Cloud Computing – What Is It?

What is cloud computing?

Providing hosted services by way of the internet is a common definition of cloud computing. Cloud computing is broken down into three main categories: Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS).

A cloud can be private or public . A public cloud provides services to anyone accessing the internet. A private cloud is a type of network or data center that provides hosted services to a select group of users that have specified permissions and access rights. The aim of cloud computing, whether in a private or public setting, is to give access to IT services and computing resources in a convenient, expandable manner.

The elements of hardware and software required to correctly apply a cloud computing system are referred to as cloud infrastructure. Cloud computing can likewise be perceived as utility computing or computing that is accessible at any moment.

The term “cloud computing” was derived from the icon of a cloud that often symbolizes the web in diagrams and flowcharts.

How does cloud computing work?

Cloud computing allows devices to access information, applications, and other material stored on distant servers, databases, and computers through the internet.

A network connection on the internet links the components of the front end (accessing client device, browser, network, and cloud applications) with the elements in the back end (databases, servers, and computers). The back end serves as a storage space, keeping info that is retrieved by the front end.

A central server is responsible for controlling the interactions between the front and back ends. The primary server depends on rules to help the transfer of information. The main server employs both specialized programs and intermediary software to organize the link between distinct client gadgets and cloud servers. Typically, a single server is devoted to each particular application or task.

Cloud computing relies heavily on virtualization and automation technologies. Virtualization makes it simple to separate and grant access to services and cloud systems that can be perceived logically so people can request them and use them. Technologies involving automation and orchestration give users the capability to arrange, link, and deploy tasks without aid from the IT personnel at the cloud provider’s organization. This provides users with a convenient level of self-service.

What are the different types of cloud computing services?

Cloud computing can be separated into three general service delivery categories or forms of cloud computing:

1. IaaS . IaaS providers, such as Amazon Web Services ( AWS ), supply a virtual server instance and storage, as well as application programming interfaces ( APIs ) that let users migrate workloads to a virtual machine ( VM ). Users have an allocated storage capacity and can start, stop, access and configure the VM and storage as desired. IaaS providers offer small, medium, large, extra-large, and memory- or compute-optimized instances, in addition to enabling customization of instances, for various workload needs. The IaaS cloud model is closest to a remote data center for business users.
2. PaaS . In the PaaS model, cloud providers host development tools on their infrastructures. Users access these tools over the internet using APIs, web portals or gateway software. PaaS is used for general software development, and many PaaS providers host the software after it’s developed. Common PaaS products include Salesforce’s Lightning Platform, AWS Elastic Beanstalk and Google App Engine.
3. SaaS . SaaS is a distribution model that delivers software applications over the internet; these applications are often called web services . Users can access SaaS applications and services from any location using a computer or mobile device that has internet access. In the SaaS model, users gain access to application software and databases. One common example of a SaaS application is Microsoft 365 for productivity and email services.

Cloud computing deployment models

Internal users are supplied with private cloud services from a company’s own data center. An organization constructs and administers its own infrastructure for the private cloud. This model offers a combination of cloud capabilities and the ability to maintain administration authority, regulate protection, and assure safety like localized data hubs. IT chargeback might or might not be charged to internal users for services. Private cloud options such as VMware and OpenStack are often employed.

A cloud service provider (CSP) provides cloud services to the public via the internet. Services provided by the public cloud are typically bought as needed, typically for a specific amount of time ranging from minutes to hours, but it is also possible to make long-term arrangements for a lot of services. Customers will only be charged for the number of central processing unit cycles, the amount of storage space, or the bandwidth they use. Notable public cloud service providers include Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), IBM, Oracle, and Tencent.

A hybrid cloud is a mixture of a public cloud and a private cloud on an individual-owned server, which can be maintained using automation and coordination. Firms are able to use the private cloud to run essential functions or privacy-level applications, and the public cloud can be used to manage any workload increases or unexpected spikes in need. The intent of a hybrid cloud is to construct a unified, automated, and extendable setup that takes advantage of the benefits that a public cloud infrastructure offers, while preserving management of core data.

Moreover, businesses are more and more adopting a multi-cloud approach, meaning the utilization of multiple Infrastructure as a Service providers. This allows programs to shift between various cloud providers, or they can even work at the same time on multiple cloud suppliers.

Organizations adopt multi-cloud for various reasons. For instance, they may use cloud services in order to minimize the chances of having a disruption in services or to capitalize on a more economical rate from a particular provider. Setting up and developing applications using multiple clouds can be hard due to the variations between cloud suppliers’ services and application programming interfaces.

Multi-cloud deployments should become simpler in the near future since cloud provider’s services and application programming interfaces (APIs) become more similar and unified due to projects like the Open Cloud Computing Interface.

A cloud used by multiple organizations jointly, which is dedicated to a particular group sharing the same objectives — such as purpose, security regulations, and compliance conditions — is called a community cloud. A collective of businesses or entities may supervise a community cloud, or the task may be given to a third-party supplier. It could be located onsite or in a remote location.

