Definition of cloud computing:

Cloud computing refers to applications and services that run on a distributed

network using virtualized resources and accessed by common Internet
protocols and networking standards. It is distinguished by the notion that
resources are virtual and limitless and that details of the physical systems on
which software runs are abstracted from the user. In an effort to better
describe cloud computing, a number of cloud types have been defined. In this
chapter, you learn about two different classes of clouds: those based on the
deployment model and those based on the service model. The deployment
model tells you where the cloud is located and for what purpose. Public,
private, community, and hybrid clouds are deployment models. Service models
describe the type of service that the service provider is offering. The best-
known service models are Software as a Service, Platform as a Service, and
Infrastructure as a Service—the SPI model.
Characteristics of cloud computing:

1. Flexibility

Cloud Computing lets users access data or services instantly available on the
cloud, just a click away. Sharing and working on data thus becomes easy and
comfortable. Many organizations these days prefer to store their work on
cloud systems, as it makes collaboration easy and saves them a lot of costs
and resources

2. Scalability

One of the most versatile features of Cloud Computing is that it is scalable.

Not only does it have the ability to expand the number of servers, or
infrastructure, according to the demand, but it also offers a great number of
features that cater to the needs of its users. Scalability also adds a cost-
effective dimension and makes it suitable for business use.

{It can be scaled down when the demand is low and can be exponentially
increased when the demand is at its peak. Services return to their original
state when the demand subsides. It is just like when a restaurant can increase
its tables during rush hours, except it is a cloud. This indeed requires a lot of
resources, planning, and investment but cloud service providers take care of
all these things.}

3. Resource pooling

Computing resources (like networks, servers, and storage) that serve

individual users can be securely pooled to make it look like a large
infrastructure. This can be done by implementing a multiple-tenant model, just
like a huge apartment where each individual has his own flat but at the same
time every individual shares the apartment. A cloud service provider can share
resources among clients, providing each client with services as per their
requirements. In Public clouds, you share the same resources with other
organizations and users as well, while in private clouds, the computing
resources are used exclusively by one user or organization. A Hybrid cloud is
a mixture of a public cloud and a private cloud. The customer does not have to
know where their information is stored and how it is stored.

4. Broad network access

One of the most interesting features of cloud computing is that it knows no

geographical boundaries. Cloud computing has a vast access area and is
accessible via the internet. You can access your files and documents or
upload your files from anywhere in the world, all you need is a good internet
connection and a device, and you are set to go.

5. On-demand self-service

It is based on a self-service model where users can manage their services

like- allotted storage, functionalities, server uptime, etc., making users their
own boss. The users can monitor their consumption and can select and use
the tools and resources they require right away from the cloud portal itself.
This helps users make better decisions and makes them responsible for their
consumption. Users can use resources on the basis of their needs and
requirements. Cloud service providers do not tell users how to manage their
services, they only charge them at the end of the billing cycle based on their
usage of the services.

6. Cost-effective

Since users can monitor and control their usage, they can also control the cost
factor. Cloud service providers do not charge any upfront cost and most of the
time they provide some space for free. The billing is transparent and entirely
based on their usage of resources. Cloud computing reduces the expenditure
of an organization considerably. We must also take into consideration other
indirect ways in which cloud computing saves us some money like hardware
and software set-up costs (in the beginning), data maintenance costs, etc. For
companies that have just started, cloud computing can save their fortunes by
saving them the cost of purchasing physical storage devices and software
products. They don’t even have to worry about extra costs such as power
cost, maintenance, and repair. All these extra costs have to be taken care of
by the vendors.

7. Security

Data security in cloud computing is a major concern among users. Cloud

service providers store encrypted data of users and provide additional security
features such as user authentication and security against breaches and other
threats. Authentication refers to identifying and confirming the user as an
authorized user. If the user is not authorized, the access is denied. Cloud
vendors provide several layers of abstraction to improve the security and
speed of accessing data. A copy of data is often stored in a separate location
to prevent data loss in case of a disaster (such as abrupt power loss, or server
damage). Besides all these measures, data servers are secured physically as
well. These servers are generally housed in an isolated location that is well
guarded, preventing people from accessing or disrupting them. Creating a
backup of data in the cloud is also easy. All these measures seem to have
paid off as there are no reports of a cloud security breach to date.

8. Automation

Automation enables IT teams, and developers, to create modify and maintain

cloud resources. Cloud infrastructure requires minimum human interaction.
Everything, from configuration to maintenance and monitoring, is most of the
time automated. Automation is a great characteristic of cloud computing and is
very much responsible for the increase in demand and rapid expansion of
cloud services.

9. Resilience

Resilience in cloud computing means its ability to recover from any

interruption. A Cloud service provider has to be prepared against any
disasters or unexpected circumstances since a lot is at stake. Disaster
management earlier used to pose problems for service providers but now due
to a lot of investments and advancements in this field, clouds have become a
lot more resilient. Like, for example, cloud service providers arrange many
backup nodes (servers). In case one server goes down, these emergency
servers can manage the load till the main server is repaired. Advanced
backup and recovery methods make sure that your data is always safe.

