The Yenepoya Institute of Arts, Science, Commerce and Management

A Constituent Unit of Yenepoya (Deemed to be University

COURSE NAME-Foundations in Cloud Computing

Introduction to Cloud Computing

Cloud computing means storing and accessing the data and programs on remote
servers that are hosted on the internet instead of the computer’s hard drive or local
server.

Key characteristics of cloud computing

1. On-Demand Self-Service: Users can provision and manage computing resources as

needed, without requiring human intervention from the service provider.

2. Broad Network Access: Cloud services are accessible over the internet from a variety of
devices, such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets.

3. Resource Pooling: Computing resources are pooled and shared among multiple users,
with dynamic allocation based on demand .

4. Rapid Elasticity: Cloud resources can be quickly and easily scaled up or down to
accommodate changes in demand. This provides flexibility and cost-effectiveness.

5. Measured Service( pay-as-you-go model): Cloud computing resources are metered, and
 users pay for the specific amount of resources they consume.

History of Cloud Computing

The concept of Cloud Computing came into existence in the year 1950 with implementation
of mainframe computers, accessible via thin/static clients. Since then, cloud computing has
been evolved from static clients to dynamic ones and from software to services. The
following diagram explains the evolution of cloud computing

Types of cloud

Public Cloud
Public clouds are owned and operated by third-party cloud service providers. These providers
make computing resources, such as virtual machines and storage, available to the general
public over the internet. Eg: Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure.

Private cloud
The private cloud allows systems and services to be accessible within an organization. It is
more secured. They can be hosted on-premises or by a third-party provider. Examples:
VMware Cloud, OpenStack.

Community cloud
The community cloud allows systems and services to be accessible by a group of
organizations with similar needs. Eg Cloud services developed for specific industries or
research communities

Hybrid cloud
The hybrid cloud is a mixture of public and private cloud, It facilitates a balance between
cost efficiency and security.Eg: A company may run critical workloads on a private cloud
while using a public cloud for less sensitive tasks.
Architecture of Cloud Computing
The architecture of the cloud computing is the combination of the SOA (Service Oriented
Architecture) and EDA (Event Driven Architecture). The architecture of the cloud computing
of two parts .
• Frontend
• Backend

1.Frontend :
Frontend of the cloud architecture refers to the client side of cloud computing system. It
contains all the user interfaces and applications which are used by the client to access the
cloud computing services/resources. For example, use of a web browser to access the cloud
platform.
• Client Infrastructure – Client Infrastructure is a part of the frontend
component. It contains the applications and user interfaces which are required to
access the cloud platform.
2. Backend :
Backend refers to the cloud itself. It contains the resources as well as manages the resources
and provides security mechanisms. Along with this, it includes huge storage, virtual
applications, virtual machines etc

1. Application
Application in backend refers to a software or platform to which client accesses.
2. Service
Service in backend refers to the major three types of cloud based services
like SaaS, PaaS and IaaS. Also manages which type of service the user accesses.
 3. Runtime Cloud
Runtime cloud in backend provides the execution and Runtime
platform/environment to the Virtual machine.
4. Storage
Storage in backend provides flexible and scalable storage service and
management of stored data.
5. Infrastructure
Cloud Infrastructure in backend refers to the hardware and software components
of cloud like it includes servers, storage, network devices, virtualization
software etc.
6. Management
Management in backend refers to management of backend components like
application, service, runtime cloud, storage, infrastructure, and other security
mechanisms etc.
7. Security
Security in backend refers to implementation of different security mechanisms in
the backend for secure cloud resources, systems, files, and infrastructure to end-
users.
8. Internet–
Internet connection acts as the medium or a bridge between frontend and
backend and establishes the interaction and communication between frontend
and backend.

Benefits of Cloud Computing Architecture :

• Makes overall cloud computing system simpler.
• Improves data processing requirements.
• Helps in providing high security..
• Results in better disaster recovery.
• Provides high level reliability.
• Scalability.

Cloud computing infrastructure

Cloud computing infrastructure refers to the physical and virtual components that collectively
provide computing resources and services over the internet.
Cloud infrastructure is categorized into three parts in general i.e.
1. Computing
2. Networking
3. Storage

The most important point is that cloud infrastructure should have some basic infrastructural
constraints like transparency, scalability, security and intelligent monitoring etc.
 Components of Cloud Infrastructure

Hypervisor :

➢ Hypervisor is a firmware or a low level program which is a key to enable

virtualization.
➢ It is used to divide and allocate cloud resources between several customers.
➢ It monitors and manages cloud services/resources that’s why hypervisor is called as
VMM (Virtual Machine Monitor) or (Virtual Machine Manager).
2. Management Software :

➢ Management software helps in maintaining and configuring the infrastructure.

