Cloud Computing Chapter 03
Cloud Computing Chapter 03
Learning Objectives
Define and describe the PaaS model. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of PaaS solutions. List and describe several real-world PaaS solutions. List and describe cloud-based database solutions and describe their advantages. Discuss the development history that led to PaaS.
PaaS Advantages
Developers eliminate the need to buy and maintain hardware, and the need to install and manage operating system and database software. Because the computing resources no longer reside in the data center, but rather in the cloud, the resources can scale on demand and the company can pay for only resources it consumes. Further, because PaaS eliminates the developers need to worry about servers, they can more quickly deploy their web-based solutions.
PaaS Disadvantages
Some developers and administrators want finer control over the underlying systems (versions, patch releases/applications, )
Mainframe Computing
Large capital investment for data-center-based computers Large, expensive disk and tape storage systems that often provided only limited storage capacity User interface to the system provided through dumb terminals Limited computernetwork interconnectivity System security maintained through physical security (few users had direct access to the computer hardware)
Mainframe Computer
Tower-Based Servers
Large physical footprint Considerable heat generation and power consumption
ISP Advantages
Reduced cost: The ISP provided the high-speed, high-bandwidth Internet connection, which it shared across several companies. Less server administration: The ISP managed the servers to which developers uploaded their solutions. Less hardware to purchase and maintain: The ISP purchased and managed the hardware and managed the infrastructure software, such as the operating system.
Blade Computers
Reduced server footprint Reduced power consumption and heat generation
Benefits of PaaS
By shifting computing resources from an on-site data center to the cloud, PaaS solutions offer:
Lower total cost of ownership: Companies no longer need to purchase and maintain expensive hardware for servers, power, and data storage. Lower administration overhead: Companies shift the burden of system software administration from in-house administration to employees of the cloud provider.
Disadvantages of PaaS
Potential disadvantages of PaaS solutions include:
Concerns about data security: Some companies are hesitant to move their data storage off-site. Challenges to integrating cloud solutions with legacy software: A company may need to support on-site solutions as well as cloud-based solutions. Communication between the two application types may be difficult to impossible. Risk of breach by the PaaS provider: If the company providing the PaaS service fails to meet agreed-upon service levels, performance, security, and availability may be at risk, and moving the application may be difficult.
Key Terms
Chapter Review
1. Define and describe PaaS. 2. List the benefits of PaaS solutions. 3. Describe potential disadvantages of PaaS. 4. Describe how a cloud-based database management system differs from an on-site database. 5. List the computing resources normally provided with a PaaS.