Cloud Computing (2)
Cloud Computing (2)
The term “Cloud Computing” generally refers to the ability of a system to store data or applications
on remote servers, process data or applications from servers, and access data and applications via
the Internet. Cloud computing provides scalability, flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and security to
individuals and organizations to manage their IT operations. Cloud computing works on a Pay-on-
Use basis for individuals and organizations. It is an on-demand availability of system resources and
computing power without direct active management by the user.
Examples of Cloud Computing
Cloud computing is the ability to deliver computing services, such as servers, storage, database,
networking, and intelligence. Here are some examples of Cloud Computing:
• Cloud-based virtual desktops: These help users access their systems and applications by using
any device from anywhere. Examples of Cloud-based virtual desktop providers are Amazon
WorkSpace, VM ware, Horizon Cloud, and Virtual Windows of Microsoft.
• Cloud Backup and Cloud Storage: Cloud storage generally provides safe and scalable storage
options for organizations and individuals to store and Cloud backup provides backup for the data.
• Cloud disaster recovery: This service users to have a backup of their data when any disaster
recovery needs to occur. Some Examples of Cloud disaster recovery include Mozy, Amazon
Glacier, and Carbonite.
• Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS): It helps businesses to scale their computer resources up or
down whenever needed without any requirement for capital expenditure on physical
infrastructure. Examples of IaaS providers are Amazon Web Service (AWS), Google Cloud, and
Microsoft Azure.
• Software-as-a-Service (SaaS): With the help of SaaS, users can able to access applications
hosted in the cloud, rather than installing and running them on their local devices. Examples of
SaaS applications are Salesforce, Dropbox, and Microsoft Office 365.
• Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS): This helps organizations with a cloud-based platform to build,
deploy, and manage applications. Examples of PaaS providers are Google App Engine, Microsoft
Azure, etc.
6. Easy Collaboration
A benefit of distributed computing firmly connected with mobility is simple collaboration. It’s one
thing to take your platform, administration and information mobile. It’s one more challenge to
gather all the data gathered by your company’s agents, organize it and ensure there are no errors or
duplicates. Cloud services mean less complex and less mistake-inclined coordination
between organizations, departments, clients, customers etc. There’s less time expected to
exchange information and reach a significant conclusion from it and everyone works from a similar
single source of truth.
7. Prediction ability
Data analytics deserves more consideration. Cloud computing has accomplished more
powerful predictive analytics than other technologies. In any event, when you don’t have the
machines, you really want under your rooftop, someone on the opposite side of the globe has a
processing limit accessible for you to access for a lower charge.
Public Cloud
The public cloud makes it possible for anybody to access systems and services. The public cloud
may be less secure as it is open to everyone. The public cloud is one in which cloud infrastructure
services are provided over the internet to the general people or major industry groups. The
infrastructure in this cloud model is owned by the entity that delivers the cloud services, not by the
consumer. It is a type of cloud hosting that allows customers and users to easily access systems and
services. This form of cloud computing is an excellent example of cloud hosting, in which service
providers supply services to a variety of customers. In this arrangement, storage backup and retrieval
services are given for free, as a subscription, or on a per-user basis. For example, Google App Engine
etc.
Figure 1.2: Public Cloud
Private Cloud
The private cloud deployment model is the exact opposite of the public cloud deployment model.
It’s a one-on-one environment for a single user (customer). There is no need to share your hardware
with anyone else. The distinction between private and public clouds is in how you handle all of the
hardware. It is also called the “internal cloud” & it refers to the ability to access systems and services
within a given border or organization. The cloud platform is implemented in a cloud-based secure
environment that is protected by powerful firewalls and under the supervision of an organization’s
IT department. The private cloud gives greater flexibility of control over cloud resources.
Figure 1.3: Private Cloud
Hybrid Cloud
By bridging the public and private worlds with a layer of proprietary software, hybrid cloud
computing gives the best of both worlds. With a hybrid solution, you may host the app in a safe
environment while taking advantage of the public cloud’s cost savings. Organizations can move data
and applications between different clouds using a combination of two or more cloud deployment
methods, depending on their needs.
Fig 1.4: Hybrid Cloud
Advantages of SaaS:
1. Cost-Effective: Pay only for what you use.
2. Reduced time: Users can run most SaaS apps directly from their web browser without needing
to download and install any software. This reduces the time spent in installation and
configuration and can reduce the issues that can get in the way of the software deployment.
3. Accessibility: We can Access app data from anywhere.
4. Automatic updates: Rather than purchasing new software, customers rely on a SaaS provider
to automatically perform the updates.
5. Scalability: It allows the users to access the services and features on-demand.
The various companies providing Software as a service are Cloud9 Analytics, Salesforce.com,
Cloud Switch, Microsoft Office 365, Big Commerce, Eloqua, dropBox, and Cloud Tran.
Disadvantages of Saas:
1. Limited customization: SaaS solutions are typically not as customizable as on-premises
software, meaning that users may have to work within the constraints of the SaaS provider’s
platform and may not be able to tailor the software to their specific needs.
2. Dependence on internet connectivity: SaaS solutions are typically cloud-based, which means
that they require a stable internet connection to function properly. This can be problematic for
users in areas with poor connectivity or for those who need to access the software in offline
environments.
3. Security concerns: SaaS providers are responsible for maintaining the security of the data stored
on their servers, but there is still a risk of data breaches or other security incidents.
4. Limited control over data: SaaS providers may have access to a user’s data, which can be a
concern for organizations that need to maintain strict control over their data for regulatory or
other reasons.
Platform as a Service (PaaS)
PaaS is a category of cloud computing that provides a platform and environment to allow developers
to build applications and services over the internet. PaaS services are hosted in the cloud and
accessed by users simply via their web browser.
A PaaS provider hosts the hardware and software on its own infrastructure. As a result, PaaS frees
users from having to install in-house hardware and software to develop or run a new application.
Thus, the development and deployment of the application take place independent of the hardware.
The consumer does not manage or control the underlying cloud infrastructure including network,
servers, operating systems, or storage, but has control over the deployed applications and possibly
configuration settings for the application-hosting environment. To make it simple, take the example
of an annual day function, you will have two options either to create a venue or to rent a venue but
the function is the same.
Advantages of PaaS:
1. Simple and convenient for users: It provides much of the infrastructure and other IT services,
which users can access anywhere via a web browser.
2. Cost-Effective: It charges for the services provided on a per-use basis thus eliminating the
expenses one may have for on-premises hardware and software.
3. Efficiently managing the lifecycle: It is designed to support the complete web application
lifecycle: building, testing, deploying, managing, and updating.
4. Efficiency: It allows for higher-level programming with reduced complexity thus, the overall
development of the application can be more effective.
The various companies providing Platform as a service are Amazon Web services Elastic Beanstalk,
Salesforce, Windows Azure, Google App Engine, cloud Bees and IBM smart cloud.
Disadvantages of Paas:
1. Limited control over infrastructure: PaaS providers typically manage the underlying
infrastructure and take care of maintenance and updates, but this can also mean that users have
less control over the environment and may not be able to make certain customizations.
2. Dependence on the provider: Users are dependent on the PaaS provider for the availability,
scalability, and reliability of the platform, which can be a risk if the provider experiences outages
or other issues.
3. Limited flexibility: PaaS solutions may not be able to accommodate certain types of workloads
or applications, which can limit the value of the solution for certain organizations.