What is cloud?

 The term "cloud" denotes a network or the internet, which is located remotely.
Essentially, the cloud can offer services through various types of networks, whether it's a
public network, a private network like LAN or WAN, or even a VPN.
 LAN, or Local Area Network, connects devices within a limited geographical area, like a
home or office. WAN, or Wide Area Network, covers larger regions, often connecting LANs
across different locations. VPN, or Virtual Private Network, provides secure
communication over public networks, enhancing privacy and security.
 The cloud refers to a remote network of servers that store and manage data, providing
on-demand access via the internet."
 For example, there are some applications such as e-mail, web conferencing, customer
relationship management (CRM) that executes on cloud platforms.

What is cloud computing?

 Cloud computing is a technology that allows users to access and utilize a network of
remote servers over the internet for storage, processing, and application deployment.
 Cloud computing involves the remote management and access of hardware and software
resources.
 It utilizes the internet or a network to store, manage, and access data, eliminating the
need for local storage. This data can encompass various types, including files, images,
documents, audio, and video.
 Cloud computing represents a broad category of networked computing activities
conducted over the internet.
Examples of Cloud Computing Service Providers

 AWS: Amazon Web Services, is a leading cloud computing platform that provides a variety
of cloud services, including computing power, storage, databases, machine learning, and
more. AWS was launched in year 2006.
 Google Cloud: Google Cloud is a cloud computing platform offered by Google, providing
a wide range of cloud services such as computing, storage, machine learning, data
analytics, and more. Google Cloud was launched in year 2009.
 Microsoft Azure: Microsoft Azure is a cloud computing platform and service offered by
Microsoft. It provides a variety of cloud-based services, including virtual machines,
databases, AI and machine learning tools, and more. Microsoft Azure was launched in year
2010.

 Utility Computing
 It is a service model that provides clients with computing resources, including hardware,
software, and network bandwidth, on a flexible, on-demand basis. It allows organizations
to access and utilize these resources as needed, similar to a rental service.
Examples: Electricity Bill, Water Bill, Gas Bill

 Cloud Computing follows the pay-per-use model (Utility Computing). Means we can scale
up and down in capacity and functionalities as per our requirements.

Cloud Computing Architecture

Cloud computing is a comprehensive technology that encompasses various key components,

each component serving unique functions:

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 Server Infrastructure: This is the backbone of cloud computing, providing the
computational power needed for various applications. Servers in the cloud are highly
scalable and can be provisioned or de-provisioned as per demand.
 Virtual Desktop: Cloud-based virtual desktops, also known as Desktop as a Service (DaaS),
allow users to access their desktop environments from anywhere with an internet
connection.
 Software Platforms: Cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud offer PaaS
(Platform as a Service) solutions. These platforms provide a runtime environment for
developers to build, deploy, and manage applications without worrying about the
underlying infrastructure.
 Applications (SaaS): Software as a Service (SaaS) delivers software applications over the
internet on a subscription basis. Users can access these applications through web
browsers, eliminating the need for local installations. Popular examples include Google
Workspace and Microsoft 365.
 Storage Services: Cloud storage solutions offer scalable and cost-effective data storage.
Users can store and retrieve data, files, and media in the cloud. Services like Amazon S3
and Google Cloud Storage are commonly used for this purpose.
 Then digital devices such as mobiles, laptops, printers and computers are connected to
various cloud services via switches, routers, modems over the internet. This diagrams
defines cloud computing architecture.
Operations on Cloud Computing

 Developing new applications and services on the cloud means creating software and
solutions that can be accessed, managed, and scaled remotely via the internet. It allows
developers, even beginners, to build and deploy their programs with ease.
 Storing data on the cloud involves keeping your digital information securely in remote
servers accessible via the internet. It ensures data backup and recovery options.
 Hosting your blogs and websites on the cloud means placing your web content and
applications on remote servers.
 Using the cloud, you can access software applications and tools instantly without installing
them on your local device. This on-demand software delivery simplifies access and
updates, making it convenient for beginners to use latest software resources efficiently.
 Analysing data on the cloud involves processing and gaining insights from large datasets
using cloud-based tools and resources.
 Streaming videos and audios on the cloud allows beginners to easily share and access
multimedia content over the internet in real-time, making it convenient for
entertainment, education, and communication purposes.

