MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS (MIS)

MIS 310: Data Communication

An Assignment on
"Cloud & Virtualization Details" and "Cloud computing types"

Submitted to:
Dr. M. Helal Uddin Ahmed
Professor
Department of Management Information Systems (MIS)
Faculty of Business Studies
University of Dhaka.
Submitted By:
Name: Maliha Sultana
Fahim Hasan

ID: 131-16-057
131-16-120
Section: B
A

Batch: MIS 16th

What is Cloud Computing?

Cloud computing refers to the delivery of various services over the internet, including storage,
servers, databases, networking, software, and analytics. Instead of owning physical hardware and
software, users can access these resources as needed from a cloud provider like Amazon Web
Services (AWS), Google Cloud Platform (GCP), or Microsoft Azure.

Key Characteristics of Cloud Computing:

1. On-Demand Self-Service: Users can provision resources as needed without human

interaction with the service provider.
2. Broad Network Access: Resources are available over the network and accessed through
standard mechanisms.
3. Resource Pooling: Providers use a multi-tenant model to serve multiple customers from
the same physical resources.
4. Rapid Elasticity: Resources can be scaled up or down quickly to meet demand.
5. Measured Service: Cloud systems automatically control and optimize resource use by
leveraging a metering capability.

What is Virtualization?

Virtualization is a technology that allows you to create multiple simulated environments or

dedicated resources from a single physical hardware system. Essentially, it’s the creation of a
virtual version of something, such as an operating system, a server, a storage device, or network
resources.

Types of Virtualizations
1. Server Virtualization: Divides a physical server into multiple virtual servers, each
running its own operating system and applications.
2. Desktop Virtualization: Allows users to run multiple desktop environments on a single
physical machine.
 3. Storage Virtualization: Pools physical storage from multiple network storage devices
into a single storage device managed from a central console.
4. Network Virtualization: Combines multiple network resources into a single, software-
based administrative entity.

Cloud Computing and Virtualization: How They Work Together

Cloud computing and virtualization are closely related technologies. Virtualization is the
foundational technology that enables cloud computing. Without virtualization, the flexible,
scalable, and efficient resource allocation that cloud computing offers wouldn't be possible.

In a cloud environment, virtualization allows cloud providers to create multiple virtual machines
from a single physical machine. This is how they can offer various services to numerous
customers simultaneously, ensuring efficient use of their infrastructure.

For instance, when a business subscribes to an IaaS service, they are essentially renting
virtualized hardware from a cloud provider. The provider uses virtualization to divide their
physical servers into smaller, manageable pieces, which are then rented out to different
customers.

Practical Applications

1. Business Continuity: Cloud computing provides businesses with the ability to store and
back up data securely off-site. In case of a disaster, businesses can quickly recover their
data and continue operations with minimal downtime.
2. Application Development: Developers use PaaS to build, test, and deploy applications
without worrying about underlying infrastructure. This speeds up the development
process and allows for more innovative solutions.
3. Remote Work: Virtualization enables remote access to desktops and applications,
facilitating the current trend of remote work. Employees can access their work
environment from anywhere, improving productivity and work-life balance.
 4. Big Data and Analytics: Cloud platforms offer powerful tools for processing and
analyzing large datasets. Businesses can gain valuable insights and make data-driven
decisions without investing in expensive hardware.
5. E-commerce: Online retailers use cloud computing to handle variable traffic loads
efficiently, ensuring a smooth shopping experience for customers during peak times like
holidays or sales events.

Cloud Computing Types

Cloud computing refers to the delivery of computing services over the internet. There are three
main types of cloud computing:

1. Public Cloud: Public clouds provide resources (such as compute power, storage, and
applications) over the internet. These clouds are owned and operated by third-party
providers like Google Cloud. They offer scalability, flexibility, and on-demand access.
2. Private Cloud: Private clouds are built, run, and used by a single organization. They are
typically located on-premises. While private clouds offer greater control and data
security, they come with costs similar to traditional IT environments.
3. Hybrid Cloud: Hybrid clouds combine at least one private computing environment (on-
premises or private cloud) with one or more public clouds. They allow organizations to
leverage resources from different environments based on workload
needs. A multicloud approach, where services come from multiple public or private cloud
providers, is also common.

Cloud Services Models

Within these cloud deployment models, there are four main service models:
 1. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): IaaS provides virtualized computing resources (such
as virtual machines, storage, and networking) over the internet. Users can manage and
control these resources without worrying about physical hardware.
2. Platform as a Service (PaaS): PaaS offers a platform for developers to build, deploy,
and manage applications. It includes tools, frameworks, and runtime environments.
Developers focus on coding, while the underlying infrastructure is handled by the cloud
provider.
3. Software as a Service (SaaS): SaaS delivers software applications over the internet.
Users access these applications through a web browser without needing to install or
maintain them locally. Examples include Gmail, Microsoft 365, and Salesforce.
4. Serverless Computing: Serverless computing allows developers to run code without
managing servers. It automatically scales based on demand, charging only for actual
usage. Functions-as-a-Service (FaaS) is a common serverless model.

Cloud computing and virtualization are transformative technologies that have reshaped the IT
landscape. They offer significant benefits in terms of cost savings, scalability, and efficiency. By
understanding and leveraging these technologies, businesses can enhance their operations,
innovate faster, and stay competitive in an increasingly digital world. However, it is equally
important to address the associated challenges through careful planning and strategic
implementation. As these technologies continue to evolve, their impact on the business and IT
sectors will only grow, making them indispensable tools for future success.