Two major terms to understand: Cloud Computing and Cluster computing and what are the major difference between Cloud Computing and Cluster Computing. Recently, there has been a surge in interest in decreasing the power of computer processors and boosting overall system performance. As a result, multicore processors have been designed and redesigned to suit the ever-increasing computing difficulties. Rising complications have evolved in the IT and ICT sector, necessitating the transformation of traditional computing environments to suit current demand. The majority of conventional computing processors were homogeneous, meaning they all shared the same properties. The increased workload overloaded homogeneous processing environments, resulting in the emergence of heterogeneous processing environments. In contrast to homogeneous processors, they have diverse features for the same processor. One such setup that has become popular, especially, with software solutions like call center software is a cloud with cluster.
With cloud hosting platforms, different types of setup are possible including the cluster setup. It benefits businesses in multiple ways. This blog post compares two different setups on cloud platforms for a call center solution.
What is cloud computing?
Cloud computing is a new technology that allows many different types of resources to be delivered as services, primarily through the internet. The delivering party is known as the service provider, and the users are known as subscribers. Subscribers often pay subscription fees on a per use basis.
Cloud computing is classified into several categories based on the type of service supplied.
- SaaS (Software as a Service): It is a cloud computing category in which software applications like call center software are the primary resources accessible as a service.
- PaaS (Platform as a Service): It is a cloud computing category/application in which service providers supply a computer platform or a software framework to their subscribers through the internet.
- IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service): It is a cloud computing category in which the primary resources offered as a service are hardware architecture.
- DaaS (Desktop as a Service): It is a new model that provides a complete desktop experience via the internet.
Setting up a cluster of cloud call center software with cluster setup on your choice cloud computing provider is what cloud with cluster setup entails. There will be numerous nodes in this scenario that will function in parallel to form a clustered network. Each node may employ shared or dedicated resources to execute a software program, such as a cloud based call center solution, and take advantage of the benefits of a cluster based arrangement on a cloud host.
A cloud based call center solution gives better service to customers than local servers since cloud computing consumers simply utilize services and there is no need for server and security upkeep because everything is controlled by the providers of cloud services. Cloud servers outperform local servers in terms of performance.
Cloud computing gets its name from the fact that the data being accessed is located remotely in the cloud or a virtual area.
What is cluster computing?
Cluster computing for call center software is a technology in which numerous computers are linked together over a network and operate as a unified entity. A cluster is formed by these linked computers. When we join a computer to this network, we refer to it as a node.
The linked computers work together to complete tasks. As a result, it delivers quicker processing speed. We link computers to the network via high-speed local area networks (LANs). When compared to huge servers, clustering PCs is not costly. Moreover, it guarantees that the processing space is always available.
The most typical applications of cluster computing are load balancing and high availability. A single job is shared by numerous computers that are networked together and work as a single unit in a load balancing cluster. Any workloads that arrive in the system are spread across the computers in the cluster such that the work is distributed evenly. This enhances the overall system performance.
What is the difference between Cloud and Cluster computing for call center software?
The cloud computing for call center solution is a technology that provides many different types of resources as services, mostly through the internet, whereas cluster computing focuses on improving service performance and availability by linking a group of stand-alone workstations to form a unified computing resource.
Cloud computing is a computer method in which resources are made available over the internet. Most of the time, these resources are extendable and highly visible, and they are offered as a service. These resources might be classified as apps, platforms, or infrastructure. In cluster computing, a group of stand-alone computers is coupled to create one unified computing resource that can outperform a single computer in terms of performance and availability.
Clusters are mostly used for load balancing and high availability, whereas cloud contact center solutions are concerned with offering services such as software, platforms, and so on. Yet, it is vital to highlight that cloud computing is established on a server cluster.
Location
A cluster is a collection of computers linked by a local area network (LAN), whereas a cloud is larger and can be geographically spread.
Connection
A cluster is firmly connected, whereas a cloud is loosely coupled.
