CHAPTER 8 CLOUD COMPUTING

Cloud Computing Overview

• Cloud computing allows users to access and use computing resources (e.g., servers, storage, databases) over the internet.
• Cloud storage refers to saving data on remote servers, which can be accessed via the internet instead of being stored on local hard drives.

Infrastructure as Software

• Infrastructure as Software (IaaS) enables users to provision and manage IT infrastructure components without needing physical hardware, offering virtual machines, storage, and networks.

Basic Cloud Service Models

• Three primary cloud service models:
  • Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
  • Platform as a Service (PaaS)
  • Software as a Service (SaaS)

Advantages of Cloud Computing

• Reduces capital expenditure by allowing companies to pay for services as needed (variable expense).
• Provides scalability and flexibility to adjust resources based on demand.
• Enhances collaboration and accessibility of applications from anywhere.
• Addresses issues related to server capacity management, improving efficiency.

Challenges of Cloud Computing

• Security concerns regarding data protection and privacy.
• Reliability and potential service outages impacting access and performance.
• Regulatory compliance challenges due to varying laws across regions.

Policy and Organizational Challenges

• Organizational resistance to change due to traditional IT practices.
• Governance issues related to data ownership and access control.

Technical Issues in Cloud Computing

• Significant technical challenges include integration with on-premises systems.
• Performance bottlenecks can occur if not properly managed.

Legal Issues

• Licensing and intellectual property rights are significant legal challenges.
• Jurisdictional issues may arise due to data hosted in different regions.

Cloud Service Providers

• Amazon Web Services (AWS) has the most availability zones among cloud providers.
• Microsoft Azure’s Intelligent Cloud segment focuses on providing cloud services and solutions for enterprise businesses.
• Google Cloud Platform has the fewest regions available compared to other major providers.

Performance and Resource Management

• Cloud service providers that excel in offering high availability often have more regions and availability zones.
• IaaS provides the highest level of flexibility and control over IT resources.
• PaaS allows organizations to focus primarily on application development rather than underlying infrastructure management.

Deployment Models

• Fully cloud-based deployment utilizes resources entirely in the cloud.
• Hybrid deployment connects cloud-based infrastructure with on-premises resources for optimal flexibility.

Cost Management Advantage

• The advantage of converting capital expenses to operational expenses helps manage financial resources effectively.

SaaS and IaaS Descriptions

• SaaS offers end-users applications accessed via the internet without local installation needs.
• IaaS provides access to essential infrastructure components like virtual machines and storage.

Hybrid Deployment Connection

• PaaS enables seamless integration of application development across both cloud and on-premises platforms.

On-Premises Deployment

• While on-premises deployment lacks many cloud computing benefits, it still provides control over sensitive data and legacy systems.