Technology Stack

Cloud computing is the on-demand delivery of compute power, database, storage, applications, and other IT resources via the internet with pay-as-you-go pricing.

An Edu Cloud is a hosted computing environment that delivers software, platform or infrastructure services to institutions users via a network.

Cloud computing is taking a center stage in academia because of its various benefits
Cloud computing can be defined as the use of virtual resources that are highly scalable and can be shared by different and diverse users

Cloud computing can be termed as providing information technology resources when demanded through the Internet. Cloud computing is of various forms including public cloud, private cloud, as well as the option of ”cloud as a service”

By incorporating cloud computing in the IT strategy, institutions are able to increase their overall capacity while at the same time maintaining the required security level and limited infrastructural investment, hence ensuring that the total cost of ownership (TCO) is low.

The use of cloud computing in institutions of higher learning has provided many benefits to universities and colleges. First, cloud computing is cost effective thus efficient where the resources are minimal

As for the end-users, they do not have to purchase new equipment or maintain hardware, upgrade or update existing software, obtain licenses for the software or data synchronization since the clouds service includes all of them

There are various Cloud service models

  • IaaS
  • SaaS
  • PaaS

Software as a Service (SaaS) SaaS ensures that clients are able to utilize the various provider’s applications that run on the cloud infrastructure, but are not in a position to control its hardware, network infrastructure or the operating system

It ensures access to applications that are functional in nature including CRM, web conferencing, the ERP, modules, Add ons, utilities as well as the email among other applications.

It is also responsible for different business operation tasks including learning management, education management, student information, as well as customized reports.

Following are some of the reliable Cloud service providers in India
According to Carroll and Kop, Cloud computing has the ability to enhance new interface metaphors, as well as fresh ways of thinking in relation to learning and design experiences
only 4% of the educational sector stakeholders utilize cloud computing in carrying out various educational services

Benefits for institutions using cloud computing

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Convenience and improved accessibility: It can be accessed from anywhere and with any device by end-users.
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Optimal use of software and hardware is achieved through resource pooling, hence increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of the available resources.
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Pay as you use
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Minimal training on the personnel: Fewer people are required to perform more tasks on cloud.
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It ensures that learning and teaching becomes more interactive
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It has high processing power for carrying out various operations
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There is no need of backups to store information since it is stored in the cloud
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Omnipresence of online applications.
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Flexibility: This allows for the creation of learning environments that are structured.
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Scalability
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Upgrades and maintenance ought to be easier
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This allows students and teachers to access, publish and share class calendars, documents, as well as web pages.
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Cloud computing exempts learning institutions from data management, and reduces costs and requirements that come with data security.
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It provides services and online tools that ensure collaboration capabilities and secure communication

Disadvantages

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The most critical concerns relate to vendor lock, latency, reliability, security, control, performance, as well as privacy
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Universities and colleges constantly seek to upgrade their IT hardware and software as a way of attracting students and keeping up with the rapidly changing technological environment. Cloud computing can enable such institutions to accomplish such objectives at an affordable cost