➢ Cloud management software monitors and optimizes resources, data, applications
and services.
3. Deployment Software :
➢ Deployment software helps in deploying and integrating the application on the
cloud.
➢ So, typically it helps in building a virtual computing environment.
4. Network :
➢ It is one of the key component of cloud infrastructure which is responsible for
connecting cloud services over the internet.
➢ For the transmission of data and resources externally and internally network is must
required.
5. Server :
➢ Server which represents the computing portion of the cloud infrastructure is
responsible for managing and delivering cloud services for various services and
partners, maintaining security etc.
6. Storage :
➢ Storage represents the storage facility which is provided to different organizations
for storing and managing data.
➢ It provides a facility of extracting another resource if one of the resource fails as
it keeps many copies of storage.

Merits of Cloud Computing

1) Back-up and restore data

Once the data is stored in the cloud, it is easier to get back-up and restore that data using the
cloud.

2) Improved collaboration
Cloud applications improve collaboration by allowing groups of people to quickly and easily
share information in the cloud via shared storage.

3) Excellent accessibility
Cloud allows us to quickly and easily access store information anywhere, anytime in the
whole world, using an internet connection.

4) Low maintenance cost

Cloud computing reduces both hardware and software maintenance costs for organizations.

5) Mobility
Cloud computing allows us to easily access all cloud data via mobile.

6)Services in the pay-per-use model

Cloud computing offers Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) to the users for access
services on the cloud and pays the charges as per the usage of service.

7) Unlimited storage capacity

Cloud offers us a huge amount of storing capacity for storing our important data such as
documents, images, audio, video, etc. in one place.

8) Data security
Data security is one of the biggest advantages of cloud computing. Cloud offers many
advanced features related to security and ensures that data is securely stored and handled.

Cloud service models

The service models are categorized into three basic models:
1) Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)
2) Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS)
3) Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS)

1) Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)
➢ SaaS is known as 'On-Demand Software'.
➢ It is a software distribution model. In this model, the applications are hosted by a
cloud service provider and publicized to the customers over internet.
➢ In SaaS, associated data and software are hosted centrally on the cloud server.
➢ User can access SaaS by using a thin client through a web browser.
➢ CRM, Office Suite, Email, games, etc. are the software applications which are
provided as a service through Internet.
➢ The companies like Google, Microsoft provide their applications as a service to the
end users.
Advantages of SaaS

➢ SaaS is easy to buy because the pricing of SaaS is based on monthly or annual fee and
it allows the organizations to access business functionalities at a small cost, which is
less than licensed applications
➢ SaaS needed less hardware, because the software is hosted remotely, hence
organizations do not need to invest in additional hardware.
➢ Less maintenance cost is required for SaaS and do not require special software or
hardware versions.

Disadvantages of SaaS

➢ SaaS applications are totally dependent on Internet connection. They are not usable
without Internet connection.
➢ It is difficult to switch amongst the SaaS vendors.

2) Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS)

➢ PaaS is a programming platform for developers. This platform is generated for the
programmers to create, test, run and manage the applications.
➢ A developer can easily write the application and deploy it directly into PaaS layer.
➢ PaaS gives the runtime environment for application development and deployment
tools.
➢ Google Apps Engine(GAE), Windows Azure, SalesForce.com are the examples of
PaaS.

Advantages of PaaS
➢ PaaS is easier to develop. Developer can concentrate on the development and
innovation without worrying about the infrastructure.
➢ In PaaS, developer only requires a PC and an Internet connection to start building
applications.

Disadvantages of PaaS

➢ One developer can write the applications as per the platform provided by PaaS vendor
hence the moving the application to another PaaS vendor is a problem.

3) Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS)

➢ IaaS is a way to deliver a cloud computing infrastructure like server, storage, network
and operating system.
➢ The customers can access these resources over cloud computing platform i.e Internet
as an on-demand service.
➢ In IaaS, complete resources can be purchased rather than purchasing server, software,
datacenter space or network equipment.
➢ Example:AWS EC2,Microsoft Azure Virtual Machine
Advantages of IaaS
➢ In IaaS, user can dynamically choose a CPU, memory storage configuration according
to need
➢ Users can easily access the vast computing power available on IaaS Cloud platform.

