receive international voice SMS' to and from Etisalat Egypt customers the service will be extended to cover over 26 countries soon.

This is an enhancement of the Voice SMS launched for UAE customers within the country in December 2007. International Voice SMS will enable Etisalat customers to communicate with over a billion others across the globe. Sending messages internationally with this new service feature is just as easy as sending a text or voice message locally.

To use the facility, customers need to dial * followed by the mobile number including the country code (eg. *002011xxxxxxx); record a voice message for up to 30 seconds after hearing the tone and disconnect. The recipient can then retrieve the voice SMS and reply to it seamlessly.

In December 2007, Etisalat introduced local Voice SMS enabling Etisalat mobile customers to leave a voice message for any other Etisalat mobile customer in the UAE, on any mobile phone, with no special handsets or subscriptions required.

The international service will now enable customers across nations to communicate faster, easier and with a more personal touch. It eliminates the need to type which makes it a practical option in several situations. In addition, customers can also send across their messages in their particular language via Voice SMS which captures customer's feelings and emotions. The extension of the service to the international market is in response to the customers' demand for the Voice SMS facility due to its convenience of use which appeals to a cross segment of people.

Internet Marketing Solution brings 470% increase at Galle Fort Hotel

Pyxle, a Software and Web Development Company based in Sri Lanka proved yet again their competency in Internet Marketing solutions when their Search Engine Optimization (SEO) project for Galle Fort Hotel, resulted in a traffic increase of 470% for Galle Fort Hotel within just 3-4 months of optimisation.

This success was far above the desired objectives and targeted deadlines of the project.

Galle Fort Hotel: The luxury boutique hotel located at 28 Church Street in the heart of Galle Fort

Enthusiastic about this online expansion Karl Steinberg- Chairman and one of the owners of Galle Fort Hotel said, 'Our primary desire when contracting Pyxle was to get to the top in the Google web searches. The support we got from Pyxle to achieve this was amazing'.

We are very pleased with the web design, the development and search engine optimisation solutions proposed and implemented by Pyxle which has significantly improved the web presence of Galle Fort Hotel.

'A traffic increase of 470 percent in just 3-4 months after the Pyxle optimisation is truly tremendous. I would like to thank the Pyxle team for their vigorous efforts to put us on the top of the targeted searches.

They are very mindful in their optimisation approaches while not disturbing the appearance or the technology in use' Steinberg concluded.

The Pyxle Internet Marketing solution includes a Link building campaign management, SEO, Social Media Optimisation (SMO), Online PR together with online research and analytical reporting. Some of the key benefits enjoyed by the hotel through Pyxle's comprehensive internet marketing solution are an increase in online inquiries and sales, a higher the hit rate from target countries, a boost in brand awareness, and above all a good return on investment.

According to Karl, Pyxle has been quite transparent about the technical effort behind the solutions they offer. Upon developing the Galle Fort hotel website, Pyxle has been rigorously working on strategies that could establish the visibility and accessibility of the site while improving the online popularity of this award winning boutique hotel in Sri Lanka.

Presantha Jayamaha Managing Director of Pyxle commenting on this latest achievement said 'We are very happy about reaching the desired results much early than the expected time frame. Southern hotels are among the most sought after places in Sri Lanka.

And it is remarkable to note that Galle Fort Hotel website has beaten the online competition with other major hotels in the locality.

Galle Fort Hotel obtained the top slot for all the targeted keywords and we are now working on securing these positions in the long run.'

Speaking further Presantha Jayamaha said, 'This exercise shows the effectiveness of Internet Marketing as for example; a small hotel in Sri Lanka can attract and convince a prospective traveller in Europe to visit its hotel simply by marketing itself correctly online!"

Internet marketing is a broader mix of online marketing components a company can use as a means of increasing sales - even if its business is done completely online, partly online, or completely offline.

Essentially, Internet marketing is using the Internet to communicate a company's message about itself, its products, or its services online. It is one of the most economical and far reaching mediums of communication between a company and its clients. Which has become part and parcel of Sri Lankan life style.

LG unveils the world's first LED 3D TV

LG Electronics of Korea has unveiled the world's first LED 3D Television. The LG LX9500 LED 3D TV, a part of LG's INFINIA 3D line, is illuminated by innovative panels of LEDs directly behind the screen for local dimming, with the 55-inch model alone boasting 1,200 of the semiconductor light sources.

The LEDs help the TV to achieve a mammoth 10,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio while sporting an ultra-thin 22.3mm (less than 1-inch) deep body with a 16mm super-narrow bezel.

This unique TV also features full HD 1080p, TruMotion 400Hz (480Hz), NetCast Support, Wireless AV Link and HDMI 1.4 among many other high tec features. Video Calling using Skype is also possible with an optional video camera.

The unit is DLNA ready with an optional DLNA dongle.

The LG LX9500 set up uses active shutter glasses that can be recharged via USB for upto 40 hours of uninterrupted viewing.

This amazing TV can also play HD DivX, MP3, JPEG play and MPO files through its USB port. The low profile bezel hides the units 10W + 10W + 5W "Invisible Speakers".

The set also includes LG's Clear Voice technology to help clean up and present crisp and clear dialogue.

