Basic Foundation Cloud Course Material

Introduction to Cloud Computing

Cloud computing is revolutionizing the way organizations operate by enabling access

to various computing resources through the internet, eliminating the need for physical
infrastructure and empowering businesses to scale seamlessly. Below is a detailed
explanation of its core components:

1. What is Cloud Computing?

Cloud computing refers to the delivery of a wide range of computing services over the
internet, commonly referred to as “the cloud.” These services include servers,
storage, databases, networking, software, and analytics, allowing users to access
resources on demand without the need for owning or maintaining physical hardware.

Key Benefits:

• Cost Efficiency: Reduces the need for upfront investment in hardware and
allows pay-as-you-go pricing models.
• Scalability: Instantly adjusts resources to meet fluctuating demands.
• Flexibility: Provides global accessibility to resources anytime, anywhere.
• Accessibility: Enables seamless collaboration and real-time access to
information from multiple devices.

2. Types of Cloud Services

Cloud computing is broadly categorized into three service models, each catering to
specific needs:

1. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS):

o Provides virtualized computing resources such as servers, networks,
and storage over the internet.
o Example: Amazon EC2, Microsoft Azure Virtual Machines.
o Use Case: Hosting applications, storing data, or disaster recovery.
2. Platform as a Service (PaaS):
o Delivers hardware and software tools required for application
development.
o Example: AWS Elastic Beanstalk, Google App Engine.
o Use Case: Developers can focus on building and deploying
applications without worrying about managing underlying
infrastructure.
3. Software as a Service (SaaS):
o Offers fully functional software applications delivered over the
internet.
o Example: Google Workspace, Salesforce, Microsoft 365.
o Use Case: Users can access applications on a subscription basis
without worrying about maintenance or updates.
3. Cloud Deployment Models

Cloud computing offers multiple deployment models tailored to meet varying

organizational requirements:

1. Public Cloud:
o Resources are shared among multiple users (tenants) and managed by a
third-party provider.
o Example: Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, Google
Cloud Platform.
o Use Case: Ideal for startups and small businesses looking for cost-
effective solutions.
2. Private Cloud:
o Exclusive cloud infrastructure for a single organization, offering
enhanced security and control.
o Example: VMware vSphere, IBM Cloud Private.
o Use Case: Organizations with strict compliance and security needs,
such as banks or healthcare providers.
3. Hybrid Cloud:
o Combines the features of public and private clouds, enabling data and
applications to move between them.
o Example: AWS Outposts, Microsoft Azure Stack.
o Use Case: Businesses requiring a mix of on-premises control and
public cloud flexibility.

Introduction to AWS (Amazon Web Services)

1. What is AWS?

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the world’s leading cloud service provider, offering
a comprehensive suite of cloud-based products and services designed to meet the
needs of businesses, developers, and organizations of all sizes. AWS delivers flexible,
reliable, scalable, and cost-efficient cloud solutions globally.

Key Features of AWS Services:

• Compute Power: Offers resources to run virtual machines (e.g., EC2),

serverless functions (e.g., Lambda), and containerized workloads (e.g., ECS,
EKS).
• Storage Solutions: Provides scalable storage options, such as Amazon S3 for
object storage and EBS for block storage.
• Machine Learning: Empowers users with tools like Amazon SageMaker for
building, training, and deploying machine learning models.
• Database Services: Offers various databases like relational (RDS), NoSQL
(DynamoDB), and data warehousing (Redshift).

AWS serves diverse industries, enabling organizations to focus on innovation without

worrying about infrastructure management.
Core AWS Services Overview

1. Compute Services

AWS provides robust compute solutions to meet diverse application hosting and
deployment needs.

• Amazon EC2 (Elastic Compute Cloud):

o Highly scalable virtual servers for hosting applications.
o Flexible instance types and pricing models, including On-Demand,
Reserved, and Spot Instances.
o Ideal for running web servers, databases, and distributed applications.
• AWS Lambda:
o A serverless computing service that lets you run code without
provisioning or managing servers.
o Automatically scales based on demand.
o Best suited for real-time file processing, backend development, and
building microservices.

2. Storage Services

AWS storage services are designed to cater to various needs, from high-speed
transactional storage to long-term data archiving.

• Amazon S3 (Simple Storage Service):

o Secure, scalable, and durable object storage.
o Commonly used for storing and retrieving large amounts of
unstructured data.
• Amazon EBS (Elastic Block Store):
o High-performance block storage for use with Amazon EC2.
o Provides persistent storage for databases, file systems, and enterprise
applications.
• Amazon Glacier:
o Cost-efficient solution for archiving infrequently accessed data.
o Supports long-term backup and regulatory compliance.

3. Database Services

AWS offers managed database solutions for both relational and non-relational data.

• Amazon RDS (Relational Database Service):

o Fully managed relational database supporting popular engines like
MySQL, PostgreSQL, and Oracle.
o Automates administrative tasks like backups and patching.
• Amazon DynamoDB:
o NoSQL database designed for high-speed and low-latency
applications.
o Fully managed with seamless scalability.
4. Networking Services

AWS networking services ensure secure, fast, and efficient connectivity between
resources.

• Amazon VPC (Virtual Private Cloud):

o Creates isolated environments for securely managing resources.
o Customizable subnets, route tables, and security groups for granular
control.
• AWS CloudFront:
o A content delivery network (CDN) that delivers data, applications, and
videos globally with low latency.
o Provides enhanced security through integration with AWS Shield and
SSL/TLS encryption.

Key Cloud Concepts

1. Scalability and Elasticity

• Scalability:
o The ability to add resources to handle increased workloads efficiently.
o Example: Adding more EC2 instances during traffic surges.
• Elasticity:
o Dynamically adjusts resources to match demand.
o Example: Automatically scaling down unused resources during low
activity.

2. Shared Responsibility Model

AWS and users share responsibility for security in the cloud:

• AWS secures the underlying infrastructure, such as physical servers and data
centers.
• Users secure applications, data, and configurations within the cloud.

3. High Availability and Fault Tolerance

• High Availability:
o Designed to ensure minimal downtime through multi-AZ deployments
and load balancing.
• Fault Tolerance:
o Systems remain operational even when components fail.
o Achieved through redundancy and automated recovery mechanisms.
Understanding Cloud Economics

1. AWS Pricing Philosophy

AWS’s flexible pricing model ensures cost efficiency for all users.

• Pay-as-you-go Model:
o Pay only for the resources you consume without upfront investments.
• Discounts:
o Cost savings for Reserved Instances or long-term usage contracts.

2. Cost Management Tools

AWS offers tools to help users manage and monitor costs effectively:

• AWS Billing and Cost Management Dashboard: Provides a detailed view

of usage and costs.
• AWS Pricing Calculator: Allows users to estimate costs based on their
requirements.

Security Basics

1. AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM)

IAM ensures controlled access to AWS resources through robust authentication

mechanisms:

• Policies and Permissions: Define what actions users and services can
perform.
• Features: Multi-factor authentication (MFA), role-based access, and
temporary credentials.

2. Data Security

AWS emphasizes the highest security standards for data protection:

• Encryption: Ensures data is secure both at rest and in transit.

• Compliance and Audits: Regular security assessments to meet industry
standards like GDPR and HIPAA.