Characteristics of Cloud Computing

There are mainly three characteristics of cloud computing

1. Remotely Hosted: It means that all the hardware, software, and data are stored on
remote servers rather than on your local devices. This enables beginners to access and
use these resources from anywhere with an internet connection, providing flexibility and
scalability for various applications and services.
2. Universal: It ensures that users can access their data, applications, and services from
virtually anywhere and on various devices with internet connectivity. This convenience
allows beginners to stay productive and connected, making cloud technology an integral
part of modern computing.
3. Commodified: It means that resources and services are offered in a standardized and
easily accessible manner, much like everyday utilities. This makes cloud technology
beginner-friendly as it simplifies the process of obtaining and using computing resources,
enabling users to focus on their tasks without complex configurations or technical
expertise.
Advantages of Cloud Computing

 Back-up and restore data: Storing data in the cloud enhances the convenience of
performing data backup and recovery procedures seamlessly within the cloud
environment. Efficiently backup and restore data in the cloud for enhanced data security
and recovery.
 Enhanced Collaboration: Cloud applications enhance collaboration by enabling groups to
seamlessly share information through shared cloud-based storage solutions. Cloud
technology promotes enhanced collaboration, providing efficient sharing of information
among groups and individuals.
 Exceptional Accessibility: The cloud provides quick and convenient access to stored
information from anywhere in the world, at any time, with an internet connection. This
internet-based cloud infrastructure enhances organizational productivity and efficiency
by ensuring constant data accessibility.
 Cost-effective maintenance: Cloud computing reduces maintenance costs for both
hardware and software within organizations. Utilizing cloud services leads to cost-
effective maintenance, reducing the burden of hardware and software upkeep.
 Mobility: Cloud computing grants easy access to cloud data via mobile devices, enhancing
flexibility and accessibility. Cloud computing enables mobility, allowing access to data and
applications from anywhere with an internet connection.
 Pay-as-you-go services: Cloud computing offers Application Programming Interfaces
(APIs) that allow users to access services in a pay-as-you-go model, where charges align
with actual service usage. Cloud services often follow a pay-as-you-go model, where users
only pay for the resources they use, making it cost-efficient for businesses and individuals.
 Limitless storage capacity: The cloud offers extensive storage capabilities for managing
critical data such as documents, images, audio, video, and more in a single centralized
location. Cloud offers limitless storage capacity, allowing users to scale up their data
storage needs without physical constraints.
 Data security: One of the most significant advantages of cloud computing is data security.
Cloud services incorporate advanced security features to ensure the safe and secure
storage and management of data. Data security in the cloud is ensured through advanced
encryption and security protocols, protecting sensitive information from unauthorized
access.

Disadvantages of Cloud Computing

 Internet Connectivity: It is general disadvantage of cloud computing. In the era of cloud

computing, all data types, including images, audio, videos, and more, are securely stored
in the cloud. We access these data resources via an internet connection. Good internet
connectivity is crucial for accessing these data assets, as there are no alternative methods
for retrieving data from the cloud.
 Vendor Lock-In: One of the most significant drawbacks of cloud computing is vendor lock-
in. Organizations may encounter challenges when attempting to transition their services
from one cloud vendor to another.
 Limited Control: Cloud infrastructure is exclusively owned, managed, and supervised by
the service provider. Consequently, cloud users have limited control over the functionality
and operation of services within the cloud infrastructure.
 Security Concerns: While cloud service providers adhere to stringent security measures
for safeguarding critical data, it's crucial to recognize that migrating your organization's
 sensitive information to a third-party cloud computing service provider entails potential
security risks. This may expose your data to potential threats, including hacking attempts
by malicious actors.

Types of Cloud / Deployment Models

There are four cloud deployment models.

