Module 2 – Cloud Computing – Anand Lotia

The concept of data security in the cloud is a well-known one. It is crucial to emphasize that data

is not just stored, but safeguarded in the cloud, thanks to the robust security measures it offers,

including its own backup system. Moreover, it's important to stress that once data is stored in the

cloud, it is designed to remain there indefinitely, providing a sense of security and reliability.

The concept of cloud computing, a technology that has the potential to revolutionize the way we

store and access data, dates to the 1950s and 1960s, although there is some debate about its exact

origins. Some attribute the beginnings of cloud computing to the visionary work of computer

scientist J.C.R. Licklider on ARPANET in the 1960s, which aimed to facilitate global

connections between people and data. Others argue that the 1990s marked the start of cloud

computing, as telecommunications companies began adopting Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)

instead of traditional point-to-point data connections. This transformative potential of cloud

computing is what inspires us to explore its capabilities further.

Today, the landscape of Cloud computing is marked by the commanding presence of Amazon,

Microsoft, and Google, who collectively control a staggering 87% of the market. Their influence

and innovation have reshaped the way we interact with data, underscoring the significance of

their contributions to the technological world.

The adoption of cloud computing has been rapid and widespread, with organizations embracing

it for various reasons. Some key reasons for the adoption of cloud computing include the ability

to quickly implement new services, eliminate upfront costs, easily scale resources on demand,

enable access from anywhere, enhance security measures, and implement out-of-the-box disaster

recovery solutions. These factors have led organizations to move away from traditional on-

premises servers and transition to cloud-based solutions.

The shift from "Knowledge is power" to "Data is money" reflects the increasing importance of

data in today's business landscape. With a wealth of customer transaction and business process

data at our fingertips, there is a treasure trove of valuable insights waiting to be unearthed.

Cloud applications that come equipped with advanced analytics tools provide a comprehensive

and in-depth view of your data, enabling you to derive actionable insights.

For example, Sunny Delight managed to boost its annual profits by an impressive $2 million and

reduce staffing costs by $195,000 by leveraging cloud-based business insights.

The global cloud computing market was estimated at $602 billion in 2023 and is expected to

grow at a CAGR of 21.2% from 2024 to 2030. The market is rapidly expanding due to a

combination of factors. Large enterprises are recognizing the positive impact of cloud

computing. By transitioning to the cloud, they can streamline operations, enhance agility, and

achieve new levels of efficiency, resulting in substantial performance improvements across the

organization. With a major shift in cloud, the market is growing year over year, which can be

seen from the graph below.

The dynamic and wide-ranging domain of cloud computing is characterized by its ability to

seamlessly integrate with new technologies and continuously influence a multitude of industries.
 Module 2 – Cloud Computing – Anand Lotia

The advancements in technology such as cloud AI as a service, which involves the delivery of AI

capabilities through cloud-based platforms, and Edge Computing integrated with cloud services,

where data is processed closer to the source, have significantly transformed the technological

landscape. In addition, the increasing adoption of automation and orchestration, as well as the

emergence of serverless computing, has revolutionized the way businesses approach IT

infrastructure.

Furthermore, the shift towards hybrid multi-cloud solutions, sustainable infrastructure, and the

rise of low-code/no-code cloud-native development tools have further contributed to these

paradigm shifts in technology. These developments have not only enhanced operational

efficiency and flexibility but have also facilitated the creation of more sustainable and scalable

IT ecosystems.

The different cloud computing service models provide a wide range of options to cater to specific

business requirements. These include Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), which grants fine-

grained control over infrastructure; Platform as a Service (PaaS) for simplified application

development; software as a Service (SaaS) for ready-to-use software solutions, and Serverless

computing for efficient, event-driven application development without the need for infrastructure

management. Organizations can choose the most suitable model based on their individual needs

and preferences.

The cloud computing industry has experienced significant growth over the years. Back in 2013,

global spending on cloud services reached an estimated $47 billion. This figure is expected to

more than double to over $108 billion by 2017 as businesses continue to heavily invest in cloud

services to develop new and competitive offerings.

Reference

 (2023, March 2). Cloud Computing Guide.

https://www.salesforce.com/in/cloudcomputing/#:~:text=Cloud

%20computing%20is%20the%20on,for%20the%20services%20they

%20use.

 BasuMallick, C. (2021, February 21). What Is Cloud Computing?

Definition, Benefits, Types, and Trends.

https://www.spiceworks.com/tech/cloud/articles/what-is-cloud-

computing/

 BasuMallick, C. (2021, February 21). AI Cloud Computing.

https://h2o.ai/wiki/ai-in-cloud-computing/