What is Cloud Computing?

The term “Cloud Computing” generally refers to the ability of a system to store data or applications on remote servers, process data or applications from servers, and access data and applications via the Internet. Cloud computing provides scalability, flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and security to individuals and organizations to manage their IT operations. Cloud computing works on a Pay-on-Use basis for individuals and organizations. It is an on-demand availability of system resources and computing power without direct active management by the user.

Examples of Cloud Computing

Cloud computing is the ability to deliver computing services, such as servers, storage, databases, networking, and intelligence. Here are some examples of Cloud Computing:

 Cloud-based virtual desktops: These help users access their systems and applications by using any device from anywhere. Examples of Cloudbased virtual desktop providers are Amazon WorkSpace, VM ware, Horizon Cloud, and Virtual Windows of Microsoft.

 Cloud Backup and Cloud Storage: Cloud storage generally provides safe and scalable storage options for organizations and individuals to store and Cloud backup provides backup for the data.

 Cloud disaster recovery: This service users to have a backup of their data when any disaster recovery needs to occur. Some Examples of Cloud disaster recovery include Mozy, Amazon Glacier, and Carbonite.

 Infrastructure-as-a-Service(IaaS): It helps businesses to scale their computer resources up or down whenever needed without any requirement for capital expenditure on physical infrastructure. Examples of IaaS providers are Amazon Web Service(AWS), Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure.

 Software-as-a-Service(SaaS): With the help of SaaS, users can able to access applications hosted in the cloud, rather than installing and running them on their local devices. Examples of SaaS applications are Salesforce, Dropbox, and Microsoft Office 365.

 Platform-as-a-Service(PaaS): This helps organizations with a cloud-based platform to build, deploy, and manage applications. Examples of PaaS providers are Google App Engine, Microsoft Azure, etc.

Cloud Computing Architecture

Cloud computing architecture refers to the components and sub-components required for cloud computing. These components typically refer to:

1. Front end ( Fat client, Thin client)

2. Back-end platforms ( Servers, Storage )

3. Cloud-based delivery and a network ( Internet, Intranet, Intercloud )

Explanation

1. Front End ( User Interaction Enhancement ): The User Interface of Cloud Computing consists of 2 sections of clients. The Thin clients are the ones that use web browsers facilitating portable and lightweight accessibilities and others are known as Fat Clients that use many functionalities for offering a strong user experience.

2. Back-end Platforms ( Cloud Computing Engine ): The core of cloud computing is made at back-end platforms with several servers for storage and processing computing. Management of Applications logic is managed through servers and effective data handling is provided by storage. The combination of these platforms at the backend offers the processing power, and capacity to manage and store data behind the cloud.

3. Cloud-Based Delivery and Network: On-demand access to the computer and resources is provided over the Internet, Intranet, and Intercloud. The Internet comes with global accessibility, the Intranet helps in internal communications of the services within the organization and the Intercloud enables interoperability across various cloud services. This dynamic network connectivity ensures an essential component of cloud computing architecture in guaranteeing easy access and data transfer.

Why Cloud Computing?

 Scalability: Cloud computing services enable organizations to effortlessly scale up or down their computer capacity to suit changing demands. The flexibility is especially advantageous for organizations with varying workloads or seasonal demands since it helps them avoid the cost of maintaining superfluous infrastructure.

 Accessibility: Cloud Service can be accessed from anywhere. It provides the ability for remote workers they collaborate and access the same resources as their in-organization colleagues.

 Security: Another amazing characteristic of cloud computing is that it is highly secure. Cloud computing provides robust security measures to protect their client’s data from unauthorized users or access.

 Cost-Effectiveness: Another benefit of using cloud computing is that it is cost-effective and Cloud services are generally priced on a pay-per-user basis which means organizations have to pay when they use the service.

What is Cloud Computing in AWS?

One of the top cloud computing platforms is Amazon Web Services (AWS), which offers online on-demand access to a large number of computer resources.

What does AWS offer?

 Virtual Servers (EC2): You can provision and configure scalable virtual servers (EC2 instances) from AWS according to your requirements. Unlike traditional physical servers that need an upfront investment, you just pay for the resources you use.

 Storage (S3): You can store and retrieve any volume of data, including media files and application data, thanks to safe and incredibly scalable storage solutions like S3.

 Databases (RDS): AWS makes it simple to set up, run, and scale your databases with its managed database services (RDS) for well-known databases including MySQL, PostgreSQL, and Oracle.

 Networking: You can build scalable and safe virtual networks for your cloud apps with a full suite of networking services.

 Security: To assist you in safeguarding your data, AWS provides a variety of security features and services. Characteristics of Cloud Computing

 On-Demand Self-Service: Users do not have to communicate with the IT staff of a service provider to provision and configure computing resources (servers, storage, databases, etc.). The self-service aspect makes it simple and quick to scale resources as needed.

 Broad Network Access: Cloud services can be accessed via the internet using a variety of devices (laptops, desktops, tablets, and smartphones) from any location in the globe. This makes remote work and teamwork possible.

 Resource Pooling: Cloud companies combine their physical and virtual resources to service several clients. This enables economies of scale and resource utilization that are efficient, saving users money.

 Rapid Elasticity: Resources can be quickly scaled up or down by users in response to changing needs. As a result, purchasing and maintaining physical infrastructure for peak workloads is no longer necessary.

 Measured Service: Pay-per-use pricing methods are provided by cloud providers, allowing users to only pay for the services they utilize. This eliminates the need for up-front capital expenditure and offers cost transparency.

Types of Cloud Computing

 Public Cloud Computing

 Private Cloud Computing

 Hybrid Cloud Computing

 Community Cloud Computing Cloud Computing Services and Applications:

 Aneka in Cloud Computing

 XaaS in Cloud Computing

 DaaS in Cloud Computing

 What is Cloud Computing Replacing

 IoT and Cloud Computing  Web Services in Cloud Computing

 CaaS in Cloud Computing

Application of Cloud Computing

The applications of cloud computing are used by organizations to manage their IT operations. Cloud Computing has several uses in different sectors and technologies such as

1. Data Storage and Backup: Cloud storage generally provides safe and scalable storage options for organizations and individuals to store and Cloud backup provides backup for the data.

2. Infrastructure-as-a-Service: This helps organizations scale their computer resources up or down whenever needed without requiring capital expenditure on physical infrastructure.

3. Platform-as-a-Service: This helps organizations with a cloud-based platform to build, deploy, and manage applications. This also helps developers to focus on written code without worrying about the given underlying infrastructure.

4. Software-as-a-Service: With the help of SaaS, users can able to access applications hosted in the cloud, rather than installing and running them on their local devices. This helps organizations reduce the cost and complexity of software management.

Scope with Cloud Computing

The future of cloud computing is extremely thrilling with many innovations and technologies being created to expand its potential. Here are some predictions for cloud computing

1. Expanded Usage: It is analyzed that various organizations will continue to use cloud computing. Due to COVID-19, more organizations have moved toward cloud-based solutions to operate their organization.

2. Cross-breed Cloud: The execution of a hybrid cloud arrangement, which mixes private and public clouds, is anticipated to develop in notoriety. This permits organizations to take advantage of the benefits of both cloud models, such as expanded security and adaptability.

3. Edge Computing: Edge computing, which includes processing data closer to the point of origin rather than in a central place, is likely to gain popularity. This is especially beneficial for applications requiring low latency and large bandwidth, such as IoT devices.

4. Artificial Intelligence: Cloud Computing is expected to play a crucial role in the development and deployment of AI applications, cloud-based AI platforms provide organizations with the computing power and storage capacity needed to train and run AI models.