What is Cloud Computing - Basic Concepts - Types - InformativeWorld

What is Cloud Computing

 

Introduction Cloud Computing - 

In the simplest terms, cloud computing means storing and accessing data and programs over the Internet Instead of your computer's hard drive which comes into existence in 1950's.

The cloud is just a metaphor for the Internet. In other words, Cloud terminology refers to internet or network which can be present in remote location. It provides services at both public and private networks. Several useful applications like e-mail, customer relationship management and web  configuring etc, run in cloud.

Cloud is a general term for the delivery of hosted services over the internet. It refers to manipulating, configuring and accessing the applications online. Cloud computing facilitate online data storage, infrastructure and application to user.

Basic Concepts of Cloud Computing -

There are certain services and models working behind the scene making the cloud computing feasible and accessible to the end users.

Deployment Models : Cloud computing services can be private, public and community clouds and hybrid. Deployment models define the type of access to the cloud, how the cloud is located? 

1. Private Cloud : It delivered from a business's data center to internal users. This model offers the versatility and convenience of the cloud, while preserving the management, control and security common to local data centers. The Private Cloud allows systems and services to be accessible within an organization. It offers increased security because of its private nature.

2. Public Cloud and Community Cloud : It is a third-party cloud service provider delivers the cloud service over the internet. The Public Cloud allows systems and services to be easily accessible to the general public. Public Cloud may be less secure because of its openness, e.g. e-mail. These services are available on the demand on payment basis. The Community Cloud allows systems and services to be accessible by group of organization. 

3. Hybrid Cloud : It is a combination of public and private cloud. However, the critical activities are performed using private cloud while the non-critical activities are performed using public cloud. 

What is Service Models -

It reference models on which the Cloud Computing is based. There are three category of cloud computing which are described below : 

1. Insfrastructure as a Service (IaaS) : The Insfrastructure as a Service (IaaS) is the most basic level of service which provides virtualized computing resources over the internet. 

2. Platform as a Service (PaaS) : It provides host development tools on their infrastructures. It can be accessed by user on internet using APIs, Web portals or gateway software. 

3. Software as a Software (SaaS) : It is distribution model which delivers software applications over the internet. This service is known as web services. You can access SaaS applications and services on your computer or on mobile device at any location. 

Advantages of Cloud Computing - 

1. One can access application as a utilities over the internet. 

1. Manipulate and configure the application online at any time. 

1. It does not require installing a specific piece of software to access or maipulating cloud application.

1. Cloud resources are available over the network in a manner that provides plateform independent access to any.

1. Cloud computing offers on-demand self-service. The resources can be used without interaction with cloud. 

1. Cloud Computing is highly cost effective because it operates at higher efficiences with greater utilization. It just requires an internet connection. Cloud Compputing offers load balancing that makes more reliable.