Accounting Information Systems: The Processes and Controls, 2nd Edition

CLOUD-BASED DATABASES (STUDY OBJECTIVE 9)

Cloud-based database services are a fast-growing area of IT. Many of the largest computer-related companies are providers of cloud-based database services. These companies include Amazon (Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud), Google (Google Cloud Storage), Microsoft (Windows Azure), and IBM (IBM Smart-Cloud). A company can buy data storage from any of these providers or many other cloud vendors. Such an arrangement is Database as a Service (DaaS). The cloud provider generally provides not only the data storage space but the software tools to manage and control the database. The customer company must have some IT structure to access and use the data stored in a cloud. However, the amount of IT structure maintained would be less than if the database were stored onsite rather than at a cloud provider.

THE REAL WORLD

The best-selling jet airplane of the Boeing Corporation is the 737. In 2011, Boeing rolled out a new function called “737 Explained,” a cloud-based database and application using Microsoft Azure cloud storage. This cloud database stores 20,000 high-resolution photos of the Boeing 737, which are accessible by the Boeing salespeople who may be traveling to any location in the world to seek customers. 737 Explained can show 360-degree tours of the airplane, as well as individual parts and features. The director of marketing at Boeing said, “737 Explained is one of the best marketing tools I've seen because it allows us to show prospective ...