What Is Cloud Computing? A Beginner's Guide

The term cloud computing is buzzing around in technological space and since inception; it’s been a total game-changer for tech companies who are ready to offer us the best of technology and innovations.

In this article, we will look at a comprehensive picture of “WHAT IS EXACTLY CLOUD COMPUTING”?

The following points will be covered: -

What is Cloud Computing?
History of Cloud Computing
Types of Cloud Computing services
Types of Cloud Computing model
Application of Cloud Computing
Advantages of Cloud Computing Services

What is Cloud Computing?

Simply put, Cloud computing is the delivery of IT services- such as servers, storage, software, analytics, databases, networking, and intelligence- over the internet, to offer faster innovation, flexible resources, and economies of scale. It offers to pay – as – you- go pricing, means you only pay for what you use, thus, reducing operational costs, run infrastructure more efficiently, and scale as business needs change.

History of Cloud computing

Internet was introduced in the 1960s, but only in 1990, when the potential of the internet was fully discovered, which then led to more innovation in the field. With time, the transfer speeds of internet and connectivity got better it gave way to a new type of companies called Application service provider (ASPs)

ASPs took the existing business applications and ran them for the companies using their machines. The client would pay a monthly amount to run a business over the internet from ASP’s systems.

In late 1990, the term Cloud Computing was coined and since then it’s only growing.

Types of Cloud computing services

There are three types of cloud computing services, broadly known as SaaS (Software as a service), PaaS (Platform as a service), and SaaS (software as a service). These are sometimes known as ‘Stack’ as they build on top of one another. Knowing about each of them and their differences makes it easier to choose as per your business goals.

SaaS
PaaS
IaaS

SaaS - SaaS (Software as a Service) is a method of delivering software applications over the internet, on-demand, typically on a lease, to its client. The client can access these applications on any device, connected via the internet, using tools such as web browser an app, etc.

PaaS - PaaS (Platform as a Service) refers to cloud computing services that provide an on-demand environment for creating, testing, delivering, and testing software applications. It is designed to provide services that help create web or mobile applications, without worrying about the cost and management of resources needed for setting up the entire infrastructure.

IaaS - IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service) is the most basic category of providing cloud computing services. It offers services of IT infrastructure such as servers, virtual machines (VMs), storage, networks, and operating systems on rest with pay-as-you-go pricing.

Types of Cloud Computing Models

Well, not all types of clouds are the same, and not one type of cloud computing is a one-stop solution. Various models, types, and services have been developed to offer the right solution as per the needs.

First, it is important to choose the type of cloud architecture, on which the cloud services will be implemented. There are three different ways to deploy cloud computing services: on a public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud.

Public Cloud - Public clouds are owned and operated by third-party cloud service providers. Microsoft Azure is an example of it. With the public cloud, all hardware, software, and other supporting infrastructure is owned and managed by the cloud provider. Customers can access these services over the internet via a web browser. Since the public cloud is easily accessible by anyone; there is a high-risk factor involved.

Private Cloud - A Private cloud is exclusively owned and operated by a single organization. It can be the same organization or they can hire a third-party provider to host their private cloud. A private cloud is one in which the services and infrastructure are maintained on a private network. But usually, it costs high since, it’s not easy to set up an entire infrastructure that would need to be updated periodically, also new security risks will come up every day.

Hybrid Cloud - Hybrid cloud is an amalgamation of public and private cloud services, bound by technology that allows data and applications to be shared in between. A hybrid cloud provides more flexibility, deployment options help in optimizing the entire business with security and compliance.

Applications of Cloud Computing

1. Storage - Storage is one of the most useful cloud computing applications. There is various software that is used to host files including; documents, images, presentations, videos, etc. Rapid share, media fires, Google Drive, Dropbox, is quite popular.

This provides a user interface where the user can store their data securely and access it on any device with so much ease.

2. Data Analytics - Big data analytics is one of the trendiest processes of technology where a large amount of data is examined and analyzed to extract the business value. It is a process to derive meaningful applications from data that organizations can use to study and evaluate behavioral patterns.

3. Virtual Reality - Virtual reality is another very popular cloud computing application. It is possible because cloud storage made it possible that one can access their data from anywhere without worrying about the underlying hardware.

4. Testing and Development - Testing and development is a crucial process in the development of any application or software. Thanks to cloud computing which provides flexibility to businesses; operate their testing and development phase smoothly.

5. Data Backup - Have you ever lost your data and then immediately looked for Data Backup? Cloud computing made possible, when it comes to securely take a backup of data. It provides us space where we can store our pictures, audio files, documents, or any data and also keeps our data immune from any potential threat.

Advantages of Cloud Computing

1. Cost-saving

Cost-saving is the biggest plus important advantage of cloud computing. It saves companies, a substantial capital cost, which is needed for software and hardware investments. The buying and managing types of equipment are done by a cloud service provider.

2. High security

Cyber-attacks have become a serious threat to the IT sector. But with the cloud, there is no need to worry about it even though the data is stored with a third-party provider, because they have a dedicated team who solely look after the security of data centers.

3. Easy Access

Applications build on the cloud are designed to access globally. Only a good internet connection is needed.

4. Scalability

With cloud computing, there is always an option to scale up or down as per your requirement. Cloud capacity never runs out. Plus, you only pay for what you use.

Numerous benefits cloud computing has to offer. And with time the demand for certified cloud computing experts will grow, where companies will need the cloud computing skills for the IT sector.

Doing a certified cloud computing course will be beneficial for those who want to excel in the carrier as a cloud computing expert.