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Introduction To Cloud Computing

In this article, we will discuss cloud computing.

System Resources

First, it is important to understand the term Resource. Resources are the physical (storage) or virtual (software) components available within the computer system.

How To Own A Resource?

There are 2 ways to own a resource: -

Purchase every component (Pay cost upfront)
Rent a resource and pay based on the usage like utility services (electricity, gas, and water)

Cloud Computing

Cloud computing means renting the system resources from different vendors like Microsoft, Google, Amazon, etc.

You pay the vendors based on usage. So, this cloud computing is an on-demand or pay-as-you-go model.

Categories Of Cloud Computing

Cloud computing comes in the following categories: -

Platform As A Service (PAAS)
Software As A Service (SAAS)
Infrastructure As A Service (IAAS)
Mobile backend as a service (MBaaS)
Serverless computing
Function as a service (FaaS)

Real-World Analogy Of Cloud Computing Categories

Consider a scenario where you want to move from one location to another location.

Picture showing the analogy of cloud computing category with real world analogy

Click to Enlarge

You have three options

Option	Analogous to
Drive your own car - You have the flexibility of taking the route you want.You have to take care of the right route and the traffic signals	IAAS. Because you are required to manage the infrastructure.Example - Virtual Machine
Book a cab - You don’t have to worry about the routes and traffic signals.You have the flexibility to ask the cab driver to move the cab beyond your destination.	PAAS. Because you aren't required to manage the infrastructure. You can build and deploy your application.Example - App service.
Use public transport like bus. The public transport has a fixed path and you don’t have any option for any route change.	SAAS. Because you can use the application created by the vendor. You don’t have the option for any customization. Example - Gmail, Dropbox etc.

Types Of Cloud Network

There are three types of cloud network.

Private cloud
1. The computing services specifically offered to the specific organization is called private cloud.
2. These are more secure as compared to public or hybrid clouds.
3. Computed infrastructure is hosted on premises.
4. Company IT department is accountable for managing the cost of the private cloud server.
Public cloud
1. These are the computing services offered by third party providers over the internet.
2. Public cloud is deployed faster than the private cloud.
Hybrid cloud
1. This type of environment combines private and public clouds and shares application and data between them.
2. In this service, basic and non-sensitive data is handled by the public cloud. Whereas sensitive data is handled by private clouds hosted on premises.
Community model
1. This is similar to the private network. In this model, one organization owns a network and other organizations who are working for the common goal share the resources.

Posted By -	Karan Gupta

Posted On -	Tuesday, September 22, 2020

Updated On -	Monday, September 13, 2021

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