Cloud Computing

Cloud Computing

Friday, September 25, 2020

Cloud Computing: Introduction

• Cloud computing, Is it a cloud? Not Really. Cloud Computing is a combination of two self-explorable terms “Cloud” & “Computing”. Cloud means “Internet” and Computing means “Services and functions” that can be performed through cloud i.e. “Through Internet”.

• Above all, Cloud Computing is a technology that enables users to store, access and manipulate data and services remotely. It means, through the use of internet all these services related to data storage, manipulation, retrieval can be done without having any high-end computing configuration at user’s end.

• The cloud service is provided by external agents/companies called as cloud service agents which are the companies who manage users data and provides services. These cloud companies have a specific setup that is capable of handling and providing these services of any scale and type to multiple users using the concept of sharing.

• For example :   

1) If a user wants to store 10TB of data, but the configuration available to him personally is not that high. So, he can store that 10TB of data on the cloud through cloud computing technology. He needs to rent up that much amount of space from the service provider and then the data can be stored securely on a remote location. Google Drive, DropBox and One Drive are some examples.

2) Similarly, If a user wants to very high-end games or want to use high-end designing software but does not have such a high-end computer system, he can still do this through the concept of cloud computing. Therefore, Any high-end physical setup is not required by the user as he can avail the configuration of the cloud service provider and on that configuration, he can either play a game or use the software. Online multiplayer gaming is an example of this.

Cloud Computing: Why So Popular?

• Cloud Computing technology enables its users to take services and access the applications, data, files etc. from any location in the world, remotely using the internet, and this is one of the best reason to support its popularity. Other reasons for its popularity are:

  • No physical high-end setup is not required by the user.

  • Very reasonable cost for availing cloud services.

  • Different online services such as online software, games etc. can be availed.

  • Highly scalable in terms of services offered. Based on the requirement and need of the user, storage and data processing services can be availed without any limitations.

  • No complex architecture for the users. They need not worry about data stored over the cloud for its security and availability.

  • Multiple copies of data are stored on the cloud by the cloud service provider and hence there is almost no chance of data loss.

  • Cloud Computing technology is very efficient and reliable too, in terms of performance and services.

Cloud Computing: The Service Models

• Based on the requirement, usage and need, a type of model can be chosen up by the companies or individuals who want to use cloud services. There exist three different types of cloud computing service models which include:

  • The SaaS Model.

  • The PaaS Model.

  • The Iaas Model.

1. The SaaS Model: Saas stands as “Software as a Service”. In this type of cloud service model, the users are provided with the pre-installed hardware configuration along with the operating system and network configuration too. The choice of various software and applications are installed as per the need and demand of users. These software are licensed based and user needs to pay fees for them. You get what you paid for. For example: Microsoft Office and Google apps.

2. The Paas Model: PaaS stands as “Platform as a Service”. PaaS model is slightly different from the SaaS model as software and applications can be developed by the users if they opt for the PaaS model by using pre-specified hardware and configuration along with operating system and network configuration. For example: Force.com and Windows Azure.

3. The IaaS Model: IaaS stands as “Infrastructure as a Service”. IaaS is very different from other two cloud service models i.e. PaaS & SaaS. In the IaaS model, an infrastructure containing the hardware configuration and network resources is provided to the user/company. On that hardware setup, the user can develop or run any type of software and applications. Also, any operating system as per the need can be installed too. For example: Windows Azure and Amazon EC2.

Cloud Computing: The Future!

• Likewise, Cloud computing is no doubt a technology to look in future. Moreover, With each passing day, we are getting dependent on these kinds of technologies. They owe us a lot and without using these technologies, one cannot image spending a day in their life. They are directly or indirectly related to our lives. An example can be Google Drive which is used by millions of people worldwide every day.

• Cloud computing is definitely a bright field having even more bright future. Cloud Computing along with Artificial Intelligence, Pattern Recognition, and Internet Of Things are surely making the future more interesting, dependent as well as easy for us.

Hope you have enjoyed reading this article. Keep supporting and Keep loving. Thanks a lot.

--- Ganesh Upreti---