Distributed and Cloud Computing: From Parallel Processing to the Internet of Things

**** "Distributed and Cloud Computing: From Parallel Processing to the Internet of Things" presents an ambitious overview of cloud computing, tracing its evolution and establishing foundational knowledge for readers entering the domain. While the book has been praised for its thorough exploration of cloud computing architectures and its structured content, opinions regarding its relevance and clarity have been sharply divided. On one hand, many readers appreciate the comprehensive introduction the text provides, especially in understanding core concepts like the cloud computing stack and MapReduce. Each chapter methodically delineates key topics, and there is a Consensus that the authors have a firm grasp of the cloud computing landscape as it was understood a decade ago. This historical perspective can be beneficial for learners seeking foundational knowledge. However, the rapidly evolving nature of cloud computing casts a long shadow over the book's current applicability. Critics argue that the information is outdated, missing essential contemporary topics such as DevOps, containers, microservices, and advancements in big data processing technologies like Apache Spark. Furthermore, glaring inaccuracies—such as outdated references and numerous errors—raise concerns about the book's reliability. For readers with expectations of a deep dive into specific areas like machine learning or advanced data processing, the book's breadth, which some describe as merely an outline, falls short. Several comments highlight issues concerning structure and clarity. Readers have reported repeated content across chapters, and homework problems that seem trivial or poorly Constructed, leading to frustrations with the textbook's effectiveness as a learning tool. Additionally, users mentioned serious concerns with the physical integrity of the book, citing pages tearing after minimal usage, alongside a troublesome indexing system that hampers navigation. Overall, while "Distributed and Cloud Computing" serves as a historical reference and introductory guide, its shortcomings in relevance and readability may leave some users feeling dissatisfied. It may best serve as a stepping stone rather than a comprehensive resource for those looking to keep pace with today's cloud computing trends. **