 Public Cloud: Public cloud services are owned and operated by third-party providers such
as Google Public Cloud and are made accessible to the general public over the internet.
They offer a cost-effective solution for individuals and businesses to access computing
resources, such as servers, storage, and applications, without the need for upfront
infrastructure investment.
 Private Cloud: Private clouds are dedicated and isolated cloud environments that are
designed for a single organization's exclusive use. They can be hosted on-premises or by
a third-party provider. Private clouds offer enhanced control, security, and customization
options, making them ideal for industries with strict compliance requirements, like
healthcare and finance. Private cloud service provider is Microsoft Azure.
 Hybrid Cloud: Hybrid clouds combine best elements of both public and private clouds,
allowing data and applications to be shared between them. This flexibility enables
organizations to take advantage of the scalability and cost-efficiency of public clouds while
keeping sensitive data and critical workloads in a private cloud. Hybrid cloud solutions are
useful for businesses with dynamic computing needs. Hybrid cloud service provider is
Microsoft Azure.
 Community Cloud: Community clouds are shared cloud infrastructures that cater to the
specific needs of a group of organizations or businesses with common interests. These
clouds are cost-effective and enable collaboration among community members while
ensuring data segregation. We can use such type pf cloud for health care community.

1. Public Cloud:
 A public cloud is a shared computing infrastructure and services provided by a third-party
cloud provider, accessible to the general public over the internet.
 The public cloud is a readily accessible platform open to everyone for storing and
retrieving data via the internet, with charges based on actual usage.
 Within the public cloud infrastructure, computing resources are overseen and
administered by the Cloud Service Provider (CSP).
 Public cloud services are owned and operated by third-party providers and are made
accessible to the general public over the internet. They offer a cost-effective solution for
individuals and businesses to access computing resources, such as servers, storage, and
applications, without the need for upfront infrastructure investment. Public clouds are
highly scalable and flexible, making them suitable for various applications.
Examples:

 Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2): It is a prominent public cloud service offered by
Amazon Web Services (AWS). It provides resizable compute capacity in the cloud, allowing
users to launch and manage virtual servers, known as instances
 IBM SmartCloud Enterprise: It is a notable public cloud service from IBM that offers a
wide array of cloud computing solutions. It provides businesses with the flexibility to
deploy and manage virtualized resources, including virtual machines, storage, and
networking, in a scalable and cost-effective manner. This cloud service is designed to cater
to diverse enterprise needs, offering robust infrastructure and services to support critical
workloads and applications.
 Microsoft Azure: It is a renowned public cloud service provided by Microsoft, offering a
comprehensive suite of cloud computing solutions. It empowers businesses to build,
deploy, and manage a wide range of applications and services in the cloud. With its global
 network of data centers, Azure provides scalability, reliability, and flexibility for
organizations of all sizes. Google App Engine: It is a prominent public cloud service offered
by Google that enables developers to build and deploy web applications effortlessly. With
its auto-scaling capabilities, Google App Engine ensures applications can handle varying
levels of traffic, making it an ideal choice for web-based projects. It supports multiple
programming languages and offers robust tools for app monitoring and management,
making application development and deployment more efficient.

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 As you can see in picture that public cloud is open for all users over the globe. And here
are some examples of cloud service providers which provides services to general public
like IBM Smart Cloud, Google App Engine, VM Ware and Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud
(EC2).
 At last public cloud offers scalability, cost-efficiency, and flexibility for businesses or
individuals seeking on-demand resources over the internet.

Advantages of Public Cloud

 Cost-effective: They operate on a pay-as-you-go model. Organizations can significantly

reduce their capital expenditures by leveraging cloud resources on a pay-as-you-go basis.
This eliminates the need for heavy upfront investments in hardware and infrastructure.
 Maintenance: Maintenance of the public cloud is handled by the cloud service provider,
relieving users of maintenance concerns.
 Ease of integration: Providing consumers with a more flexible approach to their
computing needs. It allows organizations to seamlessly integrate their existing
applications and systems with cloud-based services and resources.
 Location independence: Public cloud operates without geographical constraints,
delivering its services via the internet. Users are not tied to a specific physical location or
office to access their data and applications. Whether they're at the office, home, or
traveling, they can seamlessly connect to the cloud resources, promoting a flexible and
mobile work environment.
 Scalability: Public cloud services are highly adaptable, allowing users to scale computing
resources as needed. Businesses can easily scale their resources up or down based on
demand, ensuring optimal performance and cost-efficiency. This flexibility allows
organizations to handle increased workloads during peak times without the need for
extensive infrastructure investments, making it an attractive option for businesses of all
sizes.
 Accessibility: Public cloud services are open to the general public, accommodating an
unlimited number of users. Users can access their data and applications from anywhere
with an internet connection, providing unparalleled flexibility and collaboration
opportunities.

