Introduction to Cloud Computing

Cloud computing refers to the process of remotely altering, configuring, and accessing hardware and software resources. It provides cost savings, scalability, high performance, economies of scale, and many other benefits. For many businesses, cloud migration is inextricably linked to data and IT modernization.

Cloud computing refers to the process of remotely altering, configuring, and accessing hardware and software resources. It offers data storage, infrastructure, and applications to users all over the world. Cloud computing offers platform independence, as the software does not have to be deployed locally on the PC.

In this article, let’s understand the basics of cloud computing in the following order:

• What is a cloud?
• Deployment models
• Service models
• Advantages of cloud computing
• Challenges /Disadvantages of cloud computing
• Essential characteristics of cloud computing
• Summary of cloud computing architecture

What is a Cloud?

A cloud is something that exists in a remote area. Cloud services can be delivered across public and private networks (WANs, LANs, and VPNs).

Cloud-based applications include e-mail, online conferencing, and customer relationship management (CRM).

Deployment Models

Deployment models specify the type of cloud access, in other words, where the cloud is hosted. Cloud computing deployment can vary based on needs, and these four deployment models have been recognized. Each has unique characteristics that fulfill the requirements of cloud services and users in unique ways.

1. Public Cloud

The public cloud infrastructure makes systems and services available to anyone with an internet connection. Because of its openness, the public cloud is much less secure. When compared to the capital investment needs associated with other deployment methods, this sort of deployment takes very little money. Some examples of this type of deployment are AWS, Rackspace, and Azure.

2. Private Cloud

The private cloud infrastructure makes systems and services available to anyone within an organization. Because of this private characteristic, it is more secure. OpenNebula, OpenStack, and Eucalyptus Systems are some examples of this style of deployment.

3. Hybrid Cloud

Two or more clouds are combined to make up a hybrid cloud infrastructure. In the majority of cases, public and private clouds blend to make a hybrid cloud. Where the private cloud handles crucial tasks and the public cloud handles non-critical tasks. Amazon, Cisco, and NetApp are some examples of this style of deployment.

4. Community Cloud

The community cloud infrastructure makes systems and services available to anyone within a group of organizations. Since the expenditures are divided across the organizations, this may help decrease the capital expenditure expenses for its establishment. A good example of this type of deployment is the U.S.-based dedicated IBM SoftLayer cloud for federal agencies.

Service Models

Cloud computing consists of three different types of computer services. These services are offered through the internet to clients remotely. The following are the most popular service models in use:

1. Software as a Service (SaaS)

This model enables end-users to use computer software as a service. Consumers purchase the ability to access and use a cloud-based application or service. Dropbox is a fantastic illustration of this type of service model.

2. Platform as a Service (PaaS)

This model enables end-users to use platforms or runtime environments to deploy their software and apps in the cloud. The application is the responsibility of the end-user, and the PaaS provider provides the capacity to deploy and execute it. Windows Azure is a fantastic illustration of this type of service model.

3. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)

This model enables end-users to use IT infrastructures like servers, virtual machines (VMs), storage, networks, and operating systems from a cloud service vendor. HaaS (hardware as a service) is another name for it. DigitalOcean is a fantastic illustration of this type of service model.

Explore Popular Cloud Computing Courses

Advantages of Cloud Computing

The benefits of cloud computing are numerous. The following are a few of them:

• Over the Internet, one can access applications as utilities.
• The applications can be manipulated and configured online, at any moment.
• To access or manipulate cloud applications, you do not need to install any software.
• Through the PaaS model, cloud computing provides online development and deployment tools, as well as a programming runtime environment.
• Cloud resources are made available across the network in a way that allows any sort of client to access them regardless of platform.
• Cloud computing allows for self-service on-demand. Without interacting with the cloud service provider, the resources can be used.
• Because it functions at high efficiency with maximum usage, cloud computing is extremely cost-effective. An internet connection is all that you need.

Challenges/Disadvantages of Cloud Computing:

Cloud computing is a fantastic advancement in the field of computers, but it, like any other coin, has its drawbacks. The following are some of the disadvantages:

1. Security and Privacy

The most serious concern about cloud computing is this. Because, cloud data and infrastructure management are handled by other parties, entrusting sensitive data to cloud service providers is always a risk.

2. Continuously Evolving

User requirements, as well as interface, networking, and storage requirements, are constantly changing. Because of all this, the cloud (especially the public cloud) is never static and is always changing.

3. Lock-In

Customers find switching from one Cloud Service Provider (CSP) to another quite challenging. As a result, you’ll be reliant on a single CSP for service.

4. Data Deletion that is insecure or incomplete

It is possible that the data requested to be deleted will not be destroyed since several copies of the data may exist, and those copies may not be visible during the deletion process.

Essential Characteristics of Cloud Computing:

Cloud computing has five distinct essential characteristics and those five essential characteristics are listed below:

1. On-Demand Self Service

Users can use web services and resources on demand thanks to cloud computing. Anyone can access and utilize a website at any time.

2. Broad Network Access

Cloud computing is accessible from everywhere at any moment.

3. Resource Pooling

Multiple users can share a pool of resources with cloud computing. A single physical instance of hardware, database, and basic infrastructure can be shared.

4. Rapid Elasticity

Resource scaling can be referred to as the ability of resources to scale up or down in response to changing demand. The resources that clients are using are automatically tracked.

5. Measured Service

The cloud provider in this service manages and oversees all parts of the cloud service. It is necessary for resource optimization and billing etc.

Summary of Cloud Computing Architecture:

Conclusion

In this article, we have explained the basic concepts of cloud computing. Hope this article will help you to get a better understanding of this.

Top Trending Tech Articles:
Career Opportunities after BTech | Online Python Compiler | What is Coding | Queue Data Structure | Top Programming Language | Trending DevOps Tools | Highest Paid IT Jobs | Most In Demand IT Skills | Networking Interview Questions | Features of Java | Basic Linux Commands | Amazon Interview Questions

Recently completed any professional course/certification from the market? Tell us what liked or disliked in the course for more curated content.

Click here to submit its review with Shiksha Online.