cloud
cloud
Key points:
- On-demand availability: Resources can be accessed whenever needed without human intervention.
- Internet-based services: Resources and services are provided over the internet.
Example: Instead of setting up your own physical servers, you can rent computing power from
providers like Amazon Web Services (AWS) or Microsoft Azure.
- On-Demand Self-Service: Users can provision resources, such as processing power, without needing
human interaction with the service provider.
- Broad Network Access: Services are available over the network and accessed through standard
mechanisms (e.g., mobile phones, laptops).
- Resource Pooling: The provider’s resources are pooled to serve multiple users using a multi-tenant
model, with different physical and virtual resources assigned dynamically.
- Measured Service: Cloud systems automatically control and optimize resource use by leveraging a
metering capability. Resources are monitored, controlled, and reported to provide transparency for
both the provider and consumer.
- Public Cloud: Services are delivered over the public internet and shared across organizations.
Examples include AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure.
- Private Cloud: Services are maintained on a private network. It offers enhanced security and
control but can be more costly. An organization may manage it internally or outsource it.
- Hybrid Cloud: A combination of public and private clouds, where services and data can move
between the two environments to offer greater flexibility and optimization.
- Software as a Service (SaaS): Delivers fully functional software over the internet. Users can access
the software via a web browser without needing to manage the underlying infrastructure. Examples:
Google Workspace, Salesforce.
- Disaster Recovery: Cloud providers often include backup and recovery services, improving data
security.
- Automatic Updates: Cloud providers handle software and security updates automatically.
- Compliance Issues: Organizations need to ensure that their cloud use complies with industry
regulations (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA).
- Limited Control: Users rely on the provider for performance and management, and may not have
full control over the infrastructure.
- Big Data Analytics: It provides the infrastructure for processing and analyzing massive data sets.
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: Cloud platforms offer the computing power needed for
AI/ML tasks.
- Content Streaming: Platforms like Netflix and Spotify leverage cloud computing for content
delivery.
- IoT (Internet of Things): Cloud is essential for managing IoT data and connecting devices globally.
- Edge Computing: A distributed computing model that brings data storage and computation closer
to the data source.
- AI and Machine Learning Integration: Cloud providers are integrating AI and machine learning to
offer intelligent services.
Conclusion
Cloud computing has revolutionized how organizations handle IT resources, offering flexibility, cost-
efficiency, and scalability. As it continues to evolve, it will play a significant role in shaping future
technologies like AI, IoT, and edge computing.
1. Security in Cloud Computing: Discuss how encryption and multi-factor authentication are used to
protect data.
2. Comparing Cloud Providers: Explore the differences between AWS, Google Cloud, and Azure.
3. Real-Life Application: Ask students to think about services they use (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox)
and how cloud technology makes these services possible.