Characteristics and advantages of cloud computing

Cloud technology has been in existence for multiple years already, and the current cloud infrastructure exemplifies several qualities that have made a positive contribution to companies of any size. Some of the main characteristics of cloud computing are the following:

• Self-service provisioning . End users can spin up compute resources for almost any type of workload on demand. An end user can provision computing capabilities, such as server time and network storage, eliminating the traditional need for IT administrators to provision and manage compute resources.
• Elasticity . Companies can freely scale up as computing needs increase and scale down again as demands decrease. This eliminates the need for massive investments in local infrastructure, which might or might not remain active.
• Pay per use . Compute resources are measured at a granular level, enabling users to pay only for the resources and workloads they use.
• Workload resilience. CSPs often implement redundant resources to ensure resilient storage and to keep users’ important workloads running — often across multiple global regions.
• Migration flexibility. Organizations can move certain workloads to or from the cloud — or to different cloud platforms — as desired or automatically for better cost savings or to use new services as they emerge.
• Broad network access. A user can access cloud data or upload data to the cloud from anywhere with an internet connection using any device.
• Multi-tenancy and resource pooling. Multi-tenancy lets numerous customers share the same physical infrastructures or the same applications yet still retain privacy and security over their own data. With resource pooling, cloud providers service numerous customers from the same physical resources. The resource pools of the cloud providers should be large and flexible enough so they can service the requirements of multiple customers.

Types of Cloud Services

The cloud computing service industry has experienced drastic growth and is now worth many billions of dollars. It is projected that by the end of 2018, expenditures for cloud solutions will total an estimated $260 billion, according to Gartner. Gartner is not the only one to indicate that cloud computing is becoming more and more popular.

According to the Cloud Vendor Revenue Projection Project from Wikibon in 2017, it is estimated that the entire enterprise cloud will go up in value at a rate of 19 percent per annum from 2016 to 2026. The CAGR of traditional infrastructure, on-premise software, and legacy methods of business process outsourcing will decrease by 3 percent.

The changing impacts of welcoming clouds are already observed and are shown in three ordinary kinds of cloud computing administrations: SaaS, IaaS, and PaaS.

The particular characteristics of using cloud resources means that the necessary computing, storage, networking, and combining features for each Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), and Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) solution are owned by the supplier and provided on an as-needed, subscription-based level to the client.

The three types can be arranged one atop the other, functioning separately or jointly. Conceive of a three-level pyramid with Software as a Service (SaaS) at the apex helping consumers, Platform as a Service (PaaS) in the middle assisting developers and satisfying connection needs, and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) at the bottom assisting system administrators.

1: Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)

Generally called the “on-demand software,” SaaS is the most widely used cloud computing service amongst corporate clients. SaaS is increasingly replacing or supplementing legacy enterprise systems, including ERP, accounting, HR, CMS, supply chain, inventory management, and CRM solutions, among others. There is a big selection of uses and services to choose from. Since there is no requirement to buy costly authorized software, individuals can get to various cloud applications as required. In 2017, the State of the SaaS-Powered Workplace Report revealed that the average company utilizes 16 SaaS applications, which is a 33 percent growth compared to the preceding year. If you are curious about SaaS, take a look at our collection of SaaS FAQs.

2: Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS)

PaaS can be seen as the connector between the other cloud services, SaaS and IaaS, as it is located in between them. This cloud service supplies customers with all the required materials to fabricate a digital platform. It provides the infrastructure required to create, test, deploy, manage, and maintain applications for storage, networking, and virtual servers, as well as the tools and hardware needed to integrate, evaluate, and exchange information.

3: Infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS)

The Infrastructure as a Service layer offers basic foundations, repositories for data storage, and a virtual environment. The hardware that is complex and expensive is handled by a third-party cloud vendor, allowing for the creation of cost-effective and expandable IT services. These IaaS platforms provide customers the ability to set up their own storage or computing power with the aid of automated IT components. Vendors must maintain their systems, protect the data, and keep the business running smoothly.

Types of Cloud Deployments

The approach taken by a company when it comes to protecting and providing for its commercial assets and necessities can be mirrored in the way it implements its cloud service. However, the utilization of cloud computing is more than just discussing the contrast between a personal cloud and a public cloud. The adoption of hybrid cloud setups has provided an entirely different experience.

1. Public Cloud

A third-party Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) cloud provider is responsible for managing a public cloud. Digital resources such as servers, storage, and more are provided via the web. No infrastructure or bandwidth costs will be covered by the customer, only a web browser is needed in order to access the service and control their accounts.

Advantages: Dependable service, able to benefit from reduced overhead costs, no upkeep needed, can be increased or decreased as needed.

Disadvantages: Often thought of as not secure enough to manage extremely confidential and delicate information; must satisfy stringent security standards.

2. Private Cloud

In a private cloud, all cloud services, systems, and networking are managed and operated exclusively by a single organization, rather than by a third party or public platform. A business’ data can be stored either onsite in their own data center, or a third-party company can be contracted to manage a secluded cloud environment for them.

Pros: More control, customizable, scalable, flexible, secure

Cons: More expensive and maintenance (if kept on-site)

3. Hybrid Cloud

It is hypothesized that a hybrid cloud set-up is a combination of private and public cloud services. This structure enables data, facts, and applications to be distributed and exchanged conveniently. The private area can be put to work for more delicate operations, including finances and data recovery, while the public side can handle high-traffic applications.

Pros: Enhanced agility, accessibility, security

Cons: More maintenance, complex compatibility