Tuesday, September 1, 2020
Cloud computing:
Cloud computing is a technology that allows users to access and use computing resources (such as servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics, and more) over the internet, often referred to as "the cloud." Instead of owning and maintaining physical servers or computing infrastructure, individuals and organizations can rent or lease these resources from cloud service providers.
What is Cloud computing?
Here are the key components and characteristics of cloud computing:
1. On-Demand Self-Service:
Users can provision and manage computing resources, such as server time and network storage, as needed automatically without requiring human intervention from the service provider.
2. Broad Network Access:
Cloud services are available over the network and can be accessed through standard mechanisms from various devices, such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, and workstations.
3. Resource Pooling:
Computing resources are pooled to serve multiple consumers using a multi-tenant model, with different physical and virtual resources dynamically assigned and reassigned according to demand.
4. Rapid Elasticity:
Computing capabilities can be rapidly scaled up or down to accommodate demand. Users can quickly scale resources vertically (adding more power to existing servers) or horizontally (adding more servers) based on their requirements.
5. Measured Service:
Cloud computing resources are metered, and users are billed based on their usage. This pay-as-you-go model provides cost efficiency and allows organizations to pay only for the resources they consume.
Cloud Deployment Models:
1. Public Cloud:
- Accessible by the Public: Services are offered over the internet and are available to anyone who wants to use them.
- Shared Resources: Resources are shared among multiple users and organizations.
- Examples: Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform (GCP).
2. Private Cloud:
- Dedicated to a Single Organization: Cloud infrastructure is exclusively used by a single organization.
- Higher Control and Privacy: Offers more control over the infrastructure and enhances data privacy and security.
- Managed by the Organization or a Third Party: Can be managed by the organization's IT department or a third-party service provider.
3. Hybrid Cloud:
- Combination of Public and Private Clouds: Involves the use of both public and private cloud services, allowing data and applications to be shared between them.
- Flexibility: Offers flexibility and allows businesses to run applications in the most suitable environment.
- Example: A company might use a public cloud for email services but host sensitive customer data in a private cloud.
4. Multi-Cloud:
- Use of Multiple Cloud Providers: Involves using services from multiple public cloud providers.
- Avoids Vendor Lock-In: Provides redundancy, flexibility, and avoids reliance on a single vendor.
- Example: Using AWS for storage, Azure for computation, and GCP for machine learning services.
Cloud computing has revolutionized the way businesses and individuals use and manage computing resources, providing scalability, flexibility, and cost-efficiency. It has enabled the development of innovative applications and services without the need for significant upfront investments in hardware and infrastructure.