CLOUD COMPUTING

 Cloud computing:
Cloud computing means storing and accessing the data on remote server which
is hosted on internet rather than on the local servers or computer hard drives.
Cloud computing is also referred to as internet-based computing. It is a
technology where the resource is provided as a service through the Internet to
the user. The data that is stored can be files, images, documents, or any other
storable document.

 Features of CC:
1. Resources Pooling
Resource pooling is one of the essential features of cloud computing. Resource
pooling means that a cloud service provider can share resources among
multiple clients, each providing a different set of services according to their
needs. It is a multi-client strategy that can be applied to data storage,
processing and bandwidth-delivered services. The administration process of
allocating resources in real-time does not conflict with the client's experience.
2. On-Demand Self-Service
It is one of the important and essential features of cloud computing. This
enables the client to continuously monitor server uptime, capabilities and
allocated network storage. This is a fundamental feature of cloud computing,
and a customer can also control the computing capabilities according to their
needs.
3. Easy Maintenance
This is one of the best cloud features. Servers are easily maintained, and
downtime is minimal or sometimes zero. Cloud computing powered resources
often undergo several updates to optimize their capabilities and potential.
Updates are more viable with devices and perform faster than previous
versions.
4. Scalability And Rapid Elasticity
A key feature and advantage of cloud computing is its rapid scalability. This
cloud feature enables cost-effective handling of workloads that require a large
number of servers but only for a short period. Many customers have workloads
that can be run very cost-effectively due to the rapid scalability of cloud
computing.

5. Economical
This cloud feature helps in reducing the IT expenditure of the organizations. In
cloud computing, clients need to pay the administration for the space used by
them. There is no cover-up or additional charges that need to be paid.
Administration is economical, and more often than not, some space is allocated
for free.
6. Measured And Reporting Service
Reporting Services is one of the many cloud features that make it the best
choice for organizations. The measurement and reporting service is helpful for
both cloud providers and their customers. This enables both the provider and
the customer to monitor and report which services have been used and for
what purposes. It helps in monitoring billing and ensuring optimum utilization
of resources.
7. Security
Data security is one of the best features of cloud computing. Cloud services
make a copy of the stored data to prevent any kind of data loss. If one server
loses data by any chance, the copied version is restored from the other server.
This feature comes in handy when multiple users are working on a particular
file in real-time, and one file suddenly gets corrupted.
8. Automation
Automation is an essential feature of cloud computing. The ability of cloud
computing to automatically install, configure and maintain a cloud service is
known as automation in cloud computing. In simple words, it is the process of
making the most of the technology and minimizing the manual effort. However,
achieving automation in a cloud ecosystem is not that easy. This requires the
installation and deployment of virtual machines, servers, and large storage. On
successful deployment, these resources also require constant maintenance.
9. Resilience
Resilience in cloud computing means the ability of a service to quickly recover
from any disruption. The resilience of a cloud is measured by how fast its
servers, databases and network systems restart and recover from any loss or
damage. Availability is another key feature of cloud computing. Since cloud
services can be accessed remotely, there are no geographic restrictions or
limits on the use of cloud resources.
10. Large Network Access
A big part of the cloud's characteristics is its ubiquity. The client can access
cloud data or transfer data to the cloud from any location with a device and
internet connection. These capabilities are available everywhere in the
organization and are achieved with the help of internet. Cloud providers deliver
that large network access by monitoring and guaranteeing measurements that
reflect how clients access cloud resources and data: latency, access times, data
throughput, and more.

 Benefits of CC:
Flexibility
Cloud computing lets users access files using web-enabled devices such as
smartphones and laptops. The ability to simultaneously share documents and
other files over the Internet can facilitate collaboration between employees.
Cloud services are very easily scalable, so your IT needs can be increased or
decreased depending on the needs of your business.
Work from anywhere
Users of cloud systems can work from any location as long as you have an
Internet connection. Most of the major cloud services offer mobile
applications, so there are no restrictions on what type of device you're using. It
allows users to be more productive by adjusting the system to their work
schedules.
Cost savings
Using web-based services eliminates the need for large expenditures on
implementing and maintaining the hardware. Cloud services work on a pay-as-
you-go subscription model.
Automatic updates
With cloud computing, your servers are off-premises and are the responsibility
of the service provider. Providers update systems automatically, including
security updates. This saves your business time and money from doing it
yourself, which could be better spent focusing on other aspects of your
organization.
Disaster recovery
Cloud-based backup and recovery ensure that your data is secure.
Implementing robust disaster recovery was once a problem for small
businesses, but cloud solutions now provide these organizations with the cost-
effective solutions with the expertise they need. Cloud services save time,
avoid large investments and provide a third party experience for your company.

