Mobile cloud computing

Mobile cloud computing is the usage of cloud computing in combination with mobile devices. Cloud computing exists if tasks and data are kept on the internet rather than on individual devices, providing on-demand access. Applications are run on a remote server and then sent to the user. Because of the advanced improvement in mobile browsers thanks to Apple and Google over the past couple of years, nearly every mobile should have a suitable browser. This means developers will have a much wider market, means they can bypass the restrictions created by by mobile operating systems.

Mobile cloud computing gives new company chances for mobile network providers. Several operators such as Vodafone,^[1] Orange and Verizon have started to offer cloud computing services for companies.

Alibaba Group launched cloud computing-based operating system Aliyun on 29th july 2011. The Aliyun operating system will feature cloud services such as email, Internet search and support for web-based applications. Users are not required to download or install applications onto their mobile devices.

Overview

Definition

Mobile cloud computing is a combination between mobile network and cloud computing, thereby providing optimal services for mobile users. In mobile cloud computing, mobile devices do not need a powerful configuration (e.g., CPU speed and memory capacity) since all the data and complicated computing modules can be processed in the clouds [2].

Architecture

References

1. http://www.vodafone.com/content/dam/vodafone/about/what/white_papers/connecting_tothecloud.pdf

^[1]

1. Dinh Thai Hoang, Chonho Lee, Dusit Niyato, Ping Wang, "A survey of Mobile Cloud Computing: Architecture, Applications and Apporaches", Wireless Communication and Moible Computing - Wiley