What is cloud computing?

Cloud computing means storing and accessing data and programs over the Internet instead of your computer's hard drive.  

 

How does it work?

Cloud computing provides a simple way to access servers, storage, databases and a broad set of application services over the internet.

 

Advantages and disadvantages of cloud computing

 

Advantages 

• Storage and scalability 

• Backup and diaster recovery 

• Mobility 

• Cost efficiency 

• Enable IT innovation

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Disadvantages

• Control and Reliability

• Security, privacy and compliance

• Compatibility 

• Unpredicted Costs

• Contracts and lock-ins

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Types of cloud services

Cloud computing has three main types that are commonly referred to as Infrastructure as a Service (Iaas), Platform as a Service (Paas), and software as a Service (Saas).

 

• Infrastructure as a Service (Iaas) is basically when you buy raw computing hardware to use over the net, usually servers, or online storage.  

• Software as Service (Saas) is a case where you use the complete software application that's running on someone else's servers.

• Platform as a Service (Paas) is a case where you create applications using web-based tools so they run on systems software and hardware provided by another company.

 

Types of cloud deployment models

• Public Cloud is owned and operated by companies that use them to offer rapid access to affordable computing resources to other organisations or individuals.  With public cloud servies, users don't need to purchase hardware, software or supporting infrastructure, which is owned and managed by providers.

• Private Cloud is owned and operated by a single company that controls the way virtualised resources and automated services are customised and used by various lines of business and constituent groups.  Private clouds exist to take advantage of many of cloud's efficiencies, while providing more control of resources and steering clear of multi-tenancy.

• Hybrid Cloud uses a private and cloud foundation combined with the strategic use of public cloud services.  The reality is a private cloud cant' exist in isolation from the rest of a company's IT resources and the public cloud.  Most companies with private clouds will evolve to manage workloads across data centres, private clouds and public clouds-thereby creating hybrid clouds.