Disadvantages of Public Cloud

 Reduced Security: Public clouds can be perceived as less secure because they involve
sharing infrastructure with other organizations, potentially increasing the risk of data
breaches. When organizations move their data and applications to a public cloud
environment, they often have less direct control over the physical infrastructure and
security measures.
 Performance Relies on Internet Speed: The performance of public cloud services is
contingent upon a high-speed internet connection to the cloud provider.
Slower internet connections or intermittent connectivity issues can impact the user
experience, particularly for latency-sensitive applications.
 Limited Data Control: Clients have minimal control over their data in a public cloud
setting. When data is stored on remote servers owned and managed by cloud service
providers, organizations may have less control over security, data management, and
customization compared to private or hybrid cloud solutions.

2. Private Cloud:
 A private cloud is a dedicated and secure cloud computing environment hosted on-
premises or by a third-party provider, exclusively for a single organization's use.
 Private cloud, also referred to as an internal or corporate cloud, serves as a dedicated
infrastructure employed by organizations for the establishment and administration of
their data centers.
 This can be achieved either internally or through third-party providers. Deployment
options encompass the utilization of open-source tools like OpenStack.
 Private clouds are dedicated and isolated cloud environments that are designed for a
single organization's exclusive use. They can be hosted on-premises or by a third-party
provider.
 Private clouds offer enhanced control, security, and customization options, making them
ideal for industries with strict compliance requirements, like healthcare and finance.
Examples:

 AWS: Amazon Web Services (AWS) also provides private cloud services through its Virtual
Private Cloud (VPC) offering. With AWS VPC, organizations can create isolated network
environments within the AWS cloud, ensuring their data and applications are protected
in a private, secure space.
 VMWare: VMware offers a comprehensive private cloud solution known as VMware
Cloud Foundation. It provides organizations with the tools to build and manage their
private cloud infrastructure, offering virtualization, software-defined networking, and
storage capabilities.

Types of Private Cloud Management:

As classified by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), private clouds can
be further categorized based on their location and management into two distinct types:

 On-Premise Private Cloud:

o On-Premise Private Cloud refers to a cloud infrastructure that is built and
maintained within an organization's own data centers. Let’s take an example of
CHARUSAT, in this model, CHARUSAT establish a private cloud environment using
their own hardware and software resources, allowing for complete control,
customization, and security of their cloud infrastructure.
o This approach is ideal for companies with stringent data privacy and compliance
requirements, as it keeps sensitive information within their physical premises
while still providing the benefits of cloud computing, such as scalability and
resource optimization.
 Outsourced Private Cloud:
o Outsourced Private Cloud involves partnering with a third-party cloud service
provider to host and manage a private cloud infrastructure off-site.
o This model allows organizations to leverage the expertise and infrastructure of a
trusted cloud provider while maintaining dedicated resources and enhanced
security. It offers the advantages of a private cloud, such as data control and
compliance, without the burden of in-house management and maintenance.
o This approach is suitable for businesses looking to optimize their cloud operations
and focus on core activities while benefiting from a secure and reliable cloud
environment.
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 As you can see in picture that private cloud is only for one organization, one institute, one
business and one industry. And its major concern is security and limited access. So it is
more secure than public cloud.
 It offers enhanced control, privacy, and customization for businesses with specific security
and compliance requirements.

