Future of Cloud Computing: Mobile Cloud Apps
Loges Tiyagaraja1*, Ibrahim Yusof1*
1 Information Science & Technology, Multimedia University, Melaka, Malaysia
*Corresponding Author: [email protected], [email protected]
Accepted: 15 September 2022 | Published: 1 October 2022
DOI:https://doi.org/10.55057/ijbtm.2022.4.3.22
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Abstract: Cloud computing is quickly becoming one of the most essential branches for delivering seamless mobile applications. Cloud computing is discussed in this paper as another rapidly developing and established approach for providing improved and more productive cell phone apps. On a cloud computing platform, it offers mobile customers data storage and management administrations, cloud computing frameworks, cloud programming technology, the need for flexible cloud computing as part of the product business to handle new handheld application initiatives, application programs, application outlining gadgets, and the motivation for migrating applications to cloud computing frameworks are some of the ideas pushing cloud computing frameworks. The approach mobile users access services while moving has changed thanks to Mobile Cloud Computing. Only a few years ago, mobile phones were simple devices that permitted voice communication between users. Today, smartphones allow users to utilize value-added functions whenever they want and from any region. m-Cloud Computing incorporates cloud computing through into mobile context, overcoming challenges like as efficiency (e.g., battery capacity and memory), surroundings (e.g., scalability and dependability), and security (e.g., reliability and privacy).
Keywords: cloud computing, mobile cloud, mobile cloud application
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1. Introduction
Cloud computing refers to the use of structured framework programming and the capability to provide resources to clients in an on-demand environment. Data is stored on a network of servers through cloud computing, and clients can retrieve it via desktop computers, scratch pads, gadgets, and other platforms. Cloud computing occurs when projects and data are stored on the Internet rather than on individual devices, allowing for on-demand access. Applications operate on a cloud host before being delivered to the client. The provision of various services over the Internet is also known as cloud computing. Among other tools and applications, these assets comprise digital data, servers, datasets, connectivity, and systems. With cloud-based storage, you can save information in a remote server as opposed to keeping data on a local storage medium or a proprietary hard disk. An electronic gadget has access to both the information and the software programmes required to run it as long as it has internet connectivity. There are several factors why people and businesses prefer cloud computing, notably cost savings, increased productivity, speed and effectiveness productivity, and reliability. Cloud computing and mobile computing are coupled on a wireless network as Mobile Cloud Computing (m-Cloud Computing). This ground-breaking technique allows high- quality apps to be delivered and executed on mobile devices independent of their operating system, storage capacity, or processing tasks. End-users and app developers benefit from the
increased efficiency and precision of m-Cloud Computing. The mobile cloud includes cloud- based data as well as mobile-specific applications and services. It combines mobile app development and cloud-based solutions to make cloud services and apps more accessible to mobile users. The required data is stored and the programmes are operated in remote data centers. M-Cloud Computing is a logical evolution of mobile and cloud computing technologies that has emerged to be a game-changer in how we use our mobile devices in the workplace and fun. Take a moment to examine how many individuals utilize their mobile devices on a daily basis. This high usage illustrates how prevalent mobile cloud computing is or why it would only grow in popularity in the foreseeable. As per Mordor Intelligence, by the end of 2026, the mobile cloud industry will be worth $118.70 billion (Kacik, 2021).
2. Background
Since John McCarthy first proposed the concept of cloud computing in 1961 (Dupre, 2008), it has grown in prominence and is now widely used in a variety of uses and situations. cloud computing provides computation as a service and exchanges assets, applications, and information as a service through the network to meet the required needs at a minimal price. M- Cloud Computing, to put it simply, is infrastructure that allows data and process to take place from outside the mobile phone, providing new sorts of applications like context-aware smartphone based social (Fan, Cao & Mao, 2022). As a function, most mobile cloud apps are no longer limited to sophisticated smartphones, but rather to a wide spectrum with less advanced mobile phones and, as a result, a larger subscriber base. m-Cloud Computing is broken into two categories: mobile computing and cloud computing (Schneider & Xhafa, 2022). The core concept of cloud computing remains the same, even though the client has shifted from PCs or stationary computers to mobile devices.