Consist of
Clusters consist of machines with comparable hardware, whereas clouds consist of workstations with potentially highly varied hardware configurations.
Security
In the case of cluster computing, security is quite high, while in cloud computing, security is lower.
In cluster computing, every node has its own credentials. However, a getaway node can also be used to achieve security.
In cloud computing, security is achieved through isolation. Private clouds are the best examples of this.
Maintenance
The maintenance cost of cluster computing is higher as each and every node needs maintenance. On the other hand, the maintenance cost of cloud computing is low.
Execution
In cluster computing, the execution of a job depends on its scheduling. Hence, jobs have to wait until they are assigned a runtime.
In cloud computing, job execution is self-managed.
Operating System (OS)
Cluster computing supports only Windows and Linux OS. On the other hand, multiple OS can be installed in cloud computing.
Cost-effectiveness
Cluster computing is less cost-effective than cloud computing. This is because in the former, a very high capital is needed to build the hardware. In the latter, the user only pays for the services he/she uses.
Suitable for
Cluster computing is suitable for cascading tasks, i.e. when tasks depend on each other. Cloud computing is suited for on-demand apps that need service provisioning.
Areas of application
Cluster computing is mainly suited for industrial centers, healthcare and research centers, and centers that offer service at a national level. On the other hand, cloud computing is best suited for banking, finance, insurance, space exploration, weather forecasting, Infrastructure As A Service (IAAS) used by network architects; Platform As A Service (PAAS) used by developers; Software As A Service (SAAS) used by end users.
| Parameter | Cloud Computing | Cluster Computing |
| Purpose | Offering on demand IT services and resources. | Using a modular strategy to complete an advanced level complex task. |
| Type of resource | Heterogeneous resource type. | Homogeneous resource type. |
| Sharing of resources | Certain designated resources cannot be shared. | Specific assigned resources are not shareable. |
| Virtualization | Virtualization of hardware and software resources. | No virtualization resources. |
| Security | It is possible to obtain security through isolation. | It is possible to achieve security with node credentials. |
| Initial Expense | The initial expense for setup is really minimal. | The initial capital expense for setup is very high. |
| Security Requirement | Very low | Very high |
| Maintenance | Requires low maintenance. | Requires little higher maintenance. |
| Scalability | Allowed | Limited |
| Hardware | There is no physical hardware needed. | More hardware requirements physically. |
| Operating System | Multiple OS runs in Virtual Machines. | Windows, Linux |
| User Management | User management can be centralized or outsourced to a vendor/third party. | User management is centralized. |
| Architecture | User chosen architecture. | Cluster oriented architecture. |
| Characteristic | Dynamic computing infrastructure/resources/services | Tightly coupled systems/resources |
| Dependency on software | Domain independent software. | Domain dependent software. |
| Implementation | Difficult (Host is required to do it) | Easy |
| Internet | Internet access is needed. | Internet access is not needed. |
| Interoperability | No | Yes |
| Resource management | Both centralized and distributed. | Centralized (Locally) |
| Examples | Facebook, Gmail | Google search engine, Earthquake simulation. |
Concluding notes
The globe is evolving more rapidly than ever before, and digital technologies are causing unparalleled transformation and altering our work and lifestyles in ways we never imagined. These days, the concept of digital transformation is widely debated. The Internet of Things (IoT), big data, social media, cloud computing, cloud cluster solution, blockchain, and augmented reality are propelling businesses to new heights in digital consumer interaction and IT-enabled business processes and services. A cloud call center solution is a crucial component of the technological ecosystem for digital transformation. We may have encountered problems due to slower computer operations and content criticality. When the data is vital and needs to be processed quickly, Cloud with cluster comes in handy.
We have the most reliable call center solution that can be setup with any model on cloud platforms. We provide these setup services based on customer requirements and business models. Let us help you select the best hosting model and computing resources to maximize your returns. To initiate discussion, contact us.
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