Difference between Cloud Computing and Distributed Computing


Cloud Computing

Cloud Computing is referred to the online services provided via the internet, the services include storage, database, networking, server management, and other IT services. The IT services are everything revolving around hardware, software, and network resources that are hosted via the internet to its customers. Cloud computing is delivered by various third-party companies like AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, etc. The services are given as per the payment structure, the various software or hardware services can be used on-demand without any extra infrastructural requirements. The services offered are greatly effective due to their huge flexibility and scalability. The services can be used efficiently for all scales of business ranging from large, medium, or small.

Distributed Computing

The process or technique wherein multiple computers are working simultaneously to solve a single problem while also establishing communication amongst them is called distributed computing. Since multiple computers are working together, the time required to solve the problem is less. The main feature of a distributed system is the correct segregation of the problem amongst the computers such that there occurs no deadlock or starvation and the time required is lowered as much as possible. Resource sharing is also possible in this technique such that there is correct coordination and communication established amongst the computers. Multiple servers are also working together from various locations to increase the efficiency of the system.

Differences: Cloud Computing and Distributed Computing

Basis of Difference

Cloud Computing

Distributed Computing

Definition

It is the process of providing services regarding hardware, software, and networking requirements.

The process of dividing the work into multiple chunks such that multiple computers work simultaneously to provide the solution in the least possible time.

Technique

Users from around the world can access the hosted services via the internet.

Several computers work together to produce a single result while communicating amongst devices.

Types

The classifications of cloud computing are Hybrid, Community, Private, and public cloud.

The types of distributed computing are: distributed computing, informative and pervasive systems.

Advantages

It is accessible worldwide and used over a huge range of locations due to its cost-effectiveness, reliability, and flexibility.

This computing technique mainly improves the time requirement while also establishing scalability and flexibility.

Services

The huge availability of network access, storage, and server software, software tools, DBMS facilities are its main services.

Various services like Location services, Remote processes, distributed files and metadata in local or remote databases.

Goal

The services are not delayed and are effective as and when payment is done and suitable for various sizes of businesses

The main aim is to lower the time while communication is done correctly amongst the computers.

Characteristics

The payment structure is quite manageable for various services and the services are available on demand.

Remote management of work and procedure calls of the multiple computers are maintained well to lower the time requirement and also produce advancement in the working process.

Drawbacks

The control over public clouds is comparatively less while also the security of the cloud has some loopholes.

The system mainly slows down when any communication issue is faced or when the flow of traffic is not uniform.

Components

The main components of cloud computing which serve its characteristics are: Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Infrastructure as a Service(IaaS)

The management and working of the multiple devices are done by the components which are: the database, primary system controller, and system data store.

Disadvantages

Cloud computing disadvantages are −

  • The continuous internet connection cannot be sacrificed at any moment as all the data and connectivity are completely based on the internet connection.

  • If any business wants to shift from one cloud vendor to another, it may be a tedious task to detach from older ones and create new ones.

  • The execution and the type of work happening inside the clouds are mostly managed by the vendor itself and only limited control is given to the customers.

  • Since the complete data is stored on the cloud, it gives complete control of the data to the cloud company, so the vendor needs to be trustworthy. Also, while the data is on its way to the cloud it may be attacked by hackers.

The main disadvantages of distributed computing are −

  • There is increased complexity in managing the multiple computers in the distributed system. The complexity is not only because of the hardware but the software management is also important in this.

  • Due to the increased number of computers, the cost of the system also increases.

Conclusion

The technique of cloud computing is mainly provided via the internet by various cloud services to deliver various types of IT resources while distributed computing can be done by any organization having suitable resources. In cloud computing, various cloud resources are used to perform one task and in distributed computing, the complex tasks are broken down into smaller chunks for the sake of simplicity and lesser time requirement.

Updated on: 26-Apr-2023

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