A. Key Qualities
• On-demand self-service: Without having to interact with each service provider, a client can offer computer resources as required, such as server time and network storage.
• Broad network access: Abilities are accessible via the internet and acquired through conventional protocols, allowing diverse thin and thick client platforms such as mobile phones, computers, and PDAs to access them).
• Resource pooling: The provider's computing resources are pooled to support many clients using a multi-tenant model, whereby various physical and digital assets are freely assigned and redistributed in response to demand. The offered materials are not within the control of the customer, nor is the customer aware of their exact location.
Resources include things as memory, computation, capacity, network bandwidth, as well as virtual machines.
• Rapid elasticity: In certain instances, capacities may be provided primarily, delivered quickly and elastically, allowing for quick scaling out and quick scaling in.
• Measured Service: Cloud systems utilises a metered capability at a level of abstraction suited to the sort of service to automatically regulate and optimise resource use.
B. Service Models
• Software as a Service (SaaS): The supplier provides the client the choice to use programmes housed on a cloud infrastructure. To obtain the programmes from various client endpoints, a thin client interface similar to an internet browser is needed (e.g.,
web-based email). The client does not maintain the cloud infrastructure, with the exception of a few user-specific settings management options.
• Platform as a Service (PaaS): The capability made available to the client to install personalized or purchased apps created using tools and programming languages provided by the manufacturer further into cloud infrastructure. The customer does not have authority to oversee cloud infrastructure, such as the network, servers, software platforms, or space, but he or she does have authority over the installed apps and maybe the hosted cloud environment parameters.
• Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): The capacity to offer computation, memory, networking, and other core computing services to the customer, allowing the user to install and execute any software, such as operating systems. While the customer does not manage the basic cloud infrastructure, they do have authority over installed programmes, operating systems, memory, and possibly some limited control over some network components (e.g., host firewalls).
C. Deployment Models
• Private Cloud: An exclusive cloud computing platform utilised by one organization.
It may be handled on-site or off-site and by the employer or a third party.
• Community Cloud: A cloud infrastructure that is maintained by many organizations that helps a certain society with common issues (e.g., mission, security requirements, policy, and compliance considerations). It may be performed on-site or off-site, either by organisations alone or by a third party.
• Public Cloud: A business that offers cloud services maintains the cloud resources and makes them available to clients or a sizable industry group.
• Hybrid Cloud: A hybrid cloud comprised of two or more distinct clouds (private, shared, or public) that operate independently but are coupled by customary or cutting- edge technologies to support both application and data movement (e.g., cloud bursting for load-balancing between clouds).
3. Advantages of Mobile Cloud Computing
Mobile cloud computing offers several benefits to both end users and corporate organizations.
Consumers no longer need to be concerned with infrastructure or aware of its growth and upkeep, which is an obvious and major benefit. The following are some of the biggest advantages of cloud computing:
A. Storage Capacity
In comparison to a desktop computer, the cloud can hold and store significantly more data.
Using the cloud gives you access to a specific amount of storage. As a result, there will be no additional infrastructure expenses or effort wasted deploying extra servers. The cloud eliminates concerns over running out of storage capacity while also removing the need for enterprises to replace their computer hardware, lowering total IT costs.
B. Efficiency and Scalability
Cloud installations come with built-in scalability. Users just pay for the programmes and data storage they need since cloud instances are automatically launched on demand. The cloud is scalable to suit the demands of IT systems as they evolve. In terms of effectiveness, the cloud makes use of distributed system topologies that provide lightning-fast calculations.
C. Flexibility and Availability
With a connection to the internet, you may communicate with the server from just about anywhere. Whether it has its own software platform or not, the cloud is everywhere. Cloud services are accessible from any location where the end user is. It facilitates information access and caters to the demands of users in various time zones and geographical regions. Cloud support allows you to access, read, and change shared documents and files more simply than ever before.
D. Backup and Disaster Recovery
Almost all cloud computing service kinds and infrastructures provide extensive, dependable, and adaptable backup and recovery options. The operation of archiving and retrieving data is simpler when data is stored in the cloud rather than on a physical device. In certain circumstances, the cloud is utilised purely as a storage medium for data stored on local systems.
