what is the difference between mainframe computing and the cloud?

Question

i have heard that mainframe and dumb terminals are really bad for computing, but isn't cloud computing and thin clients the same thing?

Answer 1

Actually your right. They could be described that way; it doesn't matter if your using a PC or a Terminal if the main programme processing is done somewhere else then that is thin client. You say bad for computing but ask any IT manager and he will tell you the Cost saving between individual licences for users and running Citrix Meta frame. And easier to manage. and more reliable.



We are all going that way whether we want to or not by the look of Windows 8. Centralized Management ! Ill leave it at that.

Answer 2

Cloud Computing Vs Mainframe

Answer 3

You are right with what you are saying, but let me put things in perspective for you. Mainframes are physically present hardware, huge in size and need constant maintenance. You can use them to support your database, network and virtually any other type of computer based platforms. Now, say that you are running Windows 8 today, but 5 years from now, Microsoft comes up with a killing Windows 9, what do you do then? Yes, you would have to update every single one of your mainframes and internal nodes one by one. This is both time consuming and expensive.



Cloud computing, on the other hand, might use mainframes too, but they are not physically present. You don't need to maintain them at your expense and if you ever need to carry out software updates it will all be done once only over the internet. This new method is proportionally cheaper and more feasible for keeping data and running different computer platforms.

Answer 4

Mainframe computers are the very large room size computers that have been around before Personal Home computers. They are still used in big business and the Military.



Cloud computing is just a service that is provided, mainly by Microsoft (Skydrive) and Google.



Instead of storing files or using applications on your computer, they are on the host computer which may or may not be a Mainframe.

Answer 5

From a user perspective they are very similar. The major difference is that in client-server, the server is usually local (in your same building) or at least in a building that is owned by your employer. You access it over a private network. It is owned and operated by your employer and used exclusively by you and your co-workers. Cloud computing is accessed through the Internet. As of right now the servers are owned by big companies like Google that run applications and many start-ups that provide storage. It is still in its infancy though so it's hard to tell where it will end up or if it will even catch on completely. On-line storage I can see lasting a long time because it makes sense but I'm anxious to see how software in the cloud pans out. If it stays free it has a chance but once they start charging for it, who knows if people will stick with it.

Answer 6

A mainframe refers to an older computing system with low power and resources, usually.



While cloud computing uses a main area to store/process data, it is usually a highly resources grouping of servers today.