Cloud computing
Cloud computing refers to the delivery of various services—such as storage,
processing power, and applications—over the internet rather than using a
local server or personal computer.
In this model, individuals and businesses can access and use computing
resources from a cloud service provider on-demand, without needing to
manage the physical infrastructure (like servers or data centers) themselves.
Examples
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Microsoft Azure
Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
iCloud
Benefits of cloud computing
include
Benefits of cloud computing include:
• Scalability: Resources can be scaled up or down depending on the needs of
the user.
• Cost-efficiency: Users typically pay only for the resources they consume,
avoiding the cost of maintaining physical infrastructure.
• Accessibility: Cloud services can be accessed from anywhere with an
internet connection.
• Flexibility and Collaboration: Teams can collaborate in real time across
different locations
Cloud services
• Cloud services are typically categorized into three main types based
on the level of control and flexibility provided. These categories are
commonly referred to as service models:
• IaaS
• PaaS
• SaaS
Software as a Service (SaaS)
• Description: SaaS provides fully managed software applications over
the internet. Users access the software through a web browser or
client application, and the provider handles the
infrastructure(services) platforms, and security
• Examples: Google Workspace (Gmail, Google Docs), Microsoft Office
365, Salesforce, Dropbox, Zoom.
Platform as a Service (PaaS)
• Description: PaaS provides a platform that allows developers to build,
test, deploy, and manage applications without dealing with the
underlying infrastructure. It includes tools for database management,
development, and application hosting.
• Examples: Google App Engine, Microsoft Azure App Services
Infrastructure as a Service
(IaaS)
• IaaS stands for Infrastructure as a Service. It is a cloud computing
model that provides virtualized computing resources over the internet
• This includes resources like virtual machines, storage, and
networking. Users utilize these resources to run applications and
services without the need to purchase or maintain physical hardware.
• Examples: Amazon Web Services (AWS EC2), Microsoft Azure Virtual
Machines, Google Compute Engine (GCE)
SaaS PaaS IaaS On-Premises
Applications Applications Applications Applications
Data Data Data Data
Runtime Runtime Runtime Runtime
O/S O/S O/S O/S
Virtualization Virtualization Virtualization Virtualization
Servers Servers Servers Servers
Storage Storage Storage Storage
Networking Networking Networking Networking
Types of cloud computing
• Cloud computing can be categorized into three main types:
• Public
• Private
• Hybrid clouds.
Public Cloud
• Public cloud is a type of cloud computing where services, like storage,
computing power, and applications, are provided by a third-party
provider (such as Google, Amazon, or Microsoft) over the internet.
These services are available to the general public or multiple
customers, and resources like servers and storage are shared among
many users.
• Cloud Example: Google Drive Google Drive is a public cloud service
where users can store files online, but they don't manage or own the
underlying infrastructure.
Private Cloud
• A cloud environment dedicated to a single organization or user.
Resources are not shared with others, and the cloud can be hosted
either on-premises or by a third party.
• Cloud Example: Government or Corporate Data Center A large
company or government organization might have its own cloud
infrastructure, only used by its employees or users
Hybrid Cloud
• A combination of both public and private cloud environments,
allowing data and applications to move between them as needed. It’s
flexible and can optimize resource use.
• Cloud Example: Retail Business with a Hybrid Cloud A retail company
uses a private cloud for handling sensitive data like customer
transactions but switches to a public cloud to handle seasonal traffic
spikes during holiday sales
