What is Serverless
Computing?
Serverless computing is a cloud execution model where the cloud
provider dynamically manages the allocation of machine resources.
Developers no longer need to worry about provisioning or
managing servers, focusing solely on writing code.
Advantages of Serverless Computing
Cost-Efficient Highly Scalable
Pay only for the compute time consumed, and Automatically scales up or down based on
not for idle server capacity. This can lead to demand, ensuring applications can handle
significant savings for intermittent workloads. fluctuating traffic without manual intervention.
Faster Time-to-Market Reduced Overhead
Developers can deploy code more quickly Eliminates operational tasks like server
without infrastructure concerns, accelerating the maintenance, patching, and updates, freeing up
development lifecycle and feature releases. engineering teams to focus on core business
logic.
Use Cases & Considerations
Key Use Cases Challenges
Event-Driven Applications: Ideal for processing data Cold Start Latency: Initial invocation of an idle
streams, IoT events, or triggered tasks. function can experience delays.
APIs & Microservices: Building scalable backend Debugging & Monitoring Complexities: Distributed
services without managing servers. nature makes troubleshooting harder.
Real-time File Processing: Automatically processing Vendor Lock-in: Code might be optimized for a
uploaded images, videos, or documents. specific provider's ecosystem, limiting portability.
Cloud Storage Basics
Cloud storage involves storing digital data in logical pools across multiple virtual Common Services:
servers, instead of directly on a local device. This data is managed by a cloud
provider and accessed over a network. • AWS S3 (Amazon Simple Storage Service)
• Google Cloud Storage
• Azure Blob Storage
Types of Cloud Storage:
Object Storage: Data stored as objects, ideal for unstructured data.
Block Storage: Data stored in fixed-size blocks, suitable for high-performance
applications.
File Storage: Data stored hierarchically with shared access, like traditional file
systems.
Security in Cloud Storage
Data Encryption Identity and Access Management (IAM)
Crucial for protecting data both at rest (stored on Controls who can access data and what actions they
servers) and in transit (during upload/download) can perform, enforcing the principle of least
using strong cryptographic algorithms. privilege.
Backup and Disaster Recovery Compliance Adherence
Implementing robust strategies ensures data Meeting regulatory standards like GDPR, HIPAA, and
availability and business continuity in case of industry-specific certifications to protect sensitive
outages or data loss. data.
Best Practices for Secure Cloud Storage
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Regular Audits and Access Reviews
Implement MFA for all user accounts to add an Periodically review who has access to your data
extra layer of security beyond just passwords. and ensure privileges are still appropriate.
Enable Versioning and Backup Data Classification and Lifecycle Policies
Utilize versioning to protect against accidental Categorize data by sensitivity and implement
deletions or changes, and maintain robust backup policies for retention, archiving, and deletion.
schedules.
What is a Multi-Cloud
Strategy?
A multi-cloud strategy involves using cloud services from more
than one public cloud provider (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud
Platform) rather than relying on a single vendor. This approach
aims to enhance resilience, flexibility, and optimize various aspects
of cloud operations.
Advantages of a Multi-Cloud Approach
Avoids Vendor Lock-in Improves Uptime and Fault Tolerance
Reduces dependence on a single provider, offering Distributes workloads across multiple providers,
greater flexibility and negotiating power. minimizing the impact of outages on a single cloud.
Leverages Best-of-Breed Services Meets Regulatory/Geographic Requirements
Allows organizations to pick the best services from Facilitates compliance with data residency and other
each provider for specific workloads and needs. regulations by choosing providers with data centers
in specific regions.
Multi-Cloud Strategy: Key Challenges
Management & Integration Complexity Increased Cost & Governance Needs
Managing resources and integrating services across Potential for higher operational costs and the need for
disparate cloud platforms can be challenging. robust governance models across multiple
environments.
Security & Compliance Risks Need for Skilled Workforce
Ensuring consistent security policies and compliance Requires a team with diverse expertise across
across all cloud providers can be complex and prone different cloud ecosystems to effectively manage and
to misconfigurations. optimize the multi-cloud environment.
