What is Cloud Computing? - Fundamentals of Cloud Computing

Introduction to Cloud Computing

Cloud computing majorly involves the delivery of hosted services on the internet. The term cloud computing was derived, or rather was inspired, from the cloud symbol used in flowcharts to represent the internet.

There are different types of cloud computing, each representing a unique benefit offered on its own scale. And the major goal of cloud computing services is to offer easy, efficient, and speedy access to computing systems and IT services.

Cloud computing services can be classified into three categories:

• Software as a Service (SaaS)

• Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)

• Platform as a Service (PaaS)

This categorization is done based on the delivery service model. Let’s talk more about SaaS, IaaS, and PaaS.

Software as a service, abbreviated as SaaS, is a software distribution model. It offers software applications on the internet called web services. Using the SaaS model, professionals can access the web applications and services from any location.

Infrastructure as a service, abbreviated as IaaS, is a cloud computing online service that offers storage options, servers, and networking services to vendors. It is used to get details of network infrastructure providers like AWS. These services tend to meet the meet the workload needs of organizations by offering storage facilities in various options.

Platform as a Service, abbreviated as PaaS, is a cloud computing model that offers host development tools to users and organizations for cloud infrastructures. Users get access to these development tools over the internet. Features like APIs, online portals, or gateway software are involved.

 

History of Cloud Computing

Cloud computing came into existence somewhere between the 1950s and 1960s.

Large companies started using computers in the 1950s. It was a revolution for the growing industries. However, unlike the companies in the 2000s, those in the 1950s didn’t provide computers for every employee. There was a cost restraint involved. It was during the late 1950s and early 1960s that time-sharing was discovered. The idea was to use the processor time efficiently.

This resulted in better use of processing power and also reduced downtime. It also allowed users to use several features of computing mainframes at once. This whole instance led to the birth of shared computing resources, which in turn served as the base for modern cloud computing.

 

Difference between Private Cloud and Public Cloud

The basic feature that separates a public cloud and a private cloud is that public cloud services are open to anyone on the internet for buying but private cloud services aren’t. A private cloud is more of a proprietary network that offers hosted services to only a small number of people. It is secured with features like passwords and permission settings.

Public Cloud
Public cloud services are usually offered by third-party suppliers and are accessible to everybody via the internet. These clouds provide scalable resources, such as computing power and storage, that can be changed in response to demand. Virtual machines and databases are among the services provided by well-known providers like AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform. Because shared infrastructure lowers costs, public cloud computing is a great option for enterprises that need flexibility and quick scalability without investing a lot of money.

Private Cloud
In contrast, private clouds are reserved for a certain company. They may be hosted by a third-party supplier or on-site. Better security, privacy, and control are offered by this paradigm since the infrastructure is not shared with other organizations. Businesses with severe security standards or certain regulatory needs can benefit from private clouds since they offer customized environments and more control over data and apps.

Hybrid Cloud
A hybrid cloud model, which combines public and private clouds, is the choice of many enterprises. With this strategy, companies may use public cloud scalability for less sensitive data while keeping private cloud security and control for crucial processes. A hybrid cloud can provide a well-rounded solution that is flexible and economical, satisfying a range of objectives.

 

How does Cloud Computing Work?

Cloud computing allows users/clients to access data using the internet. They can get information from databases using remote servers. Here the internet network connection plays a vital role. It bridges the two ends of the process – front end and the back end. It facilitates efficient of data exchange. The data stored in back end is accessed by the front end. The entire process of access and flow of information between the front end and the back end is handled by central server.

 

Examples of Cloud Computing Models:

- Google Docs, Microsoft Office 365
- Google Emails
- Skype
- WhatsApp
- Google calendar
- Zoom calling

All of these are cloud based service models. These serve as good examples of modern storage solutions as opposed to traditional web hosting. Let’s find out in what ways cloud computing is different from traditional web hosting.

Unlike traditional web hosting, cloud computing gives users and option to use as much of a service as they want. The service is offered based on the demand instead of a standard model. Cloud computing model follows the pricing model that is based on time.

 

Cloud Computing Top Benefits

Cloud computing offers numerous benefits for organizations and users using the service. Some of them are:

- Reduced costs: The usage of cloud infrastructure has proven to be a cost-effective option for several organizations. With cloud computing, businesses can cut down expenses in areas like hardware, equipment, utilities, and more.

- Less manpower: With use of cloud services, companies need not build and manage data centers that need personal supervision.

- Reduces downtime: As discussed earlier, Cloud computing cuts down on downtime. It helps in better use of programming time.  

- Flexibility: Information stored in cloud can be easily accessed by users from any part of the world. They can get access to the stored data using any device connected to the internet. This eliminates the use of other storage devices.

- Increased productivity: Cloud computing enables employees to work better and faster. It allows them fast access to resources. Employees can retrieve or store data efficiently and on the go.  

- Better data safety: Cloud computing has significantly reduced risks of data loss. Organizations no longer have to worry about data loss caused by device related issues. The data stored in cloud can be accessed from any device and from anywhere. This helps in better disaster management and faster data recovery.

 

Popular Cloud Computing Vendors

In the recent years, with rise in demand for cloud services, several players have joined the market. Most popular vendors whose services are trusted and used worldwide are,

- Amazon Web Services (AWS)
- Google Cloud Platform
- Microsoft Azure
- IBM
- Apple
- Oracle Cloud
- VMware
- SAP

 

Future of Cloud Computing

FAQs

What are Cloud Computing Fundamentals?

The basic idea behind cloud computing is pay-as-you-go computer services, such as storage, processing power, and apps, delivered over the internet. It offers flexibility and scalability by enabling users to access and administer resources from any part of the world.

What are the Fundamental Principles of Cloud Computing?

The core principles of cloud computing are:

- On-Demand Self-Service
- Broad Network Access
- Resource Pooling
- Rapid Elasticity
- Measured Service

What are the Characteristics of Cloud Computing?

Key characteristics of cloud computing are:

- On-Demand Self-Service
- Broad Network Access
- Resource Pooling
- Rapid Elasticity
- Measured Service

What are the Benefits of Cloud Computing?

- Cost Efficiency
- Enhanced Scalability
- Global Accessibility
- Reduced Maintenance