E. Simple and Quick Integration
A cloud may be set up and run in a matter of hours. In a similar vein, adding a new user to the cloud happens instantly and without delay, avoiding long wait times. Furthermore, with cloud apps, incorporation occurs automatically in cloud deployments, allowing users and businesses to select the apps and services that best fit their needs while putting out the least amount of work in integrating and customising those programmes.
F. Eco-Friendly
When compared to traditional IT infrastructure, the cloud saves energy since it requires limited resources to operate. For example, if such servers are not being used, the entire system often shrinks down, reducing dependence and utilizing less electricity. The system consumes just the essential and required resources at any given moment.
4. m-Cloud Computing Applications
A. m-Commerce
Mobile commerce (m-Commerce) is just a business paradigm for doing transactions utilising mobile devices. The m-Commerce applications are used to do certain activities. One can find patterns for mobile users' behaviours in m-Commerce, such as their locations and purchase transactions, and provide service to the m-Commerce users by applying weighted frequent patterns and periodical patterns for prediction of purchase behaviour of mobile users. This is made possible by the use of wireless communication technology and m-Commerce (Krithika
& Moorthi, 2013). The usage of mobile trade and purchasing is encouraged by m-Commerce.
The m-Commerce architecture with Cloud Computing places a strong emphasis on using cloud services for data storage. Any product purchased through an online store has a designated data storage for use in next transactions (Prajapati et al., 2019).
B. e-Learning
Electronic learning (e-learning) and mobility are the foundations of mobile learning (m- learning). Traditional m-learning apps, on the other hand, have restrictions in terms of technology and network cost, data transfer rate, and educational materials. To address these issues, cloud-based m-learning apps have been created. The apps, for instance, offer individuals with considerably better services in terms of content (information) quantity, quicker speed of processing, and longer battery life by employing a cloud with vast storage capacity and robust processing capabilities. The mobile software in this example is built on the freeware JavaME
UI framework and Jaber for clients. Students may contact with their professors at any time using a website developed on Google Apps Engine. Educators can also acquire information on students' course levels of knowledge and respond to students' inquiries in a reasonable timeframe. Furthermore, a situational m-learning system that relies on the Mobile Interaction in Augmented Reality Environment system demonstrates how a cloud-based m-learning system enables learners to access educational materials from a distance. Further illustration of m-Cloud Computing apps in education is 'Cornucopia' (Coughlin, 2022), which was developed for undergraduate genetics researchers' and 'plantations pathfinder', which was created to give information and a collaborative place for people to the gardens. The goal of deploying these apps is to assist students have a better grasp of how m-Cloud Computing should be designed to complement field activities. In order to provide a program regarding image/video production, a teaching tool based on Cloud Computing is being built. Learners can study and evaluate different techniques used in mobile apps (such as binarizing, denoising, face identification, and picture enhancement) using mobile phones.
C. m-Gaming
The mobile game (m-game) industry is a potential profit generator for service providers. M- game may totally shift game engines that need a lot of computational power (such visual rendering) to a cloud server, leaving users just with the screen interface on their gadgets.
Offloading (multimedia code) can conserve energy for smart phones, allowing them to play games for longer periods of time. MAUI is a method proposed by Cuervo (Cuervoy et al., 2010) that allows fine-grained matter and energy offloading of mobile algorithms to the cloud.
Additionally, numerous tests are run to determine how much energy game apps use on WiFi and 3G networks. MAUI splits program codes at execution based on the expenses of data transmission and CPU on the mobile phone to maximum energy efficiency provided internet connectivity, rather than offloading all scripts to the cloud data center. The findings show that MAUI not just to help mobile devices conserve energy (i.e., MAUI saves 27 percent of energy for the video game and 45 percent for chess. (Heidari, 2013)), but it also enhances the performance of mobile apps (i.e., the game's response time rises between 6 to 13 frames per second). Wang and Dey (Wang, 2013) introduce a new cloud-based m-game that utilizes a rendering adaption approach to proactively alter game rendering variables in response to communication restrictions and user requests. Because not all of the items in the visual list provided by a game engine are required for gameplay, the rendering adaption approach focuses on reducing the number of elements in the screen list and scaling the difficulty of rendering processes. Considering the communications and computation expenses, the goal is to optimise the user experience.
