Definition
Cloud computing is the delivery of computing services over the internet ("the
cloud") to offer faster innovation, flexible resources, and economies of scale.
Services include servers, storage, databases, networking, software, and
analytics.
Characteristics of Cloud Computing
On-Demand Self-Service: Users can access resources whenever needed
without human intervention.
Broad Network Access: Services are accessible from various devices through
the internet.
Resource Pooling: Multiple users share pooled resources dynamically
assigned based on demand.
Rapid Elasticity: Resources can be scaled up or down quickly according to
workload demands.
Measured Service: Pay-per-use pricing, where usage is monitored and billed
accordingly.
Types of Cloud Computing Services (Cloud Models)
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): Provides virtualized computing resources
over the internet.
Examples: Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure.
Use Case: Hosting virtual machines, storage, and networks.
Platform as a Service (PaaS): Offers a platform allowing customers to
develop, run, and manage applications.
Examples: Google App Engine, Heroku.
Use Case: Application development without managing the infrastructure.
Software as a Service (SaaS): Provides software applications over the
internet.
Examples: Google Workspace, Salesforce.
Use Case: Email services, CRM software, and office tools.
Deployment Models
Public Cloud: Services are delivered over the internet and shared among
multiple organizations.
Advantages: Cost-effective, scalable.
Example: Google Cloud Platform.
Private Cloud: Services are used exclusively by a single organization.
Advantages: Greater control, security.
Example: Internal enterprise data centers.
Hybrid Cloud: Combines public and private clouds, allowing data and
applications to be shared between them.
Advantages: Flexibility, optimized workload distribution.
Example: Using private cloud for sensitive data and public cloud for general
workloads.
Community Cloud: Shared among multiple organizations with common
concerns.
Example: Healthcare organizations sharing resources for patient
management.
Benefits of Cloud Computing
Cost Savings: Reduces the need for physical infrastructure and operational
expenses.
Scalability: Easily scale resources up or down as business needs change.
Accessibility: Access services from anywhere with an internet connection.
Disaster Recovery: Faster data recovery in case of failures.
Automatic Updates: Continuous software updates without user intervention.
Challenges in Cloud Computing
Security Concerns: Data breaches and unauthorized access risks.
Downtime Risks: Potential service outages due to dependency on the
internet.
Compliance Issues: Meeting industry regulations and standards.
Vendor Lock-In: Difficulty switching providers due to proprietary platforms.
Emerging Trends in Cloud Computing
Serverless Computing: Focuses on running code without managing servers.
Edge Computing: Brings computing closer to data sources for reduced
latency.
Multi-Cloud Strategies: Using multiple cloud services from different providers.
AI and Machine Learning Integration: Enhancing cloud services with
intelligent automation.
Applications of Cloud Computing
E-Commerce: Hosting online stores and managing transactions.
Big Data Analytics: Analyzing large datasets efficiently.
Healthcare: Managing patient records and telemedicine services.
Entertainment: Streaming platforms like Netflix use cloud infrastructure.