NIST cloud computing model

Certainly! The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) defines

cloud computing as a model that enables ubiquitous, convenient, on-demand
network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources. These
resources include networks, servers, storage, applications, and services. Here are
the key points from NIST’s definition:
1. Essential Characteristics:
o On-Demand Self-Service: Users can provision and manage
resources without human intervention.
o Broad Network Access: Resources are accessible over the network
via standard mechanisms.
o Resource Pooling: Resources are pooled and dynamically allocated
to multiple users.
o Rapid Elasticity: Resources can be scaled up or down quickly based
on demand.
o Measured Service: Usage is monitored, controlled, and billed
transparently.
2. Service Models:
o Software as a Service (SaaS): Applications delivered over the
network (e.g., email, collaboration tools).
o Platform as a Service (PaaS): Platforms for developing, deploying,
and managing applications.
o Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): Virtualized computing resources
(servers, storage, networking).
3. Deployment Models:
o Public Cloud: Services available to the general public (e.g., AWS,
Azure).
o Private Cloud: Dedicated to a single organization.
o Community Cloud: Shared by multiple organizations with common
interests.
o Hybrid Cloud: Combination of public and private clouds.
Different models of cloud computing(Service and deployment)
Certainly! Let’s explore the different models of cloud computing in terms of both
service and deployment:

1. Service Models:
o Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): IaaS provides virtualized
computing resources over the internet. Users can rent servers, storage,
and networking components. It’s like having a virtual data center
where you manage the operating system, applications, and data.
o Platform as a Service (PaaS): PaaS offers a platform for developing,
deploying, and managing applications. Developers can focus on
coding without worrying about infrastructure management. It
includes tools, libraries, and services for building and deploying
applications.
o Software as a Service (SaaS): SaaS delivers software applications
over the internet. Users access these applications through a web
browser without needing to install or maintain them locally.
Examples include email services, collaboration tools, and customer
relationship management (CRM) software.
o Serverless Computing: This model abstracts server management
entirely. Developers write code in functions that run in response to
events (e.g., HTTP requests). The cloud provider handles scaling,
execution, and billing.
2. Deployment Models:
o Public Cloud: Public clouds provide resources (compute, storage,
network) over the internet to anyone who needs them. They are
owned and operated by cloud service providers (e.g., AWS, Azure,
Google Cloud). Public clouds are cost-effective, scalable, and
accessible from anywhere.
o Private Cloud: Private clouds are built, run, and used by a single
organization. They are typically located on-premises and offer more
control over security and customization. Private clouds are suitable
for sensitive data or specific compliance requirements.
o Hybrid Cloud: Hybrid clouds combine public and private clouds.
Organizations use both types of infrastructure, allowing data and
applications to move seamlessly between them. It provides flexibility,
scalability, and the ability to optimize costs.
o Community Cloud: Community clouds are shared by multiple
organizations with common interests (e.g., research institutions,
government agencies). They collaborate on infrastructure and share
resources while maintaining privacy and security.
Explanation of architecture of cloud computing with
suitable diagram:
Certainly! Let’s delve into the architecture of cloud computing with a suitable
diagram. Cloud computing is a powerful paradigm that enables organizations to
store information in the cloud and access it from anywhere using an internet
connection. Here’s a breakdown of the key components:

1. Front End:
o The client-side interface of the cloud computing system.
o Includes user interfaces and applications used to access cloud
services.
o Components:
 Web Browsers: Such as Chrome, Firefox, and Internet
Explorer.
 Thin & Fat Clients: Devices like tablets and mobile phones.
o !Front End Diagram
2. Back End:
o The cloud infrastructure managed by the service provider.
o Resources required to provide cloud services.
o Components:
 Application: Software or platforms accessed by clients.
 Service: Manages SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS offerings.
 Runtime Cloud: Provides execution and runtime environment
for virtual machines.
 Storage: Offers scalable storage capacity for data.
 Infrastructure: Includes servers, virtualization software, and
network devices.
 Security Mechanisms: Ensures data protection.
 !Back End Diagram
3. Cloud Services:
o Cloud computing offers three main types of services:
 Software as a Service (SaaS): Applications run directly
through web browsers (e.g., Google Apps, Salesforce,
Dropbox).
 Platform as a Service (PaaS): Provides a platform for
software creation (e.g., Windows Azure, Force.com).
 Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): Manages applications,
data, and runtime environments (e.g., AWS, Google Compute
Engine).
o !Cloud Services Diagram
Remember, both the front end and back end are connected via a network (usually
the internet). Cloud computing empowers organizations with flexibility, scalability,

and efficient resource utilization! ☁️

Benefits and limitations of cloud computing?

Certainly! Let’s explore the advantages and disadvantages of cloud computing:

Advantages of Cloud Computing:

1. Back-up and Restore Data:

o Once data is stored in the cloud, it’s easier to back up and restore
using cloud services.
2. Improved Collaboration:
o Cloud applications facilitate collaboration by allowing groups to share
information via shared storage.
3. Excellent Accessibility:
o Cloud enables quick access to stored information from anywhere in
the world via an internet connection.
4. Low Maintenance Cost:
o Organizations benefit from reduced hardware and software
maintenance costs.
5. Mobility:
 o Cloud allows easy access to data via mobile devices.
6. Pay-per-Use Model:
o Cloud services offer APIs for accessing services and charge based on
usage.
7. Unlimited Storage Capacity:
o Cloud provides ample storage for documents, images, audio, and
video.
8. Data Security:
o Advanced security features ensure data is securely stored and
handled.

Disadvantages of Cloud Computing:

1. Internet Connectivity:
o Data stored in the cloud requires internet access for retrieval.
2. Vendor Lock-In:
o Transferring services between different cloud vendors can be
challenging due to platform differences.
3. Limited Control:
o Cloud infrastructure is managed by service providers, reducing user
control over function and execution.
4. Security Concerns:
o While cloud providers implement security standards, organizations
must trust third-party handling of sensitive data.

Remember that cloud computing offers scalability, cost savings, and flexibility, but
it’s essential to weigh both advantages and limitations when adopting cloud

services! ☁️