What is Cloud Computing And Where it is Used

Introduction To Cloud Computing

Cloud computing is a type of computing that relies on sharing computing resources rather than having local servers or personal devices to handle applications.

Cloud computing services are typically provided through the Internet or a dedicated network.

This allows users to access applications, data, storage, and other computing resources through the Internet.

Cloud computing services are usually provided by third-party companies, such as Amazon Web Services or Microsoft Azure.

These companies maintain and manage the cloud infrastructure on behalf of the user.

Cloud computing allows users to access computing resources as needed, without having to purchase or maintain the hardware or software needed to run them.

This makes cloud computing a cost-effective and efficient way to manage data and applications.

Additionally, cloud computing can be used to scale computing resources quickly, allowing users to adjust their computing resources as needed.

Cloud computing also offers the benefit of increased security.

The data and applications are hosted by a third-party provider who is responsible for maintaining the security of the cloud infrastructure.

Cloud computing also offers the benefit of flexibility, allowing users to access their data and applications from anywhere, at any time.

Cloud Infrastructure

Companies need to provide and maintain a cloud infrastructure to offer cloud services.

Cloud infrastructure is a combination of hardware, software, networks, storage, services and other components that provide a platform for cloud computing.

This type of infrastructure is typically provided by a cloud provider such as Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure or Google Cloud Platform.

It is often used for hosting applications and services that are accessed over the Internet.

Cloud infrastructure may include virtual machines, databases, storage, messaging and networks.

It also includes services such as analytics, artificial intelligence and machine learning.

Additionally, it can include physical hardware such as servers, routers and switches.

Cloud infrastructure is designed to provide scalability, reliability and cost savings compared to traditional on-premise infrastructure.

Cloud Storage

Cloud storage stores data in logical pools, across multiple servers and locations, and hosted by a cloud computing service.

The physical storage spans multiple servers (sometimes in multiple locations), and the physical environment is typically owned and managed by a hosting company.

These cloud storage providers are responsible for keeping the data available and accessible, and the physical environment protected and running.

People and organizations buy or lease storage capacity from the providers to store user, organization, or application data.

Cloud Data Management

Cloud data management is the process of managing data that is stored or processed in cloud computing environments.

It involves processes for storing, securing, and controlling access to data.

Cloud data management ensures data accuracy, quality, and availability.

Typically it includes data migration to the cloud, data governance, and data security.

It also includes the development of policies and procedures to ensure proper data usage and compliance with applicable laws.

Cloud data management is important for organizations that rely on cloud storage and computing solutions to increase their agility, efficiency and compliance.

Cloud Computing Solutions

Cloud computing solutions provide organizations with a secure, flexible, and cost-effective way to manage their IT infrastructure, applications, and data.

Cloud computing solutions provide organizations with a variety of advantages, including improved scalability, reliability, and cost savings.

There are several cloud computing models based on the type of solutions they provide.

Such as –

1. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
2. Platform as a Service (PaaS)
3. Software as a Service (SaaS)
4. Function as a Service (FaaS)
5. Mobile Backend as a Service (MBaaS)
6. Serverless Computing
7. Desktop as a Service (DaaS)
8. Storage as a Service (STaaS)
9. Database as a Service (DBaaS)
10. Network as a Service (NaaS)
11. Container as a Service (CaaS)

Let us explore a few of them –

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): IaaS is a type of cloud computing solution that provides access to virtualized computing resources in the cloud.

Common IaaS solutions include virtual private servers, storage, and networking.

Platform as a Service (PaaS): PaaS is a cloud-based platform that allows users to develop and deploy applications without having to manage the underlying infrastructure.

Common PaaS solutions include databases, development tools, analytics, and more.

Software as a Service (SaaS): SaaS is a type of cloud computing solution that provides users with access to software applications that can be used on demand, usually over the internet.

Common SaaS solutions include customer relationship management (CRM) software, enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, and office productivity suites.

Serverless Computing: Serverless computing is a type of cloud computing solution that enables users to run code without having to manage the underlying infrastructure.

It allows developers to focus on writing code instead of managing servers.

Container-as-a-Service (CaaS): CaaS is a type of cloud computing solution that provides users with access to container-based infrastructure.

It allows users to deploy and manage their applications in containers without having to manage the underlying infrastructure.

Cloud Computing Benefits and Risks

Cloud computing has its pros and cons –

Benefits:

1. Cost savings: As companies move to cloud computing, they avoid the high costs associated with purchasing and setting up physical infrastructure.
2. Scalability: Cloud computing allows businesses to scale up or down according to their needs, quickly and easily making more computing resources available when needed.
3. Increased agility: With cloud computing, businesses can bring new services to market and respond quickly to changing requirements.
4. Improved efficiency: Companies can do more with less, as cloud computing enables them to utilize existing IT assets more efficiently and reduce overhead costs.
5. Versatility: Cloud-based services provide customers with on-demand access to software and computing resources.

Risks:

1. Security: Data in the cloud is vulnerable to hacking and unauthorized access. Security measures, such as encryption and authentication, must be implemented properly to protect against data breaches.
2. Compliance: Companies must comply with industry regulations when using cloud computing.
3. Dependency: Companies can become dependent on cloud service providers, which can create vulnerabilities in the event of an outage or disruption.
4. Data Lock-in: Companies may experience difficulty transitioning their data to a new cloud service provider.
5. Cost control: Companies need to ensure that their cloud spending is within predetermined limits, or they could find themselves overwhelmed with unexpected costs.

Top Cloud Computing Platforms

Cloud Computing Platforms are services that allow users to access computing resources such as servers, storage, databases, analytics, and more, over the Internet.

These services help businesses reduce costs and increase agility by enabling the sharing of resources, data and applications across multiple devices.

Let us explore a few top cloud computing platforms –

Amazon Web Services: Amazon Web Services (AWS) is one of the most popular cloud computing platforms.

It offers a range of services such as compute, storage, database, analytics, networking, mobile, developer tools, management tools, IoT, security, and enterprise applications.

AWS is the leader in cloud computing, with over 175 fully-featured services and it has been used by some of the world’s largest companies.

Microsoft Azure Microsoft: Azure is another popular cloud computing platform that offers comprehensive services such as compute, storage, database, networking, and analytics.

Azure also offers artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) services, as well as developer, security, and management tools.

Google Cloud Platform: Google Cloud Platform (GCP) is a cloud computing platform that provides services such as compute, storage, networking, big data, and machine learning.

IBM Cloud: Offers compute, storage, analytics, security, mobile, and artificial intelligence. IBM Cloud also offers a number of enterprise solutions, such as blockchain, IoT, and DevOps.

Oracle Cloud: Provides compute, storage, networking, analytics, and security. Oracle Cloud also offers a number of enterprise solutions, such as ERP, CRM, and HR.

Alibaba Cloud: Offers compute, storage, networking, big data, and machine learning. Alibaba Cloud is designed to be secure, reliable, and flexible.

Rackspace: Offers compute, storage, networking, and analytics. Rackspace also offers managed services and professional services, such as DevOps, security, and migration.

Salesforce: Offers customer relationship management (CRM), analytics, and customer service and support. Salesforce also offers a number of enterprise solutions, such as marketing, sales, and service automation.

VMware: Offers compute, storage, networking, and analytics. VMware also offers a number of enterprise solutions, such as virtual desktops, disaster recovery, and cloud migration.

DigitalOcean: Offers compute, storage, networking, and analytics. DigitalOcean also offers a number of developer-focused services, such as container management, object storage, and managed services.