 Cloud Cost model:

Cloud cost models are the different ways that cloud providers charge you for
using their services. Think of it like choosing a phone plan – there are different
options with varying costs and features, and you need to pick the one that best
fits your needs.
Here's why understanding cloud cost models is important:
 Control your spending: Cloud costs can quickly spiral out of control if
you're not careful. Knowing the different models helps you predict and
manage your expenses.
 Optimize your budget: Choosing the right model can lead to significant
cost savings, allowing you to allocate your resources more effectively.
 Match your needs: Different models suit different types of workloads.
Understanding them helps you pick the best fit for your applications and
projects.
Essentially, cloud cost models are the pricing structures that cloud providers
offer, each with its own way of calculating what you pay.

Types of cloud cost model:

1. Pay-as-you-go (On-demand):
You pay for the compute resources (CPU, memory, storage, etc.) you consume,
billed by the hour, minute, or even second. Think of it like paying for electricity
– you're charged based on how much you use.
 Advantages:
o Flexibility: Ideal for fluctuating workloads, development and
testing, or unpredictable traffic. You can easily scale up or down as
needed.
o Low barrier to entry: No upfront commitment is required, making
it easy to get started with the cloud.
o Cost-effective for short-term or variable workloads: You only pay
for what you use, avoiding overspending on idle resources.
 Disadvantages:
o Can be expensive for consistent, long-term workloads: The per-
unit cost is typically higher than other models. If your usage is
predictable and constant, you'll likely overspend compared to
reserved instances.
o Requires careful monitoring: You need to actively track your usage
to avoid unexpected costs.
2. Reserved Instances (or Reserved Capacity):
You commit to using a specific amount of compute resources for a defined
period (typically one or three years). In exchange for this commitment, you
receive a significant discount compared to on-demand pricing.
 Advantages:
o Significant cost savings: Offers the largest discounts compared to
other models, making it ideal for stable, predictable workloads.
o Predictable pricing: Your costs are more predictable, making
budgeting easier.
 Disadvantages:
o Less flexible: You're locked into the reserved capacity for the term.
If your needs change, you might end up paying for resources you
don't use.
 o Requires upfront commitment: You need to plan your capacity
needs carefully in advance.
o Less suitable for fluctuating workloads: If your usage varies
significantly, you might end up overpaying for unused reserved
capacity.

3. Spot Instances (or Spot Pricing):

You bid on spare compute capacity that the cloud provider has available. If your
bid is higher than the current spot price, you get to use the instances. However,
the cloud provider can reclaim these instances with little notice (typically a 2-
minute warning) if the spot price rises above your bid or if the capacity is
needed elsewhere.
 Advantages:
o Extremely cost-effective: Spot instances can be significantly
cheaper than on-demand or reserved instances.
o Ideal for fault-tolerant workloads: Suitable for applications that
can be interrupted and resumed without significant impact, such
as batch processing, data analysis, or testing.
 Disadvantages:
o Unpredictable availability: Spot instances can be interrupted at
any time, making them unsuitable for critical, time-sensitive
applications.
o Requires careful planning: You need to design your applications to
be resilient to interruptions.
4. Subscription-based (or Software as a Service - SaaS):
You pay a fixed recurring fee (monthly or annually) to access a specific software
application or service. This model is common for cloud-based applications like
CRM, email, or project management tools.
 Advantages:
 o Predictable costs: You know exactly how much you'll be paying
each month or year.
o Easy to budget: Subscription-based pricing simplifies budgeting.
o No infrastructure management: The cloud provider handles all
the underlying infrastructure and maintenance.
 Disadvantages:
o Less flexible: You might be locked into a specific set of features or
usage limits.
o Can be expensive for low usage: If you don't use the service
frequently, you might be paying for more than you need.
5. Savings Plans:
Similar to reserved instances, savings plans offer discounted pricing in
exchange for a commitment. However, instead of committing to specific
instances, you commit to a certain spend amount on compute services. This
gives you more flexibility to change instance types or regions while still
benefiting from the discount.
 Advantages:
o Flexibility: More flexible than reserved instances, as you're not
tied to specific instance types.
o Cost savings: Offers significant discounts compared to on-demand
pricing.
 Disadvantages:
o Requires commitment: You still need to commit to a certain spend
amount.
o Can be complex: Understanding the different savings plan options
can be challenging.
6. Hybrid Models:
Many organizations use a combination of these models to optimize their cloud
costs. For example, they might use reserved instances for their core, stable
workloads, on-demand instances for fluctuating needs, and spot instances for
non-critical tasks.
 Advantages:
o Optimized cost efficiency: Allows you to tailor your cloud
spending to your specific needs.
o Flexibility: Combines the benefits of different models.
 Disadvantages:
o Complexity: Managing a hybrid approach can be more complex
than using a single model.
o Requires careful planning: You need to carefully analyze your
workloads to determine the optimal mix of models.