Cloud Storage, Graphics, and Animation (Android)
Part 1: Cloud Storage
1. Cloud storage service is defined as a function in cloud computing that stores, edits, and retrieves data from a relatively remote server. The service works on the Internet through the model of utility computation. Cloud storage services provide entities with the application, which gives them access to their offsite storage. It enables to store the information in the cloud in forms that can be accessed from several distributed and interconnected resources, which construct the cloud. Cloud computing services enable the maintenance and management of important information (e.g. customers’ and employees’ data) over the Internet (Meier, 2012). Cloud storage service exists in different storage forms, including public and hybrid models.
2. The cloud storage service is designed basing on the storage visualization architecture. It is a technique that allows each single server, which stores data, to create several logical and virtual drives that are both scalable and have a close connectivity. As a result, this type of architectural design enables the users of the cloud storage service and other applications to access the storage through the interface of the online platform. The architecture of the cloud storage service is also made of a front end that exports the application programming interface (API). Next to the front end there is a middleware, called the storage logic. The layer’s work is to implement different features such as replication and reduction of the data, depending on its geographic placement.
3. The infrastructure, needed for cloud storage, should encompass both the hardware and the software frameworks, which have the capacity to fulfill the requirements of computing in the cloud storage service. The infrastructure consists of an abstraction layer for the visualization of resources and their logical presentation to users. It also includes the back-end components, specifically formed by the hardware elements, which are available in several data centers. For examples, there are the multi-sockets, multicore servers, and the LAN (local area network) equipment, such as routers. In addition, cloud infrastructure utilizes a locally attached storage, namely the hard disk drive and the solid state drives. These infrastructures enable cloud service providers to adapt their capacity to the workloads of the users. It is possible through the gradual adding of computer nodes to the local disks.
4. Both private and hybrid clouds are the components of cloud computing. For a private cloud, an individual company has to possess the infrastructure, which creates cloud components. As a result, the information is stored in the private data center. In this case the primary goal of the company is not to sell the cloud as a service to external clients but to benefit from it, by controlling and managing its data independently. A hybrid cloud, on the other hand, incorporates elements of both the public and the private cloud. It enables a company to manage and control its private cloud internally through the reliance on the public cloud (Jackson, 2014). For example, during the busiest seasons of the business operation, individual applications or their portions can be relocated to the public cloud. It can also be done during outages and scheduled breaks in maintenance.
5. The REST API is a model used in the software architecture of a web-based service for the integration purposes. The architectural style, design, and approach of the REST API are based on the representational state transfer technology that enables communication through the web. REST is used in cloud storage, because it is based on less bandwidth. It increases its suitability for the online usage. The REST APIs, used by browsers, also act as Internet languages. Thus, the use of REST APIs in cloud computing allows users to connect to the cloud services and interact with them.
6. An advantage of using cloud storages is the fact that they provide enhanced security to company’s irreplaceable and precious data. It is achieved through adding an extra layer of protection to the system. The cloud storage providers ensure that the data is updated, by continually synchronizing it. Due to the fact that the storage provides space for keeping the information online, significant physical space is released. A disadvantage of using the service of the cloud storage providers is the high cost that they charge for offering this function. Another disadvantage is technical problems that are often faced by the cloud service providers. The fact that people are allowed to access their data from any device at any place makes the providers face technical threats and outages. Lastly, there are instances when the security of these systems has been compromised (Burton, and Felker, 2015). It exposes clients’ information to the threat of hacking.
7. One example of storage providers is the Amazon cloud drive. The service provides free 5 GB of storage. An advantage of this cloud is its cost-effectiveness that is attractive for many clients. The first 5 GB are provided free of charge. Subsequent storage capacities require payment. However, it does not have a mobile application, as there are only PC and Mac versions. It charges $99 yearly for 100 GB. Another storage provider is the Dropbox. It provides easy synchronizing mechanisms and an intuitive usage. However, once users pass their limit, it is difficult to purchase a pro plan. Its annual cost for 100 GB is higher. Moreover, storage services are also provided by the Google Drive. It is a cloud service provider that has kept most of its customers satisfied. In comparison to the other providers, it is easier to use. It is also cheaper and is linked to other Google accounts. In addition, it works for a variety of devices such as PCs, Android, and Macs. 100 GB cost $4.99 per month, which is a quite fair pricing (Jackson, 2014). Its sole disadvantage is the fact that it is not intuitive, when compared to the Dropbox.
8. As a cloud storage provider, Dropbox has recently faced numerous privacy issues. Its servers were compromised, so that clients started to receive spam emails. As far as Google Drive is concerned, it lacks a particular privacy policy that would solely focus on customers. It has been met with international criticism, since the storage provider uses an expansive language that disturbs its users.
9. There are multiple cloud storage providers. However, businesses should choose only the right ones that can effectively meet their needs. It is important to consider the security program, applied by the cloud provider. They should be able to ensure safety and avoid the possible loss of the customer's information. The cloud provider should have proper infrastructure that can be entrusted to store crucial corporate data. The financial stability of providers is also an issue for consideration. If the provider experiences financial difficulties then there is a higher likelihood that it will go bankrupt and the enterprise will lose its data. Finally, it is necessary to consider the terms and the execution strategies of the provider (Meier, 2012). Moreover, all the involved processes should be transparent enough.
Part 2: Graphics and Animation
1. Handling animation is an important process in Android applications. It entails adding image into the gallery, then adding its file path to the Mylist, and, consequently, refreshing the GridView for the image to appear.
2. Handling of icons in Android is an important step that ensures their workability on various devices. Handling deals with the executable file, contained in the icon. Therefore, handling encompasses loading of the specified icon resources from the executable files, found in the application. The icon resources can be either color or monochrome bitmaps.
3. Android applications need different sizes of images. It happens due to the fact that applications operate on various devices that have different screen sizes. Therefore, images should be able to adapt to these screen sizes. They can be shrunk or stretched in relation to the size of a screen.
4. The first animation category is the View Property Animator. It has been introduced in Android 3.1 version. It is used to provide access to other animations in Android. It also enables to set the duration of an animation. The other category is the Object Animator. It is used for modifying the characteristics of an object. Besides, it assists in adding, removing, and viewing applications from the available groups. The last category is the Layout Transition Class. Android applications use it to set animations and to change their hierarchical views.
5. Android applications have multiple gestures. First, there is the one-fingered-zoom. It is achieved by double tapping the screen and sliding the finger either up or down the screen. It is an easy way to zoom images and maps. The other gesture is a safe mode. It assists Android users when they experience challenges with other applications. The gesture works by pressing and holding the power button, which activates the normal power menu. Then the user presses the power button before being asked to enable the safe mode. The last gesture is the tab switching mechanism in Chrome (Burton, and Felker, 2015). It is entered by swiping downwards from the address bar, located at the top of the screen. In order to close a tab, the user just swipes in the left or in the right.
About the author: Mary Rouse is a freelance writer at https://essaywritingstore.com/ . She has very interesting and hard work,because it's needed many time and knowledge. But she likes, what she do,because her knowledge help other people and bring money for her. Mary has 7 years of experience in writing quality essays and 5 years family's experience. She has nice husband and daugter,which she love most in the world..