What is Cloud Computing?

• Cloud computingmeans that instead of all the computer hardware and software you’re using sitting on your desktop, or somewhere inside your company’s network, it’s provided for you as a service by another company and accessed over the Internet, usually in a completely seamless way. Exactly where the hardware and software is located and how it all works doesn’t matter to you, the user—it’s just somewhere up in the nebulous “cloud” that the Internet represents.
• Cloud computing is a buzzword that means different things to different people. For some, it’s just another way of describing IT (information technology) “outsourcing”; others use it to mean any computing service provided over the Internet or a similar network; and some define it as any bought-in computer service you use that sits outside your firewall. However we define cloud computing, there’s no doubt it makes most sense when we stop talking about abstract definitions and look at some simple, real examples—so let’s do just that.

What are examples of cloud computing?

Cloud computing underpins a vast number of services. That includes consumer services like Gmail or the cloud back-up of the photos on your smartphone, though to the services which allow large enterprises to host all their data and run all of their applications in the cloud. Netflix relies on cloud computingservices to run its its video streaming service and its other business systems too, and have a number of other organisations.

Cloud computing is becoming the default option for many apps: software vendors are increasingly offering their applications as services over the internet rather than standalone products as they try to switch to a subscription model

Understanding Cloud Computing

• Cloud computing is named as such because the information being accessed is found remotely in the cloud or a virtual space. Companies that provide cloud services enable users to store files and applications on remote servers and then access all the data via the Internet. This means the user is not required to be in a specific place to gain access to it, allowing the user to work remotely.
• Cloud computing takes all the heavy lifting involved in crunching and processing data away from the device you carry around or sit and work at. It also moves all of that work to huge computer clusters far away in cyberspace. The Internet becomes the cloud, and voilà—your data, work, and applications are available from any device with which you can connect to the Internet, anywhere in the world.

Cloud Computing Services

Cloud Services are often divided into three categories based on who has access to the services or infrastructure: Private, Public and Hybrid. We use cloud services almost everyday and in various forms. For example, we listen to streamed music or watch movies via the Internet, we store our documents and photos on OneDrive and other cloud storage systems, we manage our mail via Outlook, and even use our smartphones to book taxis. All these services are provided to us via cloud-based services.

Cloud Storage Services offer unlimited data, anywhere, and can be accessed from your smartphone, laptop, desktop, or any other device that has the relevant application and is connected to the Internet. Cloud Storage Services usually employ advanced information compression functions and in some cases encryption, thus ensuring greater security and mobility of data.

Categories of Cloud Computing Services

Cloud computing can be divided into three main services

These services constitute what is known as the Cloud Computing Stack with SaaS at the top, PaaS in the middle, and IaaS on the bottom.

 

Cloud Management Issues

• We use cloud computing services and cloud storage services for a lot of day-to day tasks and these are growing in many ways. It is therefore imperative to keep in mind that privacy and security are major concerns that need to be addressed when using the cloud.
• It is essential to be alert to ensure security of the environment and therefore VERY important to be aware of the model that is used by the companies offering the service.
• Some models differ from provider to provider and therefore the security aspect should also be examined from a human as well as technological standpoint.

The first layer of security is provided by the cloud service provider and the second layer of security by the customer (you).

The challenge is that customers must know the security of each individual cloud service provider in order that that they can properly secure data across their multiple various clouds if they have any.

Major Cloud Platforms and Applications

Enjoying products and services from the range of cloud service providers in the comfort of your home or work is easy. Cloud services are a very cost-efficient option which eliminates the need to invest and maintain local infrastructure. Microsoft is one of the largest Cloud Service providers with Microsoft AZURE, but there are others both large and small and some generic whilst others offer specific services. These include:

CLASS EXERCISE

What are the three types of Cloud Storage Services available to use?