CLOUD COMPUTING

• Cloud Cloud computing is defined as the use of hosted services, such as data storage, servers, databases, networking, and software over the internet. Since cloud computing began, the world has witnessed an explosion of cloud-based applications and services in IT, which continue to expand. In 2021, almost every small and large application we use resides on the cloud, helping us save storage space, expenses, and time. .
• Instead of storing files on a storage device or hard drive, a user can save them on cloud, making it possible to access the files from anywhere, as long as they have access to the web. The services hosted on cloud can be broadly divided into infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS), platform-as-a-service (PaaS), and software-as-a-service (SaaS). Based on the deployment model, cloud can also be classified as public, private, and hybrid cloud.
• cloud can be divided into two different layers, namely, front-end and back-end. The layer with which users interact is called the front-end layer. This layer enables a user to access the data that has been stored in cloud through cloud computing software.
• Cloud computing can either be classified based on the deployment model or the type of service. Based on the specific deployment model, we can classify cloud as public, private, and hybrid cloud. At the same time, it can be classified as infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS), platform-as-a-service (PaaS), and software-as-a-service (SaaS) based on the service the cloud model offers.

PRIVATE CLOUD:

• In a private cloud, the computing services are offered over a private IT network for the dedicated use of a single organization. Also termed internal, enterprise, or corporate cloud, a private cloud is usually managed via internal resources and is not accessible to anyone outside the organization. Private cloud computing provides all the benefits of a public cloud, such as self-service, scalability, and elasticity, along with additional control, security, and customization.
• Private clouds provide a higher level of security through company firewalls and internal hosting to ensure that an organization’s sensitive data is not accessible to third-party providers. The drawback of private cloud, however, is that the organization becomes responsible for all the management and maintenance of the data centers, which can prove to be quite resource-intensive.

PUBLIC CLOUD:

• Public cloud refers to computing services offered by third-party providers over the internet. Unlike private cloud, the services on the public cloud are available to anyone who wants to use or purchase them. These services could be free or sold on-demand, where users only have to pay per usage for the CPU cycles, storage, or bandwidth they consume.
• public cloud can help businesses save on purchasing, managing, and maintaining on-premises infrastructure since the cloud service provider is responsible for managing the system. They also offer scalable RAM and flexible bandwidth, making it easier for businesses to scale their storage needs.

HYBRID CLOUD:

• Hybrid cloud uses a combination of public and private cloud features. The “best of both worlds” cloud model allows a shift of workloads between private and public clouds as the computing and cost requirements change.
• In a hybrid cloud model, companies only pay for the resources they use temporarily instead of purchasing and maintaining resources that may not be used for an extended period. In short, a hybrid cloud offers the benefits of a public cloud without its security risks.

Based on the service model, cloud can be categorized into IaaS (Infrastructure-as-a-Service), PaaS (Platform-as-a-Service), and SaaS (Software-as-a-Service). Let’s take a look at each one.

INFRASTRUCTURE AS A SERVICE(Iaas):

• Infrastructure as a service or IaaS is a type of cloud computing in which a service provider is responsible for providing servers, storage, and networking over a virtual interface. In this service, the user doesn’t need to manage the cloud infrastructure but has control over the storage, operating systems, and deployed applications.
• Instead of the user, a third-party vendor hosts the hardware, software, servers, storage, and other infrastructure components. The vendor also hosts the user’s applications and maintains a backup.

PLATFORM AS A SERVICE(Paas):?

• Platform as a service or PaaS is a type of cloud computing that provides a development and deployment environment in cloud that allows users to develop and run applications without the complexity of building or maintaining the infrastructure. It provides users with resources to develop cloud-based applications. In this type of service, a user purchases the resources from a vendor on a pay-as-you-go basis and can access them over a secure connection.

SOFTWARE AS ASERVICE(Saas):?

• SaaS or software as a service allows users to access a vendor’s software on cloud on a subscription basis. In this type of cloud computing, users don’t need to install or download applications on their local devices. Instead, the applications are located on a remote cloud network that can be directly accessed through the web or an API.
• In the SaaS model, the service provider manages all the hardware, middleware, application software, and security. Also referred to as ‘hosted software’ or ‘on-demand software’, SaaS makes it easy for enterprises to streamline their maintenance and support.?

BENEFITS:

• Reduced costs: Maintaining IT systems requires big outlays of capital, something that cloud helps reduce. By using the resources provided by the cloud provider, businesses avoid the need to purchase expensive infrastructure, substantially reducing their expenditure. Cloud providers work on the pay-as-you-go model, which means businesses only pay for the services they use, further reducing costs.
• Scalability: Cloud allows organizations to grow their users from merely a few to thousands in a very short time. Depending on the need, a business can scale their storage needs up or down, allowing organizations to be flexible.
• Flexibility and collaboration: Since the data on cloud can be accessed directly via the internet, it gives employees the ability to work from anywhere, anytime. Cloud gives you the freedom to set up your virtual office anywhere you are. It also allows teams to work on a project across locations by giving them access to the same files as third-party vendors.
• Business continuity: Cloud safely stores and protects your data in the event of an outage or crisis. This makes it easier to resume work once the systems are up and running again.
• Competitive edge: Cloud takes care of various business aspects, such as maintaining the IT infrastructure, licensing software, or training personnel to manage your data. It, therefore, gives you an edge over your competitors since the time and resources you invest are minimal.

CHALLENGES:?

• Downtime: At times, cloud service providers may get overwhelmed due to the huge number of clients they provide services to each day. This may lead to technical outages, due to which your applications may temporarily experience some downtime.
• Internet connection dependency: A user may not be able to access the data on cloud without a good internet connection and a compatible device. Moreover, using public Wi-Fi to access your files could pose a threat if the right security measures are not taken.
• Financial commitment: Cloud providers use a pay-as-you-go pricing model. However, businesses need to give a monthly or annual financial commitment for most subscription plans. This needs to be factored into their operating costs.
• Security risks: Even if your cloud service provider promises you that they have the most reliable security certifications, there’s always a chance of losing your data. With hackers increasingly targeting cloud storage to gain access to sensitive business data, this might be an even greater concern, for which the appropriate measures need to be taken.
• Limited access: A user may have minimal control since the cloud service provider owns and manages the infrastructure.The user would only be able to manage applications and not the backend infrastructure. Crucial tasks, such as firmware management, may not be passed to the user at all. You always have to trust a third-party vendor to ensure security and take care of your data.