Disadvantages of IaaS
➢ IaaS cloud computing platform model is dependent on availability of Internet and
virtualization services.

Obstacles in Cloud Computing

Some of the common obstacles include:

1. Security Concerns
Organizations may have concerns about the security and privacy of their data when
stored in the cloud. Issues such as unauthorized access, data breaches, and compliance
with regulations can be challenging.

.
2.Downtime and Reliability
Reliance on internet connectivity can be a concern, as disruptions in network
connectivity may impact access to cloud services.

3.Service Outages
While cloud providers strive for high availability, occasional service outages can
occur, affecting the accessibility of applications and data.

4.Vendor Lock-In
Some organizations may feel locked into a specific cloud provider's ecosystem,
limiting their ability to easily switch between providers or move applications back to
on-premises infrastructure.

5.Limited Customization
Certain cloud services may have limitations on customization, making it challenging
for organizations with specific or unique requirements.

6.Data Transfer and Bandwidth Limitations

The cost associated with data transfer and bandwidth usage can become a concern
for organizations with high data transfer requirements.

7.Data Portability
Moving data between different cloud providers or between on-premises and cloud
environments can be complex

Vulnerabilities in cloud computing:

Cloud vulnerabilities refer to weaknesses or flaws in the security architecture or

implementation of cloud computing environments that could be exploited by malicious
actors.
 1. Data Breaches
➢ Inadequate access controls, weak authentication, or compromised credentials can lead
to unauthorized access to sensitive data stored in the cloud.
➢ Improperly implemented encryption measures can expose data to interception during
transmission or while at rest.

2. Insecure Interfaces and APIs

➢ Weaknesses in the security of application programming interfaces (APIs) can be
exploited, allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access to cloud .
➢ Flaws in the design or implementation of cloud interfaces may expose organizations
to various security risks.

3. Insufficient Identity, Credential, and Access Management (ICAM)

➢ Inadequate authentication mechanisms, poor password policies, or the lack of multi-
factor authentication can lead to compromised user credentials.
➢ Improperly configured access controls may allow unauthorized users to access or
modify sensitive resources.
4. Data Loss
Inadequate data backup and recovery mechanisms can result in data loss due to
accidental deletion or system failures

5.Insecure Configurations
Improperly configured cloud services can create security vulnerabilities.Using default
settings can expose systems to known vulnerabilities that attackers may exploit.

6.Denial of Service (DoS) Attacks:

Cloud resources can become targets for DoS attacks, leading to service disruptions
or downtime.
7.Physical Security Concerns:
Unauthorized physical access can lead to data breaches or service disruptions.

Challenges in Cloud Computing

1. Security:
The data on the cloud should be handled safely and securely. The service
provider must manage the data with proper security mechanisms to avoid data
breaches, account hacking, etc.

2. Lack of Experience:
With the increase in demand for cloud services, there is more requirement for
skilled workers who have good hands-on experience with cloud computing tools
and techniques. The firms need to be trained IT staff to minimize these
challenges.

3. Internet Connectivity:
To access cloud applications and resources, one must have good internet
connectivity. But small businesses need to invest money for good internet
connection because internet downtime may affect the business performance.

4.Portability
 This is another challenge to cloud computing that applications should easily be
migrated from one cloud provider to another. There must not be vendor lock-in.

5.Performance:
The performance of Cloud computing solutions depends on the vendors who offer
these services to clients, and if a Cloud vendor goes down, the business gets
affected too.

6.Reliability and Availability:

Cloud must be reliable and accessible as many people working remotely may
access the data from different locations.

7.Interoperability
It means the application on one platform should be able to incorporate services from
the other platforms. It is made possible via web services, but developing such web
services is very complex.

Practical Applications of Cloud

1.Big Data Analytics

Cloud platforms offer the computational power and storage needed for processing and
analyzing large datasets.

2.Internet of Things (IoT)

IoT devices generate vast amounts of data. Cloud computing provides the infrastructure to
collect, process, and analyse this data, enabling real-time insights and decision-making.

3.Development and Testing

Development teams can use cloud services to provision virtual environments for coding,
testing

4.Collaboration Tools
Cloud-based collaboration tools facilitate real-time communication, document sharing,
and project collaboration among remote teams.

5.Disaster Recovery
Organizations can use the cloud for backup and recovery solutions, ensuring data
resilience and minimizing downtime in the event of a disaster or system failure.

6.Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence

Cloud providers offer machine learning and AI services.