cloud computing: A Simple Explanation

Cloud computing is a technology that lets us create and use applications through the
internet. It's based on something called "virtualization."

What is the "Cloud"?

The "cloud" simply refers to the internet. Instead of storing and accessing data on your
own computer, you do it on remote servers over the internet. This data can be anything,
like files, images, videos, and documents.

How Cloud Computing Works

Cloud computing means accessing and storing data and using computer services over
the internet. It's like using remote internet services to manage and access your data,
instead of using your computer's hard drive.

Why Use Cloud Computing?

Many companies, both small and large, used to have their own IT setups. This meant
having a "server room" with things like:
●​ Database servers​

●​ Mail servers​

●​ Networking equipment (firewalls, routers, etc.)​

●​ High-speed internet​

●​ Maintenance staff​

Setting up all this is very expensive. Cloud computing helps to solve these problems
and reduce costs.

Cloud Computing Providers

Some well-known cloud computing service providers include:

●​ Amazon AWS​

●​ Microsoft Azure​
 ●​ Google Cloud​

●​ Alibaba Cloud​

History of Cloud Computing

Here's a quick look at how cloud computing developed:

●​ Client-Server Computing: In the past, data and control were mainly on the
server. Users had to connect to the server to access data.​

●​ Distributed Computing: Next, computers were networked so users could share

resources.​

●​ Cloud Computing: Cloud computing came about to overcome the limitations of

distributed computing.​

Important Moments in Cloud History

●​ 1961: John McCarthy suggested that computing could be a utility like water or
electricity.​

●​ People didn't really accept this idea at the time.​

●​ 1999: Salesforce.com started delivering business applications over the internet,

which helped cloud computing become popular.​

●​ 2002: Amazon launched Amazon Web Services (AWS), offering storage and
computing over the internet.​

●​ 2006: Amazon made its Elastic Compute Cloud service available to everyone.​

●​ 2009: Google and Microsoft also started offering cloud computing services.​

Today, cloud computing is very popular.

Characteristics of Cloud Computing

Here are some key features of cloud computing:

 ●​ Agility: Cloud computing is flexible and shares resources quickly.​

●​ High Availability and Reliability: Cloud systems are very reliable because they
are designed to avoid failures.​

●​ Scalability: You can easily get more or fewer resources when you need them.​

●​ Multi-Sharing: Many users can share the same infrastructure, which saves
costs.​

Types of Cloud

Cloud computing is changing how we store, access, and use data. Instead of using
physical computers, it uses remote computer systems on the internet. Cloud companies
use security measures like encryption and firewalls to protect your data. Cloud storage
also helps keep your data safe if your devices are damaged or stolen.

There are different types of clouds:

●​ Public Cloud​

●​ Private Cloud​

●​ Hybrid Cloud​

●​ Community Cloud​

●​ Multi-Cloud​

Public Cloud

Public clouds are open to everyone. You can store and access information over the
internet, and you pay for what you use. The cloud provider manages the resources.
Anyone with an internet connection can use it.
●​ Examples: Amazon EC2, IBM SmartCloud Enterprise, Microsoft Azure, Google
App Engine

Characteristics of Public Cloud

 ●​ Accessibility: Anyone with internet can use it.​

●​ Shared Infrastructure: Users share the same resources.​

●​ Scalability: You can easily change the amount of resources you use.​

●​ Pay-per-Usage: You pay for what you use.​

●​ Managed by Service Providers: The provider handles maintenance and

security.​

●​ Reliability and Redundancy: Public clouds have systems to prevent data loss
and disruptions.​

●​ Security Measures: Providers use security measures to protect data.​

Advantages of Public Cloud

●​ Cheaper than private or hybrid clouds.​

●​ Provider handles maintenance.​

●​ Easy to integrate and flexible.​

●​ Accessible from anywhere with internet.​

●​ Scalable.​

●​ No limit on the number of users.​

●​ Fast to set up services.​

●​ Reliable.​

Disadvantages of Public Cloud

●​ Less secure because resources are shared.​
 ●​ Performance depends on internet speed.​

●​ You don't have full control of your data.​

●​ Relies on the provider for availability.​

Private Cloud

A private cloud is for use by a single organization. The organization can manage it
themselves or have a third party manage it.
●​ Examples: VMware vSphere, OpenStack, Microsoft Azure Stack

Types of Private Clouds

●​ On-premise: The cloud is located within the organization's own infrastructure.​

●​ Outsourced: A third-party provider hosts and manages the cloud.​

Characteristics of Private Cloud

●​ Exclusive Use: Only one organization uses it.​

●​ Control and Security: More control and security than public clouds.​

●​ Customization and Flexibility: Can be customized to the organization's needs.​

●​ Scalability: Resources can be scaled.​

●​ Hybrid Cloud Integration: Can be combined with public clouds.​

Advantages of Private Cloud

●​ High security and privacy.​

●​ Good performance.​

●​ Organization has full control.​

Disadvantages of Private Cloud
●​ Requires skilled IT staff.​

●​ Limited accessibility.​

●​ Can be expensive.​

●​ Scaling can be difficult.​

Hybrid Cloud

A hybrid cloud is a mix of public and private clouds.

●​ Example: Using Google Apps and Amazon Web Services together.

Characteristics of Hybrid Cloud

●​ Integration: Combines public and private clouds.​

●​ Flexibility and Scalability: Offers flexibility in resource allocation.​

●​ Security and Control: You can keep sensitive data in the private cloud.​

●​ Cost Optimization: Use the public cloud for cost-effective resources.​

●​ Data Portability: You can move data between clouds.​

●​ Compliance: Helps meet regulatory requirements.​

●​ Disaster Recovery: Useful for backing up data.​

Advantages of Hybrid Cloud

●​ More secure than public cloud.​

●​ Faster to deliver new services.​

●​ Flexible and cost-effective.​

Disadvantages of Hybrid Cloud
●​ Less secure than a private cloud.​

●​ Complex to manage.​

●​ Reliability depends on the provider.​

Community Cloud

A community cloud is shared by a group of organizations.

●​ Example: A cloud for healthcare organizations.

Characteristics of Community Cloud

●​ Shared Infrastructure: Used by a specific group.​

●​ Community-specific Services: Offers services tailored to the group.​

●​ Community Ownership: Owned and managed by the group or a third party.​

●​ Enhanced Security: Has security for the specific community.​

●​ Cost Sharing: Costs are divided among the members.​

●​ Collaboration: Encourages sharing information.​

●​ Scalability and Flexibility: Resources can be scaled.​

Advantages of Community Cloud

●​ Cost-effective.​

●​ More secure than public cloud.​

●​ Good for collaboration.​

Disadvantages of Community Cloud

 ●​ Not for every organization.​

●​ Less secure than a private cloud.​

●​ Limited storage and bandwidth.​

Multi-Cloud

Multi-cloud is using cloud services from more than one provider.

●​ Example: Using AWS and Microsoft Azure.

Characteristics of Multi-Cloud
●​ Multiple Providers: Uses services from different companies.​

●​ Diversification: Spreads data across clouds to reduce risk.​

●​ Flexibility: Choose the best services from each provider.​

●​ Cost Optimization: Can choose the most affordable options.​

●​ Reliability and Performance: Improves reliability and performance.​

●​ Data Sovereignty and Compliance: Helps meet data location rules.​

●​ Interoperability and Integration: Requires connecting different cloud platforms.​