Cloud Computing provides us means by which we can access the applications as utilities over the internet. It allows us to create, configure and customize the business applications online. This is a big shift from the traditional way businesses think about IT resources.
What is Cloud Computing?
Cloud Computing can be defined as delivering computing power (CPU, RAM, Network Speeds, Storage OS software) a service over a network (usually on the internet) rather than physically having the computing resources at the customer location. Cloud computing is the next stage in evolution of the Internet.
Why Cloud Computing?
With increase in computer and mobile users, data storage has become a priority in all fields. It requires a strong IT support and a storage hub. Not all businesses can afford high cost of in-house IT infrastructure and back up support services. For them Cloud Computing is a cheaper solution.
Advantages of Cloud Computing:
On demand service provisioning: by using Self-service provisioning, customers can easily get cloud services without going through a lengthy process. The customer simply requests an amount of computing, storage, software, process, or other resources from the service provider.
Elasticity: that is simple to add more stuff. Cloud computing provides the ability to scale up and down when additional users are added and when the application requirements change.
Cost reduction: Companies are often challenged to increase the functionality of IT while minimizing capital expenditures. By purchasing just the right amount of IT resources on demand, the organization can avoid purchasing unnecessary equipment.
Application programming interfaces (APIs): Accessibility to software that enables machines to interact with cloud software in the same way the user interface facilitates interaction between humans and computers. Cloud Computing systems typically use REST based APIs.
Disadvantages of Cloud Computing:
- User will not be in full control of data
- User must be online to access to his/her data
- Depended on Provider to access data
- Data Privacy
- Censorship & Human rights
Types of Cloud Computing:
Cloud computing is typically classified in two ways:
1. Location of the Cloud.
A) Public cloud
In Public cloud the computing infrastructure is hosted by the cloud vendor at the vendor’s premises. The customer has no visibility and control over where the computing infrastructure is hosted. The computing infrastructure is shared between any organizations.
B) Private cloud
The computing infrastructure is dedicated to a particular organization and not shared with other organizations. Some experts consider that private clouds are not real examples of cloud computing. Private clouds are more expensive and more secure when compared to public clouds.
C) Hybrid cloud
Organizations may host critical applications on private clouds and applications with relatively less security concerns on the public cloud. The usage of both private and public clouds together is called hybrid cloud.
2. Type of Services Offered
A) Software as a service (SaaS)
includes a complete software offering on the cloud. Users can access a software application hosted by the cloud vendor on pay-per-use basis.
B) Hardware as a service (HaaS)
This is where computing producing capacity is purchased over web.
