Cloud Computing: What is it and Why it is Used:
What is Cloud Computing?
Cloud Computing refers to the network of servers hosted to store and retrieve data. In simpler terms, Cloud Computing is a virtual platform which allows you to store data and also retrieve it over the Internet without restrictions. The person/company which offers such a service such as AWS(Amazon Web Service) or Microsoft Azure, Github, are known as Cloud Providers.
Benefits Of Cloud Computing
- Cost
- Speed
- Accessibility
- Security
Cost
The cost compared to any other way of storing is much higher as compared to Cloud Computing. There is no problem of hardware here, as, if you were to use any other way of storing, you would have to buy a hardware and if it doesn’t fit your needs, not only do you lose money, but you also have to live with it. Thats not the problem with Cloud Computing hardware, you host the hardware, meaning, that you pay for the time you use it, when it is no longer in your use, you can always change it or replace it.
Speed
Cloud Computing is available almost instantaneously and ready for production virtually at the same time.That means that the product is almost ready to launch the product immediately, a big advantage over the traditional way.
Accessibility
Cloud Computing allows you to access data, resources, etc from anywhere you want, only if you are connected to the internet. When not connected, some tricks and techniques help you to get the data from the cloud.
Security
All the data which is stored in the cloud, which can be accessed anywhere, is encrypted through blockchain. All this data can be accessed anywhere, it is stored in such an encrypted manner, that tampering with it becomes very difficult.
Types of Cloud Computing
The 3 types of Cloud Computing, based on their deployment are:-
- Private
- Public
- Hybrid
In Public Cloud, anyone who has proper permissions can access the information which is stored over the internet. None of the hardware or software is owned by you, it is provided by the Cloud Providers. All this is managed by the Cloud Providers.
Private Cloud is used exclusively for a local or outsource it to other cloud providers. It depends only and only on private network. People who have access to the network only can access the cloud. Eg:- VM Ware
Hybrid Cloud is a mix of both. It is a way through which you can store data which is sensitive in private network and provide data which can be stored in public, in the Public Cloud. Eg:- NASA.
Cloud Computing Models
There are 3 types of services provided in cloud computing. They are:
- IaaS
- PaaS
- SaaS
IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service)
In IaaS or infrastructure as a service, the user rents the service and pays for it base don an early basis. We may or may not have root level access, which depends the provider. eg:- AWS
PaaS (Platform as a Service)
In PaaS, the provider gives you a pre-built platform where you can deploy your applications and the user can run these applications through codes, programming languages, etc. The provider manages the infrastructure, and the user has to manage the codes. eg:- Google Cloud
SaaS (Software as a Service)
In SaaS, the provider directly sells the product and we buy the software or the application base on a subscription basis. The client maintains control of the application and does not maintain any hardware/equipment. We pay based on the time we use the service. We do not use any infrastructure of platform, only the software. eg:- Microsoft 365
Thank You,
Aniruddha K.P.
References:
(1) Simplilearn
(2)
Forbes
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(3) Medium
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(4) Swift Systems
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