Advantages of Private Cloud

 Enhanced security and privacy: Private clouds deliver an elevated level of security and
privacy, ensuring the protection of user data. In a private cloud, resources and data are
dedicated solely to a single organization, reducing the risk of unauthorized access or data
breaches. This isolation allows for highly customized security measures, stringent access
controls, and encryption protocols tailored to the specific needs and compliance
requirements of the organization. As a result, private clouds provide a higher level of
control and protection over sensitive data compared to public cloud alternatives.
 Improved performance and scalability: Private clouds offer superior performance with
enhanced speed and expanded storage capacity, enabling seamless scalability as needed.
With dedicated resources and infrastructure, organizations can fine-tune their private
cloud environments to meet their specific performance requirements. This customization
ensures that applications and services run efficiently and consistently.
 Efficient resource allocation.: Private clouds empower IT teams to swiftly allocate and
provide on-demand IT resources, streamlining operations and responsiveness. In a private
cloud environment, resources are dedicated solely to the organization, allowing for
precise allocation based on specific requirements.
 Complete Organizational Control: In a private cloud setup, businesses have full control
over infrastructure, data, and security policies. This level of control allows organizations
 to tailor the cloud environment to align with their specific compliance requirements, data
handling practices, and security protocols.
 Data security.: Private clouds are ideal for organizations prioritizing data security,
providing a dedicated cloud environment for safeguarding sensitive information.

Disadvantages of Private Cloud

 Need for skilled management.: Effective management and operation of cloud services
demand a skilled workforce, which can pose a challenge for some organizations.
 Limited operational scope.: Private clouds are confined to an organization's boundaries,
limiting their operational reach to within the organization itself. Private clouds are
designed to serve a specific organization or entity, which can sometimes result in
underutilized resources during periods of low demand.
 Unsuitable for organizations with a high user base or diverse user requirements.: Private
clouds may not be well-suited for organizations with a large user base, as they are typically
designed for more specialized or smaller-scale operations.

3. Hybrid Cloud
 A hybrid cloud combines the advantages of both public and private clouds, allowing
organizations to have greater flexibility and scalability while maintaining control over
sensitive data and applications.
 Hybrid Cloud is the best of both public and private clouds, and we can express it as:
Hybrid Cloud = Public Cloud + Private Cloud
 The security of a hybrid cloud is somewhat mixed since services hosted on the public cloud
are accessible to anyone, whereas services on the private cloud are restricted to the
organization's users.
 Hybrid clouds combine elements of both public and private clouds, allowing data and
applications to be shared between them. This flexibility enables organizations to take
advantage of the scalability and cost-efficiency of public clouds while keeping sensitive
data and critical workloads in a private cloud. Hybrid cloud solutions are useful for
businesses with dynamic computing needs.
Examples:

 Google Application Suite (Gmail, Google Apps, and Google Drive): It is used as a hybrid
cloud service, combining the benefits of both public and private clouds. Organizations can
store sensitive data on their private cloud infrastructure while utilizing Google's suite of
productivity and collaboration tools from the public cloud.
 Office 365 (MS Office on the Web and One Drive): It is a prime example of a hybrid cloud
service, offering a combination of on-premises and cloud-based applications. Users can
access familiar Microsoft Office tools like Word and Excel on their local devices while also
utilizing cloud-based features for collaborative work, email, and storage.
 Amazon Web Services: It offers a robust hybrid cloud solution, enabling organizations to
seamlessly integrate their on-premises data centers with AWS's vast cloud infrastructure.
This hybrid approach allows businesses to scale their computing resources dynamically
while retaining control over sensitive data and applications hosted locally.

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 As you can see in picture that hybrid cloud is a combination of two or more clouds such
as private cloud and public cloud. This flexibility enables organizations to take advantage
of the scalability and cost-efficiency of public clouds while keeping sensitive data and
critical workloads in a private cloud.
 This hybrid approach optimizes performance and security according to specific business
needs.
Advantages of Hybrid Cloud

 Enhanced Security Options: Hybrid cloud is well-suited for organizations seeking greater
security than what the public cloud alone can provide.
 Accelerated product and service deployment: Hybrid cloud facilitates the rapid delivery
of new products and services, enabling quicker innovation. This allows businesses to
respond rapidly to changing market demands and deploy new products and services
faster.
 Redundancy and failover options between the public and private components.: Hybrid
cloud serves as an effective means to minimize risks associated with data and service
availability.
 Flexibility: Hybrid cloud offers a blend of flexible resources from the public cloud and
secure resources from the private cloud, providing a versatile infrastructure solution. This
flexibility enables efficient resource utilization, cost savings, and the ability to scale up or
down quickly in response to changing workloads or demands.

