Different Characteristics of Cloud Computing

Different Characteristics of Cloud Computing

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Anshuman
Anshuman Singh
Senior Executive - Content
Updated on Feb 22, 2024 16:50 IST

On-demand self-service, broad network access, and being highly elastic and scalable are some of the fundamental characteristics of cloud computing. Let's understand more!

Amazon was the first to enter the market with its Amazon Web Services (AWS), and companies such as Google and Microsoft quickly followed. So, what’s all the commotion about? What exactly is cloud computing? What are the characteristics of cloud computing?

Cloud computing delivers computing services over the Internet to provide faster innovation, more flexible resources, and scalability. Cloud computing is gaining attention by the day. This is due to the gradual growth of businesses that require a location to store their data. As a result, businesses are vying for large amounts of storage space.

Table of Content

  1. What is cloud computing?
  2. What is the need for cloud computing?
  3. Characteristics of cloud computing
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What is cloud computing?

The supply of various services over the Internet is a simple definition of cloud computing. The cloud can deliver everything from software and analytics to secure and safe data storage.

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You most likely use a variety of cloud-based applications daily. Every time you send a file to a colleague, you utilize cloud solutions. It could be through the web, a mobile app, downloading an image, or participating in an online video game. These services are hosted in the cloud and exist in some virtual space.

If you want to learn more about cloud computing, you should refer to the Introduction to cloud computing article.

What is the need for cloud computing?

Companies see the cloud as a necessary tool in completing their digital transformation. The COVID pandemic has sped up this requirement. Those who can traverse this change quickly and work collaboratively with the appropriate partners to improve their abilities will be tomorrow’s top performers.

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The following is a list of key benefits that an enterprise can expect to achieve by implementing cloud infrastructure.

  1. Unlimited storage capacity
  2. Data loss prevention
  3. Back up and restore data
  4. Control
  5. Collaboration
  6. Disaster recovery
  7. Automatic software updates
  8. Data security
  9. Competitive edge
  10. Mobility
  11. Efficiency
  12. Cost reduction
  13. Scalability

Characteristics of cloud computing

The characteristics of cloud computing explain why cloud computing is the go-to destination for building and deploying modern applications. There are many characteristics of cloud computing. Some of those are:

Resources Pooling

Among the most crucial characteristics of cloud computing is resource pooling. This term refers to a cloud service provider’s ability to share resources among multiple clients, providing each with a unique set of services based on their needs.

It is a multi-client tactic used for data storage, processing, and bandwidth provisioning. The administration process of real-time resource allocation does not conflict with the client’s point of view.

On-demand self-service

Cloud computing is based on a self-service model. In this, users can manage their services such as allotted storage, server uptime, and so on, making them their boss. Users can monitor their consumption and use the tools and resources they require directly from the cloud portal.

This enables users to make intelligent decisions and holds them accountable for their consumption. Users can use resources tailored to their needs and specifications. Cloud service providers do not instruct users on managing their services. Instead, they are billed on the payment date depending on one’s usage of the services.

Easy maintenance

The servers are simple to maintain in cloud computing, and downtime is minimal. In some instances, there is no downtime at all. Every time a cloud computing update is released, it improves gradually.

The updates are more suitable for the devices and operate faster than previous versions. It also contains bug fixes.

Comfortable payment structure

The user only pays for the services or storage space in cloud computing. There are no secret or additional fees to be paid. The service is inexpensive, and much of the time, some space is available for free.

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Availability

There are numerous options available in a cloud architecture for modifying elements. Many people prefer to complete their tasks quickly by using a personalized interface. Cloud architecture provides a simple way to adapt to changing needs.

It also saves time and boosts productivity regularly. Cloud computing service is available anytime and can be accessed from anywhere.

Flexibility

When users host their data in the cloud, they gain more freedom. Scaling does not necessitate a server restart and can be performed. Users can also choose from several payment options. This means that businesses won’t have to spend too much money on resources they don’t require.

Scalability

Scalability is one of the most adaptable characteristics of cloud computing. Cloud computing can scale up the number of servers or infrastructure in response to demand. In addition to all this, it provides a plethora of features that cater to the needs of its users.

Scalability brings a cost-effective aspect and qualifies it for business use. Cloud computing can be downscaled when demand is low and exponentially increased when demand is high.

Automation

Cloud computing analyses data automatically and provides metering capabilities at some service levels. This application can supervise, govern, and notify. This all provides transparency to both the host and the customer.

Large network access

One of the most intriguing characteristics of cloud computing is that territorial barriers do not limit it. Cloud computing has a broad range of applications and is accessible online.

You can access your files and documents and upload them from everywhere. To accomplish this, you only require a good internet connection and a device.

Security

Users are concerned about data security in cloud computing. Cloud service providers store encrypted user data. Along with this, they also offer additional security features. For example, user authentication and protection against breaches and other threats.

Multi-tenancy

Multi-tenancy is one of the best characteristics of cloud computing. A software architecture that allows individual program instances to serve multiple user groups is known as multi-tenancy.

It denotes that multiple cloud provider customers share the same computing resources. Even though they use the same computing resources, each cloud customer’s data is stored separately and securely.

If you want to learn more about cloud computing, then you can refer to these articles:

The hypervisor in cloud computing
Introduction to Cloud Computing Deployment Models
Virtualization in Cloud Computing

Conclusion

Cloud computing is a transformative technology that has reshaped the way organizations and individuals approach IT infrastructure, software delivery, and data management. Its key characteristics make it a versatile and powerful solution for various applications and industries.

FAQs

Which cloud computing characteristic increases or decreases resources based on requirements?

The cloud computing feature of on-demand self-service increases or decreases resources based on demand.

Which feature of cloud computing enables data centers to perform better?

Cloud computing's resource pooling feature enables data centers to operate more efficiently.

What is the most pressing issue in cloud computing?

The most important aspect of cloud computing is security.

About the Author
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Anshuman Singh
Senior Executive - Content

Anshuman Singh is an accomplished content writer with over three years of experience specializing in cybersecurity, cloud computing, networking, and software testing. Known for his clear, concise, and informative wr... Read Full Bio