Cloud Computing (Complete Fundamentals)

What is Cloud Computing ?

It is a technology that uses the internet to store, process and managing data on remote servers and then access data via internet

Cloud computing is delivering IT services over the internet to the customers.

Cloud computing has 5 Essential Qualities, 3 Delivery Models and 4 Deployment Models.

Why Cloud Computing?

Cloud computing is important because it provides flexibility, data recovery, low to no maintenance, simple access, and increased security.

Cloud vs Server

Cloud	Server
Renting the servers	Buying own servers
Very cheap	Costlier when compared to cloud
No maintenance	Maintenance cost to be considered
Easy to upgrade	Challenging to upgrade
Pay for use	Pay for buy

List of Top Cloud Service Providers:

Amazon Web Services (AWS)

Microsoft Azure Cloud

Google Cloud

Alibaba Cloud

IBM Cloud

Oracle Cloud

Salesforce Cloud

SAP Cloud

Rackspace Cloud

VMWare Cloud

Tencent Cloud

Cloud Components

1.Client Computer

Clients are the users of the service. It has three categories, they are

i) Mobile ==> Smartphone

ii) Thin Computers ==> Computers that do not have Hard drives and it only used for browsing

iii) Thick Computers ==>  A regular computer with CPU.

2. Data Center

Data Center is a place where you're going to keep your IT components.

Collection of servers where the application to which you subscribe is housed

Could be a large room in the basement of your building or

A room full of servers on the other side of the world that you access via the Internet

A growing trend in the IT world is virtualizing servers. That is, software can be installed allowing multiple instances of virtual servers to be used

3.Distributed Servers

Distributed cloud is a public cloud computing service that allows you to run public cloud infrastructure in several locations.

Example of a distributed system

Telephone and cellular networks are also examples of distributed networks.

Telephone networks have been established for more than a century, and they were the first peer-to-peer network.

Essential Qualities of Cloud Computing

1.On-demand self-service

Users can use a web-based self-service portal to provision cloud computing services without requiring human interaction (management console).

2.Broad network access

Cloud computing resources are accessible via the internet, and they support a variety of client platforms, including mobile phones and workstations.

3.Resource pooling

The providers must be having data centers in different location. Amazon got 70 data centers and they got 200 services

4.Elasticity

On-demand and/or automated resources are provisioned and released based on triggers or parameters. This ensures that your application has exactly the capacity it requires at all times.

5.Measured service

The utilization of resources is transparently monitored, measured, and reported (billed). In a simple terms, pay for what you use.

Delivery Models in Cloud Computing

1.Infrastructure As A Service (IAAS)

Infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) is one of the most adaptable cloud computing service models, delivering all necessary infrastructure and computing resources to users in a completely remote environment.

The providers are responsible for providing sophisticated services to satisfy your company's infrastructural requirements, which include data storage space, servers, virtualization, and networking.

2.Platform As A Service (PAAS)

The vendor supports organizations with middleware, database management systems, operating systems, web servers, and development tools under this service model. All of them provide a remote environment in which customers can develop, create, and operate their software products without the need for any in-house hardware or software.

3.Software As A Service (SAAS)

Software-as-a-service (SaaS) refers to a complete product that is managed and maintained by a cloud service provider. SaaS is a cloud-based service that extends a full software suite in a pay-per-use model. It is made available to end users through a ubiquitous network, namely the internet.

Deployment Models in Cloud Computing

Public, private, community, and hybrid cloud deployment models are available.

Public cloud:

It is open to the general public. Public cloud deployment options are suitable for companies with evolving and expanding demands. 

It's also a fantastic option for businesses with minor security concerns. As a result, you pay a cloud service provider for internet-based networking, computing virtualization, and storage.

Example : Google Search Engine

Private cloud

A private cloud is made up of cloud computing resources that are only used by one company or organization.

The private cloud can be physically installed on-site at your company's datacenter or hosted by a third-party service provider. In a private cloud, however, the services and infrastructure are always kept on a private network, and the hardware and software are dedicated entirely to your company.

Example: Google Drive

Community Cloud

The infrastructure and associated resources of a community cloud are shared by multiple organizations with same backgrounds, whereas the infrastructure and related resources of a private cloud server are owned by just one organization.

The main distinction between a community deployment model and a private deployment model is the number of users. 

Hybrid Cloud:

A hybrid cloud mixed a private cloud with a public cloud.

Critical data should be kept on a private cloud, whereas less sensitive data can be hosted on a public cloud.

Cloud Computing Compliance terms and security

When selecting a cloud provider to host your solutions, you should understand how that provider can help you comply with regulations and standards.

Some Certification for Cloud Security:

Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS)

Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) STAR Certification

General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

EU Model Clauses

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

International Organization for Standardization (ISO)

International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 27018

Multi-Tier Cloud Security (MTCS) Singapore

CapEx versus Opex

In the past, companies had to invest in physical space and infrastructure to get started.

To establish or expand a firm, there required a significant upfront investment in hardware and infrastructure.

Customers can use cloud computing services without paying expenses in terms of expenditures or waiting for equipment to be set up.

These two approaches to investment are referred to as:

Capital Expenditure (CapEx): 

CapEx is the spending of money on physical infrastructure up front, and then deducting that expense from your tax bill over time. CapEx is an upfront cost, which has a value that reduces over time.

Operational Expenditure (OpEx): 

OpEx is spending money on services or products now and being billed for them now.

You can deduct this expense from your tax bill in the same year. There's no upfront cost. You pay for a service or product as you use it.

If you have any doubts, leave a comment!!