In the last couple of years, computer and computer-related technology have seen several developments. Many new developments have been done in the field of computers, after the discovery of the internet. In the field of networking, many new concepts have emerged such as distributed computing and cloud computing.

Distributed Computing and Cloud Computing share the same principle but they are completely different from each other. However, to understand better and deeper, you have to first understand what is Distributed Computing and Cloud Computing? Moreover, how are they different from each other? 

What is Distributed Computing?

Distributed computing is a computing method in which different devices use a common software system. Although the components are divided among all devices, still they run as one. This system is used to increase efficiency and performance.

Distributed computing is a faster system, as multiple devices can be used to do a single task, which can be difficult and time-consuming for one device. Sometimes, the task is divided among all computers to do it rapidly, providing great efficiency and performance. In addition to this, this system does not stop working, due to the failure of one computer, making it more reliable.

Need for Distributed Computing:

The distributed computing system uses different computers, sharing the same software to fulfill one task. This method allows users or different computers to share information and in the time of need, a computer can use the memory power and storage of another computer to complete tasks.

This method is cost-efficient against expensive systems such as centralized computer systems. The centralized computer system is unable to handle a large amount of transaction data. This is where the cloud and distributed system come in handy.

Certain examples of distributed computing systems are the World Wide Web (www), Hadoop’s Distributed File System (HDFS), ATM, Facebook, Google Indexing Server, Google Web Server, Cloud Network Systems, Google Bots, etc.

Furthermore, Google uses a distributed system for building and distributing the server to different locations, which helps in delivering the search results in just milliseconds.

Benefits of Distributed System:

Some of the benefits of a distributed system are given below:

Cost-effective:

The distributed system uses microprocessors which are not that costly. In contrast to the distributed system, a centralized computer system uses expensive mainframes. Thus, a distributed system is very economic in comparison to other systems.

High processing capacity:

The distributed system has a high processing capacity. Whenever there is more business demand, a distributed system can be expanded further by adding software or computing capacity.

Flexibility:

The distributed system is very flexible, meaning for meeting the demands of the business or completing tasks, this system can use different devices that are scattered around various geographical locations.

Reliability:

Another benefit of the distributed system is that it is more reliable. For instance, a system consisting of a single system can fail due to the failure of the device. However, this is something that does not affect the distributed system, as it remains functional even when a device fails.

High Performance:

A distributed system offers high performance, as this system does not rely on a single device. In a distributed system, several devices are used that coordinate with each other and provide the best performance.

What is Cloud Computing?

Cloud Computing is a system through which services such as servers, storage, databases, networking, analytics, software, etc. are delivered by using the internet to offer rapid development and more resources more economically.

In cloud computing, all the services to the user are delivered through the internet. Services such as pooled computer resources, on-demand services, pre-use payments, service providers’ services, etc. 

Four types of cloud computing are private cloud, public cloud, hybrid cloud, and community cloud. 

Need for Cloud Computing:

We know that cloud computing offers services over the internet, which means that the data is stored over the internet, not on the hard drive of the device. This saves a lot of storage for the user. Services such as file storage, file sharing, and data back-up are available for the user, making it easy for the user to access and share data at any time and place.

With private and public clouds, a user can save or transfer data without any difficulty. Currently, the most popular cloud system is a hybrid cloud, which is a combination of both public and private clouds, offering businesses the flexibility to shift between both said clouds according to need.

Some examples of cloud computing are YouTube, Picasa, Flickr, Google Docs, iCloud, Gmail, etc.

Benefits of Cloud Computing:

The benefits of the cloud computing are as follows:

Cost:

Cloud computing eliminates the need of buying hardware and software for setting up online sites. An organization does not have to spend extra money on servers, electricity, and cooling systems.

Speed:

Cloud computing is a service that is provided on-demand, meaning a company can increase or decrease its computing service demand in just a few clicks. Thus, providing more flexibility to the organizations.

Productivity:

Another benefit of cloud computing is that it increases the productivity of an organization. As you know, setting up servers, hardware, and software for an online site is very time-consuming and requires more workers. But with cloud computing, a lot of time and money can be saved, which can be used elsewhere.

Performance:

For providing exceptional services to their clients, the biggest cloud computing service providers regularly update their systems. This offers many benefits to the organizations that use cloud computing services. This helps them to get uninterrupted services.

Security:

Cloud computing services providers have several technologies, controls, and sets of policies that help in protecting the data of the user. Services such as private cloud help a user to form a completely private cloud that cannot be accessed without authorization.

Conclusion:

Despite sharing the same principle, cloud computing and distributed computing are separate entities. Cloud computing is a service that is provided over the internet with the complete infrastructure of hardware and software, making it more cost-effective. 

While distributed computing is a system where many devices are connected through one software and network, dividing tasks to fulfill them. Now, you know how cloud computing and distributed computing are different from each other.