An Investigation on Mobile Cloud Computing Concepts and Taxonomy (Coursework Sample)

An Investigation on Mobile Cloud Computing Concepts and Taxonomy
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An Investigation on Mobile Cloud Computing Concepts and Taxonomy
Abstract
Mobile cloud computing (MCC) is a highly discussed topic attracting a range of participants in software development. Organizations such as Google, Apple, and Microsoft have entered the development of these cloud services. A majority of these organizations are keen on exploring the benefits and possibilities linked to cloud computing. However, with an increase in cloud services, a need to undertake a comprehensive understanding of MCC technology persists. This research paper seeks to address the concepts that form the backbone of mobile cloud computing, paying enormous focus on characteristics and research works focused on MCC taxonomy. Therefore, a brief account of the foundation of MCC paying massive focus on mobile computing and cloud computing is presented. The paper then analyzes previous research projects based on crucial taxonomical factors. The final scope of the document addresses challenges in these research practices.
Introduction
Over the past few decades, an increase in smartphone use coupled with advancements in the field of computing networks has resulted in the intense consumer demand for cloud computing, software, and web storage. Hence, cloud computing has attracted enormous research interests from both the scientific and industrial communities, making cloud computing a crucial component of society. The continued global adoption of mobile equipment (tablets, notebooks, and smartphones) technologies facilitated by increased connectivity through diverse telecommunication technologies (GPS, 3G, wi-fi, 4G, and 5G networks) has dramatically boosted the continued emphasis on mobile computing. Irrespective of mobile computing and cloud computing advancements, it is evident that mobile devices have limited capacity and memory resources, which is demanded for large computations and memory resources. The scarcity in these fundamental capacities in mobile devices has facilitated the increased demand for mobile cloud computing (MCC).
Mobile cloud computing offers an enormous contribution to society and an individual. However, MCC also attracts numerous challenges and issues. The primary challenge has been grounded on how to combine mobile computing and cloud computing technologies best. Essentially, the challenge seeks to ensure that mobile devices can meet the demands of cloud computing and ensure maximum improvement. On the other hand, the challenge aims to counter the challenges of limited resources experienced by mobile devices. In solving these and other challenges, there is a need to investigate the available research paradigms. This essay introduces Mobile Cloud Computing, its background, research paradigms, and applications. Background
The concept of mobile cloud computing which began in 2007, was founded on the development and merging of cloud computing and mobile computing. Mobile cloud computing continues to experience enormous growth over the years. To develop a better grasp of MCC, it is vital to consider the two underlying foundations; mobile computing and cloud computing.
* Mobile Computing
The term mobile computing has been a common term that has attracted enormous attention following the massive increase in mobile device development. Each year a range of mobile devices, which include smartphones, PDA, navigation systems, and laptops, are developed, each with its unique mobile computing system, networking abilities, and security technologies. According to Somula (2018), the increased invention of these devices coupled with the development of wireless technologies and the continued use of the internet by users has facilitated the advancement in mobile devices. As a result, individuals and mobile devices are no longer bound by traditional technologies such as cables and wires, which essentially grounded most devices. Somula (2018) further notes that the ubiquity and mobility of mobile devices have made the technologies more acceptable by more people as the primary working and entertaining components.
The term mobile computing has attracted diverse scholarly interpretations and descriptions. Raei & Yazdani (2015) define mobile computing as a technology that allows for information transmission, either video or voice, through a personal computer or any wireless-enabled device. Therefore, mobile computing does not require a device to have either a hard or fast physical link. Somula (2018), on the other hand, defines mobile computing as a human-computer interaction that allows for the transmission of information through vital scopes; hardware, software, and communication.
* Hardware refers to the physical characteristics of mobile devices and their components. For instance, a smartphone is considered based on its internal memory, processing speed, and build version.
* The software aspect refers to the diverse mobile application in a given device such as; anti-virus, browser, operating systems.
* Communication refers to the infrastructure within a given mobile device and includes; mobile network infrastructure, protocols, and data delivery.
* Cloud Computing
Since the invention of PC and smartphones, most users have agreed that it is impossible to keep pace with changes in software and hardware. Mobile devices are constantly demanding higher speeds, larger capacity hard disks, and more efficient operating systems. The concept of advancement in the technological sector was advanced by Moore's law which notes that users are constantly required to upgrade their systems. Failures to upgrade these systems result in one being overtaken by technology development. The scope of continued advancement led to the introduction of cloud computing in 2007. Somula (2018) explains that over the years, there is no consensual definition of the term cloud computing systems. The lack of a consensus is highly attributed to the presence of diverse developers and organizations who define cloud computing functions differently.
Somula (2018), for instance, argues that the primary function of cloud computing is storage of data in cloud servers, making use of cache memory systems. Raei & Yazdani (2015), on the other hand, defines cloud computing as a parallel and distributed computer system that incorporates a system of virtual machines via internal links. The system hence offers computing resources from diverse service providers to crucial consumers grounded on service level agreements. Based on the context of this essay, cloud computing is defined as a parallel processing system that offers distributed and grid computing through internet networks. Further, cloud computing provides QoS services which include; services, software, platform, and storage through internet applications. Somula (2018) explains that cloud computing can hence be considered based on three key frameworks; infrastructure layer, platform layer, and application layer.
* The infrastructure layer refers to the computing and storage resources available, which include; physical devices and hardware. The infrastructure layer is also commonly referred to as the infrastructure as a Service (Iaa. IAAS as a resources offer computing storage and network services which are later used in running and installing operating systems and software.
* The platform layer (PaaS) is core to cloud computing as it offers resources used to build applications. In addition, the PaaS is commonly used by programmers who use the resources to test, run, and maintain applications. Therefore, it is crucial to acknowledge that the PaaS work hand in hand with the IaaS.
* The Application layer, also known as the software as a service (SaaS), allows for hardware, software, and storage of users to be housed remotely but can be accessed through the internet. The SaaS provider hence offers critical functions such as system
maintenance, software updates, and security.
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Mobile Cloud Computing
The development of mobile cloud computing, as explained above, has been fueled by the increased adoption of mobile computing devices and cloud computing technology. Consequently, MCC has become a fundamental technological leap that has attracted numerous and diverse applications. Somula (2018) explains that MCC is used in various scopes ranging from learning, commerce, banking, gaming, ad healthcare. On the other hand, mobile devices are growing more sophisticated with time due to the continued advancement in their usage. Irrespective of the growing infrastructure in mobile systems, mobile systems are faced with diverse challenges such as memory space, computation ability, and battery. As a result of these challenges, the need to offload mobile device tasks and resolve such issues, the use of the cloud has become a more efficient technique. Somula (2018) further notes that the use of MCC also resolves issues such as security and service quality.
The continued development of mobile cloud services by providers such as Microsoft, Apple, Google, and Techno, among others, has led to increased confusion on what Mobile cloud computing means. Somula (2018) explains that the increased confusion among users in defining what MCC entails has also been evident among diverse scholars. Similarly, there is no consensus on the definition of MCC, and hence there exists a range of differing definitions....