Welcome to this beginner's guide to Cloud Computing. In this blog, we will learn all the basics of Cloud Computing. Let's get started!
What is Cloud Computing?
"When we use the Internet for processing power, storage, or applications instead of our own computer, it is called Cloud Computing."
For example, when we talk about processing power, end servers can be used for website hosting or complex calculations for a large enterprise. Storage means saving any kind of data on the internet, such as music, photos, files, on an online database, or on Google Drive. Applications refer to all the software you use on the internet, such as system software like virus tracking or application software like Netflix, Roblox, Zoom, and platforms provided by Microsoft, IBM, and others.
So what is the need of cloud computing?
Before the popularity of the internet, if companies needed more computing power, they used to rely on on-premise installations. On-premise means that if they needed a big computer, they had to buy it. Apart from investing in hardware, they also had to invest in software, electricity, security, data backup, disaster recovery, and maintenance. This meant that the expenses were high.
On top of that, the actual utilization of computing power was only up to 30-40%. With the advent of cloud computing, companies have saved a lot because now, instead of buying expensive computers and data centers, they can use internet-based processing power, storage, or applications. Now, you don't have to worry about computer upgrades or maintenance. Because data is stored on the internet, all employees can access and share it, which also increases their productivity. The more we use, the more we pay.
History Of Cloud Computing
If we look at the history of cloud computing, in the 1960s, when computers were very expensive, IBM and DEC used to offer their computers for time-sharing. You could submit your calculations or jobs to IBM mainframes to run. The use of the cloud symbol was first seen in 1977. When the internet and the World Wide Web began, many telecommunication companies started providing VPN or Virtual Private Network services. Compaq started providing online disk space where you could store files. The word "cloud" was first used in the world of computers by Ramesh Jalappa in 1997. The term was used to represent the internet, and the cloud symbol was used to depict some computing equipment or power on the internet. In 1999, companies like Salesforce and VMware emerged and became very popular. In 2002, Amazon started Amazon Web Services. In 2006, Hadoop was launched. In 2008, Google launched Google App Engine. By 2010, Microsoft released Microsoft Azure, and in the next few years, almost all the big companies were talking about cloud computing.
Cloud Computing Models
Cloud services can be divided into three types based on the deployment model: public, private, and hybrid.
Let's take an example to understand them. Suppose you have to travel somewhere, then you can either go by bus, or by your car, or by rental car. Bus is a public transport which is available everywhere, but you have to share it with others. It is a cheap option and you pay for the distance you travel. The second option is that you can buy your own private car. It takes a lot of money to buy a car and it also requires regular maintenance. But in this you get privacy and you can go as per your time which is not possible in public transport. There is another way of taxi service which is more expensive but you get privacy but it is not your car it is called a hybrid model.
1) Public Cloud:
Similarly, in cloud computing, public cloud is where servers and storage belong to some other company and it provides service through the internet. Payment is done until you use it. Because it is a third party, we share storage, hardware and network devices with other companies who have also subscribed to it. But it is easy for you to use it because all the setup is done by the cloud company from the beginning.
2) Private Cloud:
Private cloud is completely different from this. In this, big companies or enterprises make their own cloud, which means they keep the servers in a big place called a data center. You can access it from anywhere on the network through virtual machines.
3) Private Cloud:
Private cloud is only for your use, so data security is better in it. It follows all data regulations and its control is completely in your hands. In hybrid clouds, the company uses both public and private clouds on the basis of its needs. For example, you use a private cloud to store your data, but you use a public cloud for its backup. You can see it according to your convenience how much risk you want to take and how much flexibility you want.
There are also some negative points of all these models. Security or security is less in the public cloud and flexibility is also limited. Private cloud takes more investment and you have to bear the cost of maintenance every year. Hybrid is expensive and it is also very complex.
Types Of Cloud Computing Services
There are three main types of cloud services: IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service), PaaS (Platform as a Service), and SaaS (Software as a Service).
To understand these, we will take an example of a washing machine. Suppose you want to wash your clothes. The first option is IAAS, Infrastructure at Home option. So you buy a washing machine at home. Now you have to do it. To run the machine, washing powder, electricity or anything else is needed, so you have to arrange for it. The next option is PAAS, i.e. Platform as a Service. Here you can go to a common area or laundromat to wash your clothes, where there are many washing machines. You can also pay some fees and buy detergent etc. from there. The next option is SAAS, i.e. Software as a Service. Here you use Laundry service. Where a laundry man comes to your home to pick and returns the clothes in this you did not need washing machine, detergent etc.
On-Premise:
In this way, there is a main difference between the three types of cloud computing that who manages the IT stack i.e. hardware and software. Before the cloud came, the on-premise setup used to be that the company used to set up the entire hardware and software and then maintaining it.
1) Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
In Infrastructure as a Service or IAAS, the cloud provider provides infrastructure i.e. in the machine data center, which you have to worry about the setup or maintenance of that hardware. But it is still your responsibility to set up the entire software on this hardware. Software means operating system or OS, middleware, databases and applications that you need for your business.
2) Platform as a Service (PaaS):
Now let's talk about Platform as a Service and PaaS options. In this, Cloud Service Provider not only provides hardware, but also provides a web-based software environment where you can set up your cloud apps. In this, Cloud Service Provider also provides Operating System, Database and Programming Language. language. It is his responsibility to maintain and update it. You just focus on making important apps for your business.
3) Software as a Service (SaaS):
Software as a Service and SaaS Cloud Service Provider not only provides hardware and basic software, it also makes and gives you applications as per your needs. You can subscribe to it, apps like mail, online meeting, data storage, backup and many more. So each cloud model has its own features and you can choose any model from this list.
Conclusion
Cloud computing has revolutionized technology usage by offering scalable, cost-effective, and flexible solutions for both businesses and individuals. By shifting from traditional on-premise setups to cloud services, organizations can significantly reduce their capital expenditure on hardware and software, while benefiting from enhanced collaboration, accessibility, and reliability. The various deployment models (public, private, and hybrid) and service models (IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS) cater to different needs, providing tailored solutions for any organization.
As cloud technology evolves, it opens up new possibilities for innovation and efficiency, making it a crucial component of modern IT strategy. Embracing cloud computing is not just about adopting new technology; it’s about transforming business operations, enabling greater agility, and positioning organizations for future success. The cloud’s impact will only grow as we continue to explore and harness its full potential, making it an essential tool in today’s digital landscape.
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