Explain utility computing.

Utility computing

  • Utility computing or The Computer Utility is a service provisioning model in which a service provider makes computing resources and infrastructure management available to the customer as needed, and charges them for specific usage rather than a flat rate. Like other types of on-demand computing (such as grid computing), the utility model seeks to maximize the efficient use of resources and/or minimize associated costs. The utility is the packaging of system resources, such as computation, storage, and services, as a metered service. This model has the advantage of a low or no initial cost to acquire computer resources; instead, resources are essentially rented.
  • Utility computing is the process of providing computing service through an on-demand, pay-per-use billing method. Utility computing is a computing business model in which the provider owns, operates, and manages the computing infrastructure and resources, and the subscribers access it as and when required on a rental or metered basis.
  • Utility computing is defined as a service provisioning model that offers computing resources to clients as and when they require them on an on-demand basis. The charges are exactly as per the consumption of the services provided, rather than a fixed charge or a flat rate. 
  • Examples of utility computing:- Travel reservation services, Online retailers, Startups and small businesses

Utility computing examples

Virtually any activity performed in a data center can be replicated in a utility computing offering. Services available include the following:

  • access to files, application,s and web servers;
  • infrastructure as a service, software as a service, and platform as a service;
  • virtually unlimited processing power and computation storage space;
  • support for custom computing applications;
  • storage space for data, databases, and applications;
  • cloud storage and cloud computing;
  • utility services, like power, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), and communications;
  • general IT technical expertise; and
  • specialized expertise, such as ransomware response and application development.



Utility computing benefits

The term managed services is also used to describe utility computing. It is an overall term for various third-party technology and support services. The many as-a-service offerings that are available are examples of how utility computing has matured.

Reasons for using managed computing services include these seven advantages:

  • reduction in capital costs to obtain hardware, software, and specialized assets -- such as intrusion detection systems and cybersecurity applications -- that support IT operations;
  • cost savings from cutting down the floor space needed to house equipment racks, power supplies, and HVAC systems;
  • lower costs for power, HVAC, and physical security requirements previously required in data centers and other IT facilities that are no longer needed;
  • the availability of virtually unlimited computing and storage resources to meet unexpected demand;
  • reduced costs associated with needing IT staffing because the managed service provider's employees replace IT, staff;
  • flexibility to deploy resources only when needed; and
  • competitive advantages from being able to more easily introduce new products and services.

OR,

Utility computing benefits

1. Removes the complexity of IT management 

Before utility computing became prominent, the older system involved IT being hooked onto the safe keeping of a large block of resources. Utility computing has been instrumental in reducing the complexity of IT architectures and their management. Signing up with a utility service provider absolves the user from the responsibility of maintaining IT resources, including hardware and software. The need for spending time and resources on the maintenance of servers gets completely eliminated with this model.


 2. Saves valuable time & resources 

Growing complexities of networks are leading to the consumption of a large amount of resource and management time. The end to the increased complexity of networks will begin with utility computing. When the maintenance and management of IT architectures and servers fall into the service provider’s hands, organizations can conserve a lot of their precious time, allowing themselves to focus on addressing other pressing business concerns. Utility computing facilitates agility and integration between IT resources and enterprises. 


3. Offers complete flexibility 

For years, enterprises have been looking for a model that provides flexibility and a bottom-up provisioning system. Utility computing provides utmost flexibility in terms of availability of resources, on-demand usage, billing methods, and ease of accessing data anytime and anywhere. Utility computing simplifies the process of handling peak needs. For instance, since you don’t own the resources or are renting them for a long time, it becomes extremely easy to change the number of services, thereby shrinking or expanding them based on changes in season, demand, audience, or new efficiencies.


 4. Facilitates minimal financial layout and maximum savings 

Utility computing has created a storm in the business world primarily because of its flexibility and better economics. Its pay-per-use method of billing lets organizations pay for only those computing resources that they require. This leads to maximum cost savings for organizations. From reduction in operational costs, savings on capital expenses, and doing away with the initial costs of acquiring new resources to significantly lowered IT costs, this model is a complete package deal for enterprises across business verticals. 


5. Allows shorter time to market 

Utility computing allows resources to be supplied in small, incremental bites as and when required by an organization. This helps organizations deliver fast and demonstrable output, with a substantial return on investment, without having to wait for the full implementation to achieve payoffs.



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