Assignment: Understanding Servers and Cloud Computing

Introduction

This document explores the foundational concepts of Servers and Cloud Computing. It delves into the distinctions between hardware and software server environments, outlines various server types, and clarifies different cloud deployment models. Furthermore, it provides a comparative analysis of key cloud service models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS) and applies this knowledge to a practical business scenario, recommending suitable cloud infrastructure and AWS services.

Part A

1. Difference between hardware and software servers ?

A hardware server is a physical computer that runs server software, while a software server is the software itself that enables a computer to act as a server.

1. Name and example of 3 types of servers ?

a. Web servers e.g (Apache, Nginx & IIS)

b. Database servers e.g (mySQL, Oracle & postgreSQL)

c. File servers e.g They are commonly used in office networks.

1. Cloud Deployment Models

   • private cloud
   • public cloud
   • hybrid cloud

2. compare iaaS, paaS, saaS with example
   Ans- IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS represent different levels of cloud computing services, each offering a varying degree of control and responsibility. IaaS provides the foundational infrastructure, PaaS offers a platform for development and deployment, and SaaS delivers pre-built software applications
   examples of iaaS - (AWS) EC2 which allows you create and manage virtual servers on demand.
   paaS - Heroku which provides a platform for deploying web applications without managing servers.
   saaS - Google Workspace( including Gmail, Google Docs etc. ) which provides cloud-based email, document creation, and collaboration tools.

Part B True or False

1. SaaS let users manage everything - False

2. On-premises can scale easily- False

3. DNS converts IP to domain name - False

4. Cloud requires upfront hardware payment- False

Part C

You’re starting a business. Which model do you use and why ? Choose AWS services for storage, backend, and database.

Ans- For a new business, a serverless-first architecture using AWS services is highly recommended. This model leverages AWS's managed services to handle backend infrastructure, enabling you to focus on building and scaling your application. 

Here's a breakdown of why and which AWS services to consider: 

Why Serverless-First: 

a. Cost-Effectiveness: 
You only pay for resources used, reducing operational costs and upfront investments. 



b. Scalability: 
Easily scale up or down based on demand without managing infrastructure

c. Reduced Management Overhead: 
AWS handles infrastructure management, simplifying operations and allowing you to focus on the core business 



d. Increased Agility: 
Easier to deploy and update applications, fostering innovation and faster time-to-market.

AWS Services for Storage, Backend, and Database:

Storage:

• Amazon S3: Ideal for storing unstructured data, such as files, documents, images, and videos. Offers high durability, security, and scalability, according to Aligned Technology Group. 

 Backend (Compute):

• Amazon API Gateway: Facilitates API management, allowing you to control access, monitor requests, and manage API versions.

• AWS Lambda: A serverless compute service that executes code without provisioning or managing servers. This is a great option for backend logic and event-driven applications.


Database:

• Amazon DynamoDB: A serverless NoSQL database, perfect for fast, scalable applications where data access patterns are highly flexible. DynamoDB is a fully managed service, meaning you don't have to worry about managing database servers. 


• Amazon RDS (Relational Database Service): If you require a relational database, RDS makes it easy to set up, operate, and scale a database in the cloud.

Benefits of this Approach:

a. Reduced Infrastructure Costs: 
You only pay for what you use, making it cost-effective for startups and businesses of all sizes. 



b. Enhanced Scalability: 
Easily adapt to changing business needs without the burden of managing infrastructure. 



c. Increased Agility: 
Deploy and update your application more rapidly, allowing for faster innovation and time-to-market.

d. Focus on Core Business: 
AWS handles the infrastructure, allowing you to focus on building and scaling your application.