CLOUD COMPUTING
Cloud computing refers to the delivery of various computing services over the internet, including storage, processing power, databases, networking, software, and more. Instead of owning and managing physical hardware and infrastructure, businesses and individuals can access and utilize these resources on a pay-as-you-go or subscription basis from cloud service providers.
There are several key characteristics and models associated with cloud computing:
1. On-Demand Self-Service: Users can provision resources and services, such as computing power or storage, as needed without requiring human intervention from the service provider.
2. Broad Network Access: Cloud services are accessible over the internet from various devices, such as computers, smartphones, and tablets.
3. Resource Pooling: Computing resources are shared among multiple users, allowing for efficient utilization and optimization. Users typically don't have control or knowledge over the exact physical location of the resources.
4. Rapid Elasticity: Cloud resources can be quickly scaled up or down based on demand, allowing users to accommodate varying workloads without manual intervention.
5. Measured Service: Cloud usage is metered, and users are billed according to their consumption of resources. This pay-as-you-go model allows for cost savings and efficient resource allocation.
Cloud computing encompasses several deployment models and service models:
Deployment Models:
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1. Public Cloud: Services are provided by third-party providers over the public internet. Resources are shared among multiple customers.
2. Private Cloud: Resources are used exclusively by a single organization. Private clouds can be hosted on-premises or by a third-party provider.
3. Hybrid Cloud: Combines public and private clouds, allowing data and applications to be shared between them. This can be useful for maintaining sensitive data on a private infrastructure while utilizing the scalability of public cloud resources.
4. Multi-Cloud: Involves using services from multiple cloud providers to avoid vendor lock-in and take advantage of best-of-breed offerings.
Service Models:
1. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): Provides virtualized computing resources over the internet. Users can rent virtual machines, storage, and networking components to build their own applications.
2. Platform as a Service (PaaS): Offers a platform and environment for developers to build, deploy, and manage applications without worrying about the underlying infrastructure.
3. Software as a Service (SaaS): Delivers software applications over the internet on a subscription basis. Users can access and use software without needing to install or maintain it locally.
Cloud computing has revolutionized the IT industry by enabling greater flexibility, scalability, and cost-efficiency. It has become a cornerstone for businesses, allowing them to focus on their core competencies while outsourcing IT infrastructure management to specialized providers. Popular cloud providers include Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), and others.