Cloud Computing Basics and Technology Evolution

Cloud Computing Basics

• ICT industry demands on compute, storage, and networking resources are escalating rapidly.
• Cloud computing arose to provide on-demand resources and stimulate business innovation.

Evolution of Technology

• Mobile Internet and a fully connected era lead to widespread use of terminal devices and vast data generation.
• The transition from the PC era (networked computers) to the mobile era (internet access via smartphones) reflects changing user interaction.
• The introduction of 5G technology connects all forms of computing devices, fostering the Internet of Everything (IoE).

IoE and Ecosystem Competition

• The IoE era signifies intense competition across industries, focusing on ecosystem control.
• Ecosystems tend to experience rapid change initially, followed by periods of relative stability.
• Different application environments emerged:
  • PC era relies on Windows and Intel x86 architecture.
  • Mobile era primarily runs on iOS and Android powered by ARM architecture.
• An increase in the number of devices and market size across generations presents opportunities for innovation.

Industry Leaders and Future Dominance

• Industry dominance shifts with each computer generation, marked by leading enterprises: Intel and Microsoft in the PC era, ARM and Google in the mobile era.
• Future leaders will likely be those who excel in core chips and operating systems.

Challenges of Conventional IT Architecture

• High demand for traffic, users, and data requires constant purchase of traditional IT devices.
• Drawbacks of traditional IT include:
  • Long procurement periods impede new system rollouts.
  • Centralized architecture lacks scalability and performance boost.
  • Reliability of hardware is contingent on software.
  • Management of heterogeneous devices and vendors is complex.
  • Low device utilization coupled with high total costs.

Transition to Cloud Architecture

• Traditional IT architecture encompasses hardware and software, with local installations demanding significant resources.
• Virtualization technology allows components to operate in a virtual environment, enhancing hardware utilization and software flexibility.
• Cloud transformation redefines enterprise data centers:
  • Moves from resource silos to resource pooling.
  • Shifts from centralized to distributed architecture.
  • Transitions from physical hardware to software-defined storage (SDS) models.
  • Introduces self-service and automation over manual processes.
  • Standardizes management metrics across resources.

Definition of Cloud Computing

• Cloud computing enables on-demand access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources.
• Characterized by rapid provisioning and minimal management effort or provider interaction.
• "Cloud" symbolizes networks and the Internet, representing its underlying infrastructure.
• Computing services encompass powerful capabilities, functionalities, and storage options delivered on demand.

This quiz covers the fundamentals of cloud computing and its impact on the ICT industry. It also explores the evolution of technology from the PC era to the mobile era, highlighting the role of 5G and the Internet of Everything. Test your knowledge on how these technological advancements foster business innovation and ecosystem competition.