Cloud computing

Cloud Computing

Cloud computing provides on-demand access to computer resources like data storage and processing power, without direct user management. It typically involves data centers accessible over the Internet, allowing users to access applications, services, and data hosted on remote servers by a cloud provider. This model relies on shared resources for efficiency and is often offered on a pay-per-use basis.

Overview

Cloud computing transfers the responsibility of IT infrastructure (servers, storage, networking) from the user to a third-party provider. Users typically access these resources via a web browser or client software over the Internet.

Key characteristics:

• On-demand self-service: Users can instantly provision computing resources without provider interaction.
• Broad network access: Services are available over the network, accessible from various devices.
• Resource pooling: Provider resources serve multiple users, dynamically assigned as needed.
• Rapid elasticity: Resources can quickly scale up or down automatically with demand.
• Measured service: Resource usage is monitored and reported, ensuring transparency.

Service Models

Cloud providers offer services at different levels:

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)

Provides virtualized computing resources (virtual machines, storage, networking) over the internet. Users manage operating systems and applications.

Platform as a Service (PaaS)

Offers hardware and a software platform (operating system, database, web server). Users can develop and run applications without managing the underlying infrastructure.

Software as a Service (SaaS)

Delivers complete software applications over the internet, accessible via a web browser. The provider manages all underlying infrastructure and application maintenance.

Deployment Models

Cloud infrastructure can be deployed in various ways:

Public cloud

Owned and operated by a third-party provider, shared among multiple customers over the internet (e.g., AWS, Google Cloud, Azure).

Private cloud

Dedicated to a single organization, managed internally or by a third party, on-premises or off-site.

Hybrid cloud

Combines public and private clouds, allowing data and applications to be shared between them.

Benefits

Cloud computing offers several advantages:

• Cost Savings: Reduces hardware costs, often shifting to a pay-per-use model.
• Scalability: Easily adjust resources up or down based on demand.
• Reliability: Distributed infrastructure reduces downtime.
• Accessibility: Access services and data from anywhere with internet.
• Faster Deployment: Quickly provision resources and deploy applications.
• Simplified IT Management: Less need for in-house IT staff to manage hardware.
• Collaboration: Easier sharing of applications and data.

History

Cloud computing concepts, like utility computing, emerged in the 1960s. The modern era began in the late 1990s and early 2000s with the growth of the Internet, virtualization, and increased bandwidth. Key milestones include Amazon's EC2 and S3 launches in 2006, which popularized the IaaS model and spurred industry growth.

See Also

• Virtualization
• Data center