Cloud Computing Bible

Its potential for lowering IT costs makes cloud computing a major force for both IT vendors and users; it is expected to gain momentum rapidly with the launch of Office Web Apps later this year. Because cloud computing involves various technologies, protocols, platforms, and infrastructure elements, this comprehensive reference is just what you need if you?ll be using or implementing cloud computing.

• Cloud computing offers significant cost savings by eliminating upfront expenses for hardware and software; its growing popularity is expected to skyrocket when Microsoft introduces Office Web Apps
• This comprehensive guide helps define what cloud computing is and thoroughly explores the technologies, protocols, platforms and infrastructure that make it so desirable
• Covers mobile cloud computing, a significant area due to ever-increasing cell phone and smartphone use
• Focuses on the platforms and technologies essential to cloud computing

Anyone involved with planning, implementing, using, or maintaining a cloud computing project will rely on the information in Cloud Computing Bible.

Preface xi

Acknowledgments xiii

Part I: Examining the Value Proposition 1

Chapter 1: Defining Cloud Computing 3

Chapter 2: Assessing the Value Proposition 23

Chapter 3: Understanding Cloud Architecture 45

Chapter 4: Understanding Services and Applications by Type 65

Part II: Using Platforms 91

Chapter 5: Understanding Abstraction and Virtualization 93

Chapter 6: Capacity Planning 113

Chapter 7: Exploring Platform as a Service 133

Chapter 8: Using Google Web Services 151

Chapter 9: Using Amazon Web Services 179

Chapter 10: Using Microsoft Cloud Services 205

Part III: Exploring Cloud Infrastructures. 229

Chapter 11: Managing the Cloud 231

Chapter 12: Understanding Cloud Security 249

Part IV: Understanding Services and Applications 269

Chapter 13: Understanding Service Oriented Architecture 271

Chapter 14: Moving Applications to the Cloud 297

Chapter 15: Working with Cloud-Based Storage 311

Chapter 16: Working with Productivity Software 339

Chapter 17: Using Webmail Services 361

Chapter 18: Communicating with the Cloud 383

Chapter 19: Using Media and Streaming 403

Part V: Using the Mobile Cloud 423

Chapter 20: Working with Mobile Devices 425

Chapter 21: Working with Mobile Web Services 445

Barrie Sosinsky is a veteran computer book writer specializing in network systems, databases, design, development, and testing. Among his 35 technical books have been Wiley's Networking Bible and many others on operating systems, Web topics, storage, and application software. He has written nearly 500 articles for computer magazines and Web sites.

A thorough, down-to-earth look at cloud computing

The chance to lower IT costs makes cloud computing a hot topic, and it's getting hotter all the time. If you want a terra firma take on everything you should know about the cloud, this book is it. Starting with a clear definition of what cloud computing is, why it is, and its pros and cons, Cloud Computing Bible is a wide-ranging and complete reference. You'll get thoroughly up to speed on cloud platforms, infrastructure, services and applications, security, and much more.

• Learn what cloud computing is and what it is not

• Assess the value of cloud computing, including licensing models, ROI, and more

• Understand abstraction, partitioning, virtualization, capacity planning, and various programming solutions

• See how to use Google®, Amazon®, and Microsoft® Web services effectively

• Explore cloud communication methods — IM, Twitter®, Google Buzz, Facebook®, and others

• Discover how cloud services are changing mobile phones — and vice versa

Explore the cloud with this complete guide

Understand all platforms and technologies

Use Google, Amazon, or Microsoft Web services