The 47-inch and 55-inch versions of the LG LX9500 launched in Korea and will be available in North America, Europe and other key markets by May 2010.

ICT workshop and exhibition in Jaffna, a great eye-opener

The ICT workshop and exhibition held in Jaffna proved to be a great eye-opener. This was the opinion of both the participants at the workshop and visitors to the exhibition held at the Jaffna Public Library recently.

The exhibition was organised at the Computer Division of the Jaffna Public Library by the Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA) as part of its effort to take the benefits of ICT island-wide.

About 30 persons selected from Community Based Organisations and Nenasalas in the North participated in the workshop.

About 1000 members of the public including Jaffna District Secretary K. Ganesh visited the exhibition.

Speaking at the occasion Chitranganie Mubarak said, that more than 200 projects were currently being implemented under the initiative of the e-Society Programme of the Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka.

The exhibition based on the principle of learning 'Come, see, do it yourself and learn' dealt with subjects including those focusing on farmers and agro-industries, women and children, small and middle level enterprises, students, differently abled persons and services useful to everyone. Rich content in forms of DVDs and CDs were made available to the CBOs and principals of the visiting schools.

Visitors also had a good first hand exposure to valuable information through web-sites such as www.goviya.lk; www.navagoviya.org; www.smeguide.lk;www.lankasign.lk; www.happylife.lk; www.firstaider.org.

Speaking at the workshop officers of the GIC (including GIC Project Manager Chinthaka Ranasinghe of ICTA) said that about 2000 to 3000 telephone calls were received daily for information. The participants were overjoyed at the opportunity received to gather information.

At 2010 Intel Solutions Summit:

Promoting opportunities into technologies and solutions

Intel recently concluded its largest annual Channel customer conference for the Asia-Pacific region, attended by key channel partners from Sri Lanka.

From left to right: The Sri Lankan participants at the forum - Ramesh Umashankar, Naleem Farook, Shafraz Hamzadeen, Naushad Sheriff, Indika De Zoysa, Sumedha Fernando, Disney Fernando, Rajiv Shivshankar, Sanjeewa Pitawela.

The Intel Solutions Summit outlined the company's focus areas for 2010 and the new opportunities available to help ignite market growth for Channel partners.

Commenting on this year's conference Country Business Manager Indika de Zoysa, Intel EM Limited, Sri Lanka Liaison office said, "The Intel Solutions Summit provided the top resellers with insights into technologies and solutions, giving the reseller an in-depth look at the trends that are driving the industry.

The knowledge acquired by the partners via the forum will support business growth and development."

Kamil Hasan, Director, Reseller Channel Organisation, Intel Asia-Pacific, was one of the executives speaking at the APAC Intel Solutions Summit (ISS) where over 400 premier resellers attended to receive updates on cutting-edge technology, initiatives and obtain world-class training to help grow their business.

'The Channel business is changing rapidly and is expanding from being primarily desktop-oriented. Intel's objective is not only to help Channel partners lead with today's products but also create new growth avenues. The key focus areas therefore for 2010 are driving preference for the 2010 Intel Core Processor Family; enhancing membership benefits to suit the needs of a changing market and creating new Channel opportunities.'

The All New 2010 Intel Core Processor Family

Historically the Channel has led transitions of new technologies. The ramp of the 2010 Intel Core Processor Family has been no different, with the Channel in APAC ramping new Core rapidly. Hasan announced a slew of initiatives to continue driving preference for the same.

These include an early booking program to prepare Channel ahead of ramp, special training to ensure simplified messages and related product promotions.

Membership - As a result of the evolution of the Channel over the years, Hasan described the need to re-structure membership programs: 'Previously all customers were primarily focused on the white box and built-to-order PCs.

However, with the Channel evolving to support many devices beyond the desktop, we need to rethink how we can support our customers better in these new areas,' he said.

As a result Intel's channel program will now work on enhancing not only existing benefits, but also aim to include membership program benefits for customers' businesses beyond just the integration business, taking into account new needs.

Etisalat named 'International Leader in Telecom Sector'

The judging committee of the Middle East Business Leaders Summit has named Etisalat as the 'International Leader in Telecommunications Sector - Asia and Africa'. This recognition honours Etisalat's excellence at acquiring and developing international operations across 18 markets. Etisalat received this award for the contribution made in improving the economies of these markets.

This award also recognises the many initiatives Etisalat is taking to provide added value through services and solutions such as Internet, telephony, cable TV and mobile broadband in 18 markets and enabling new technologies and advanced networks to reach over 2 billion people in Asia and Africa .

In the UAE, as an example, Etisalat accomplished an outstanding achievement by deploying the FTTH network. The jury of the Middle East Business Leaders Summit described this network as a quantum leap in the infrastructure of the telecommunications sector, making Abu Dhabi the first fully covered capital city with fiber optics services worldwide.

This network will be the platform for many developed services that Etisalat will provide to its individual and corporate customers.

Etisalat also received recognition for the company's Leadership in Social Responsibility'. Ahmed Bin Ali, Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications said: "Since its formation, Etisalat has been committed to enabling its customers to extend their reach and also to fulfil their very different demands. Etisalat today has extended that commitment and is participating in international markets helping to contribute in their social and economic development."