Introduction to Cloud Computing

Shiksha Online
Updated on Feb 21, 2022 17:22 IST
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.

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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

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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.

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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. Sof tware 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. Platf orm 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. Inf rastructure 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

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Advant ages of Cloud Comput ing

The benefits of cloud computing are numerous. The following are a few of them:
Over the Internet, one can access applications as utilities.

T he applications can be manipulated and conf igured online, at any moment.

T o access or manipulate cloud applications, you do not need to install any sof tware.

T hrough 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 platf orm.

Cloud computing allows f or self -service on-demand. Without interacting with the cloud
service provider, the resources can be used.

Because it f unctions at high ef f iciency with maximum usage, cloud computing is extremely
cost-ef f ective. 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. Securit y 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. Cont inuously 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

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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. Dat a Delet ion t hat is insecure or incomplet e

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 Net work 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 Elast icit y

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

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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.

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