Innovative ICT Through Cloud Computing.

Cloud computing has emerged as a revolutionary paradigm through which organizations can optimize their Information and Communication Technology (ICT) investments. In cloud computing, ICT resource requirement can be adjusted easily and quickly in response to changes in demand. It is a scalable virtualized development platform that has the potential to provide pay-per-use services to customers over the Internet/network by deploying hardware and software resources. In this paper, the evolution of cloud computing is traced in 10 phases, starting from the development of calculating machine in 1623. An ICT model for cloud computing has been presented. In order to leverage the benefits of cloud computing successfully, a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis of cloud computing is carried out. The paper also presents the details of cloud computing innovative applications in various organizations. Lastly, a hybrid cloud computing model for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) operating in the developing countries is proposed. The results obtained for the hybrid cloud model demonstrated the feasibility of the model. It appears that the research base in cloud computing and hybrid model in particular is strong and possesses potential to help in the development of effective industrial applications. However, a proper need-benefit analysis should be carried out to hedge the restrictions and challenges faced by cloud computing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]