Introduction To Cloud Computing

CHAPTER:1
Fundamentals of Cloud Computing
1.1 Definition of 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.
 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.
 Cloud Computing is the delivery of computing services such as servers, storage, databases, networking,
software, analytics, intelligence, and more, over the Cloud (Internet).
 Cloud computing is the delivery of on-demand computing services, from applications to storage and processing
power, typically over the internet and on a pay-as-you-go basis.
 The following are some of the Operations that can be performed with Cloud Computing
• Storage, backup, and recovery of data
• Delivery of software on demand
• Development of new applications and services
• Streaming videos and audio
1.1 Cloud Basics: History of Cloud Computing
 Before emerging the cloud computing, there was Client/Server computing which is basically a centralized storage
in which all the software applications, all the data and all the controls are resided on the server side.
 If a single user wants to access specific data or run a program, he/she needs to connect to the server and then gain
appropriate access, and then he/she can do his/her business.
 Then after, distributed computing came into picture, where all the computers are networked together and share
their resources when needed.
 On the basis of above computing, there was emerged of cloud computing concepts that were later implemented.
 But of course, time has passed and the technology caught that idea and after few years we mentioned that:
• In 1999, Salesforce.com started delivering applications to users using a simple website. The applications were delivered to
enterprises over the Internet, and this way the dream of computing sold as utility was true.
• In 2002, Amazon started Amazon Web Services, providing services like storage, computation and even human intelligence.
However, only starting with the launch of the Elastic Compute Cloud in 2006 a truly commercial service open to everybody existed.
• In 2009, Google Apps also started to provide cloud computing enterprise applications. And also Microsoft launched Windows
Azure, and companies like Oracle and HP have all joined the game. This proves that today, cloud computing has become mainstream.
1.1 Cloud Basics: Characteristics of Cloud Computing
1. On-demand self-service: A consumer can separately provision computing capabilities, such as server time
and network storage, as needed automatically without requiring human interaction with each service provider.
2. Broad network access: Capabilities are available over the network and accessed through standard
mechanisms that promote use by heterogeneous thin or thick client platforms (e.g., mobile phones, tablets,
laptops and workstations).
3. Resource pooling: The provider's computing resources are pooled to serve multiple consumers using a multi-
tenant model, with different physical and virtual resources dynamically assigned and reassigned according to
consumer demand. There is a sense of location independence in that the customer generally, has no control or
knowledge over the exact location of the provided resources but may be able to specify location at a higher
level of abstraction (e.g., country, state or datacenter).
4. Rapid elasticity: Capabilities can be elastically provisioned and released, in some cases automatically, to
scale rapidly outward and inward matching with demand. To the consumer, the capabilities available for
provisioning often appear to be unlimited and can be appropriated in any quantity at any time.
5. Measured service: Cloud systems automatically control and optimize resource use by leveraging a metering
capability at some level of abstraction appropriate to the type of service (e.g., storage, processing, bandwidth
and active user accounts). Resource usage can be monitored, controlled and reported, providing transparency
for the provider and consumer.
1.2 Need of Cloud Computing
1. Reduces cost: The cost-cutting ability of businesses that utilize cloud computing over time is one of the main
advantages of this technology.
On average 15% of the total cost can be saved by companies if they migrate to the cloud. By the use of cloud
servers businesses will save and reduce costs with no need to employ a staff of technical support personnel to
address server issues.
There are many great business modules regarding the cost-cutting benefits of cloud servers such as the Coca-
Cola and Pinterest case studies.
2. More storage: For software and applications to execute as quickly and efficiently as possible, it provides
more servers, storage space, and computing power. Many tools are available for cloud storage such as
Dropbox, Onedrive, Google Drive, iCloud Drive, etc.
3. Employees Better Work Life Balance: Direct connections between cloud computing benefits, and the work
and personal lives of an enterprise’s workers can both improve because of cloud computing. Even on
holidays, the employees have to work with the server for its security, maintenance, and proper functionality.
But with cloud storage the thing is not the same, employees get ample time for their personal life and the
workload is even less comparatively.
1.2 Advantages of Cloud Computing
1. Cost: It reduces the huge capital costs of buying hardware and software.
2. Speed: Resources can be accessed in minutes, typically within a few clicks.
3. Scalability: We can increase or decrease the requirement of resources according to the business requirements.
4. Productivity: While using cloud computing, we put less operational effort. We do not need to apply patching,
as well as no need to maintain hardware and software. So, in this way, the IT team can be more productive and
focus on achieving business goals.
5. Reliability: Backup and recovery of data are less expensive and very fast for business continuity.
6. Security: Many cloud vendors offer a broad set of policies, technologies, and controls that strengthen our data
security.
1.2 Possible Disadvantages of Cloud Computing
1. Security Concerns: Storing sensitive data on external servers raised more security concerns which is one of
the main drawbacks of cloud computing.
2. Downtime and Reliability: Even though cloud services are usually dependable, they may also have
unexpected interruptions and downtimes. These might be raised because of server problems, Network issues
or maintenance disruptions in Cloud providers which have a negative effect on business operations, creating
issues for users accessing their apps.
3. Dependency on Internet Connectivity: Cloud computing services heavily rely on Internet connectivity. For
accessing the cloud resources the users should have a stable and high-speed internet connection for accessing
and using cloud resources. In regions with limited internet connectivity, users may face challenges in
accessing their data and applications.
4. Cost Management Complexity: The main benefit of cloud services is their pricing model that comes with
Pay as you go but it also leads to cost management complexities. Without proper careful monitoring and
utilization of resources optimization, Organizations may end up with unexpected costs as per their use scale.
5. Limited control of infrastructure: Since you are not the owner of the infrastructure of the cloud, hence you
don’t have any control or have limited access to the cloud infra.
6. Technical issues: Even if you are a tech whiz, the technical issues can occur, and everything can’t be resolved
in-house. To avoid interruptions, you will need to contact your service provider for support.