Cloud Computing Basics

What is Cloud Computing?

• Cloud computing is a model that enables convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources.
• It provides high-level abstraction of computation and storage models, and can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort.

Service Models

• Cloud Software as a Service (SaaS)

  • Provides the capability to use a provider's applications running on a cloud infrastructure.
  • Applications are accessible from various client devices, such as a web browser.
  • Examples: Caspio, Google Apps, Salesforce, Nivio, Learn.com.

• Cloud Platform as a Service (PaaS)

  • Provides the capability to deploy consumer-created or acquired applications onto the cloud infrastructure.
  • The consumer does not manage or control the underlying cloud infrastructure.
  • Examples: Google App.

• Cloud Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)

  • Provides the capability to deploy and run arbitrary software, including operating systems and applications.
  • The consumer has control over operating systems, storage, deployed applications, and possibly limited control of select networking components.
  • Examples: Amazon EC2, GoGrid, iland, Rackspace Cloud Servers, ReliaCloud.

Deployment Models

• Private Cloud

  • Operated solely for an organization.
  • May be managed by the organization or a third party, and may exist on or off premise.

• Community Cloud

  • Cloud infrastructure is shared by several organizations and supports a specific community that has shared concerns.
  • May be managed by the organizations or a third party, and may exist on or off premise.

• Public Cloud

  • Cloud infrastructure is made available to the general public or a large industry group.
  • Owned by an organization selling cloud services.

• Hybrid Cloud

  • Composition of two or more clouds (private, community, or public).

Advantages of Cloud Computing

• Does not need high-quality equipment for the user, and is very easy to use.
• Provides reliable and secure data storage center.
• Reduces run time and response time.
• Is a large resource pool that can be bought on-demand.