Disadvantages of Hybrid Cloud

 Less Secure than Private Cloud Standards: Hybrid cloud's security features may not match
the stringent standards of a private cloud.
 Complex Management: Managing a hybrid cloud is challenging due to the intricacies of
handling multiple deployment models simultaneously. As these environments involve
both on-premises and cloud-based resources, managing and orchestrating these
components can become complex.
 Reliability Tied to Cloud Service Providers: In a hybrid cloud setup, service reliability is
contingent upon the performance and dependability of various cloud service providers. If
a cloud provider experiences downtime or service disruptions, it can affect the reliability
of the hybrid environment, especially when critical functions depend on cloud-based
resources.

4. Community Cloud
 A community cloud is a specialized cloud infrastructure shared among organizations with
common interests or requirements.
 A community cloud enables multiple organizations to access systems and services for the
purpose of sharing information within a specific community. It can be owned, managed,
 and operated by one or more organizations within the community, a third-party entity, or
a combination of these stakeholders.
 Community clouds are shared cloud infrastructures that cater to the specific needs of a
group of organizations or businesses with common interests, such as regulatory
compliance or security requirements. These clouds are cost-effective and enable
collaboration among community members
Example:

A healthcare community cloud service is designed to serve the specific needs of healthcare
organizations and providers. It enables secure and compliant data sharing, collaboration, and
information exchange within the healthcare community. This community cloud model
ensures that sensitive patient data remains protected while facilitating seamless
communication among healthcare professionals and organizations.

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 As you can see in picture that community cloud enables multiple organizations to access
systems and services for the purpose of sharing information within a specific community.
So multiple organizations of same category can access that community cloud over
internet.
 Community cloud provides a secure and collaborative environment for multiple entities
to access and manage resources tailored to their specific industry or purpose.

Advantages of Community Cloud

 Cost-Effective Sharing: Community cloud offers cost-efficiency as it is shared among

multiple organizations or communities, reducing individual expenses.
 Enhanced Collaboration and Security: Ideal for organizations seeking a collaborative
cloud solution with heightened security features compared to the public cloud.
 Superior Security: Community cloud provides superior security measures compared to
public cloud offerings. The community cloud offers superior security by providing a
dedicated environment shared among organizations with common interests and
regulatory requirements.
 Collaborative and Distributed Environment: It promotes a collaborative and distributed
environment, promoting efficient cooperation among community members.
 This collaborative approach enhances productivity, knowledge sharing, and innovation
among community members while maintaining data security and privacy through
controlled access and authentication measures.
 Resource Sharing: Community cloud enables the sharing of cloud resources,
infrastructure & capabilities among diverse organizations.

Disadvantages of Community Cloud

 Not be universally suitable for all organizations.: Community cloud may not be a suitable
option for every organization's specific needs and requirements. This model is specifically
tailored for a certain community or group of organizations with shared interests and
requirements. It may not accommodate the needs of entities outside this defined
community, limiting its applicability and accessibility to a broader range of users and
organizations.
 Lesser Security Than Private Cloud: The security features of a community cloud may not
reach the same level as those of a private cloud. While it provides enhanced security
features compared to public clouds, it may not meet the stringent security requirements
of organizations that demand exclusive control and privacy over their data and
infrastructure, which is achievable with a private cloud environment.
 Ineffective Without Collaboration: It is less effective if there is no intention or capability
for collaborative efforts among community members. It may be ineffective without
effective collaboration among the participating organizations. Since multiple
organizations share resources and infrastructure in a community cloud, successful
collaboration, coordination, and adherence to shared policies and standards are crucial
for its efficient operation. If organizations fail to work together effectively, it can lead to
conflicts, resource contention, and operational challenges within the community cloud
ecosystem.
 Shared data storage and bandwidth limits.: Community cloud entails sharing a fixed
amount of data storage and bandwidth among all community members, potentially
leading to resource constraints.

Difference between public, private, hybrid & community cloud