Exploring
Cloud
Computing
What You Need to Know
Introduction to Cloud
Computing
Cloud computing provides on-demand access to
computing resources (servers, storage, applications)
over the internet, instead of maintaining physical
infrastructure. It enables flexibility, scalability, and
accessibility from anywhere with internet access.
Types of Cloud Services
1. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): Provides
virtualized computing resources, such as Amazon
EC2, allowing users to rent servers and storage.
2. Platform as a Service (PaaS): Allows developers to
build applications without managing underlying
infrastructure, such as Google App Engine.
3. Software as a Service (SaaS): Delivers applications
over the internet, like Microsoft 365, where users
access software on a subscription basis.
Benefits and Challenges
Benefits include:
Scalability: Easily adjusts resources based on
demand.
Cost Efficiency: No need for large capital
expenditures on physical hardware. Challenges
include:
Data Security: Organizations rely on cloud
providers to safeguard sensitive information.
Downtime: Internet-dependent, so disruptions can
interrupt services.
Popular Cloud Platforms
Leading cloud providers include:
Amazon Web Services (AWS): Offers a vast range
of cloud services and tools.
Microsoft Azure: Known for integration with
Microsoft products and enterprise solutions.
Google Cloud Platform (GCP): Popular for its
machine learning and data analytics tools.
