Cloud Computing Overview

Cloud Computing

• The use of computing resources (hardware and software) delivered as a service over a network, typically the Internet.
• Cloud computing entrusts off-site, remote services with a user's data, software, and computation.
• Relies on shared resources to achieve economies of scale similar to a utility such as the electrical grid.

Shared Resources

• Include CPU (processing power), Memory (RAM), Storage (disk space), and Network (capacity and speed).
• These resources can be used separately or as part of an application that uses or runs on the cloud.
• The client has no knowledge of how or where their data is stored but they gain increased availability, capability, scalability, and robustness.

Cloud Deployment Models:

• Private Cloud: Owned, managed, and accessed only by one organization.
• Public Cloud: Available for use by the general public.
• Hybrid Cloud: A combination of public and private clouds.
• Community Cloud: Shared by two or several organizations.

Cloud Service Models:

• Software as a Service (SaaS): An application with a user interface on the web, e.g., Gmail, Google Docs.
• Platform as a Service (PaaS): Clients place their applications on provided servers, hard drives, operating systems, and network connections, along with development and management tools, e.g., Windows Azure.
• Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): Providers supply machines, storage, and network resources that the client configures and manages, e.g., OpenStack, Rackspace Cloud, Amazon AWS.

Cloud Computing Definition

• Cloud computing leverages shared resources, including processing power, memory, storage, and network capabilities.
• Resources are delivered as a service over a network, typically the internet.
• Cloud computing relies on sharing resources for efficiency and economies of scale, similar to a utility like the electricity grid.

Cloud Deployment Models

• Private Cloud: Exclusively owned, managed, and accessed by a single organization.
• Public Cloud: Available for use by the general public.
• Hybrid Cloud: Combines features of both private and public clouds.
• Community Cloud: Shared by two or more organizations.

Cloud Service Models

• Software as a Service (SaaS): Provides applications with user interfaces accessible on the web. Popular examples include Gmail and Google Docs.

• Platform as a Service (PaaS): Allows clients to deploy applications onto servers, storage, operating systems, and network connections. Typically includes development and management tools. Windows Azure is an example of a PaaS platform.

• Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): Offers fundamental computing resources like machines, storage, and network components, which clients can configure and manage. Examples include OpenStack, Rackspace Cloud, and Amazon AWS.

Explore the fundamental concepts of cloud computing, including its definition, shared resources, and deployment models such as private, public, hybrid, and community clouds. This quiz will test your understanding of how cloud services work and their advantages in modern computing.