5. Challenges and Solutions
Despite the numerous benefits m-Cloud Computing offers towards both service providers and mobile consumers, it confronts a number of obstacles and problems that make it more difficult than traditional Cloud Computing. m-Cloud Computing has significant obstacles, which are discussed in this section.
A. Low Bandwith
In a communication system, As the radio capacity for wifi communication is communicated through networks as per the available bandwidth for transmitting information in the network, bandwidth is among the most critical factors. Since bandwidth is restricted, various mobile users in just the same region or workplace who are likely participating in the same material to be sent share the low bandwidth. This improves the quality, and this technique is mostly used
when consumers in a certain region are interested in the same materials. It gathers user profiles from network users on a regular basis and generates decision tables from which users determine whether or not to assist other users in downloading material that they are unable to access due to bandwidth constraints.
B. Wireless Network and Access Control Policy
The wireless technology serves as the foundation for cloud computing and has its own inherent characteristics and limitations. Reliable network bandwidth is necessary for improved performance, but the primary challenges with the connection in the m-Cloud Computing are unpredictable data throughput, greater latency, and connection with coverage gaps. Variability in bandwidth capacity and coverage are occasionally influenced by unforeseen circumstances such as weather. For m-Cloud Computing to operate, several access technologies such as WiMAX, WLAN, 4G, and others must be used, each with their own regulations and limits.
Since the wireless network is so vital to m-Cloud Computing's operation, there must be an appropriate method in place to reduce latency, increase bandwidth, and close the connection gap. To prevent network breakdown and re-establishment, we should preserve distinct access techniques. Most providers already provide 4G/Long Term Evolution (LTE) connections to enable mobile devices speedier access. These services are based on data storage space, plug- and-play capabilities, minimal latency, and other factors. This allows for download speeds of up to 100 Mbps with uploading speeds of up to 50 Mbps.
C. Security Attacks and Hacking
Cloud computing is used to provide a variety of services, including data storage and processing.
Because everything is done online, security is a major concern for anybody who uses these services. Because we're talking about m-Cloud Computing, it's important to examine the security of mobile devices as well as the cloud platform, which is a major problem in this sector. This is because there's a chance the gadget will be stolen or lost, exposing sensitive data. As new security risks emerge, cloud platforms now include a number of sophisticated established security features such as SSL and digital certificates to allow external protection.
Data abuse through stolen or lost mobile devices could be prevented by digitally erasing these devices. Downloading and using defense software programmes known as "Antiviruses" that are widely accessible in the market is used to identify security risks on any mobile device.
Every networking activity is vulnerable to some form of malicious intrusion. As a result of the increased usage of Internet sites that occasionally contact harmful code sites in order to get access to a person's or organization's network and operational processes. Following the implementation of best practises for offering the best security policies to information and data skilled intruders with the greatest browsing may result in events that are generally unavoidable as:
• There are a variety of policies and systems available these days, such as the Fair Information Practice Principles (FIPP), which demand strict controls and processes to safeguard the privacy of both individual and organisational data.
• Encryption is the most effective method for maintaining information integrity and secrecy.
• Web 2.0 servers, in conjunction with some other internal servers, could help to reduce the risk of unauthorised access to data via social networks, Internet sites, as well as other online sources.
5. Conclusion
This paper discussed m-Cloud Computing, and that is a hybrid approach that combines mobile devices with cloud-based services. Due to the use of mobile devices by a significant number of people and the early stages of cloud computing by many organisations, it has become an important study subject. As the need for mobile devices grows, we emphasize on the most significant area m-Cloud Computing in this study. Additionally, as internet usage grows, information storage is relocated to the cloud, resulting in the growth of m-Cloud Computing.
Because all transactions are conducted through a mobile network using the internet, the risk of various types of attacks is rising. We've listed some of the issues that m-Cloud Computing faces. As we have seen, m-Cloud Computing is extremely significant in today's advanced technological world, necessitating the need to develop a response to any potential attacks on this innovation. The paper also discussed the necessity of mobile cloud computing as well as the notion of mobile cloud computing, as well as the benefits of m-Cloud Computing have been highlighted.
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