A Complete Guide to Cloud Computing Basics

Aug 17,2020 by Anushka Agarwal
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What is cloud computing?

Cloud computing is the deliverance of services over the internet. Through cloud computing services, you can access resources, software, and information from any computer and a strong internet connection. This means, you don’t have to depend on physical infrastructure for the storage of such information, you can keep them safe and secure over the cloud, and access from anywhere at any time. 

Google’s Gmail is a perfect example of cloud computing. 

You can retrieve your Gmail account from any place and device. All you need are the credentials for your account, and you’re good to go for cloud computing. 

Cloud computing involves the use of hardware and software to deliver services over the network (typically the internet). Most of the cloud computing servers are written in Java and C-Sharp, however, the programming language you use depends largely on the cloud surface you want to use. It works on a pay-as-you-go basis. 

How does cloud computing work?

Cloud computing is popular in business arenas because of its ease and scalability. Instead of owing computer infrastructure or data centers, companies can rent applications or storage from any of the prominent cloud computing companies.

Companies can skip the complex procedure of acquiring IT infrastructure, and still access cloud computing services from the comfort of their location. Not only is it an economical way of delivering cloud solutions, but you’ll also pay simply for what you use and when you use it.

The top benefits of opting for cloud computing

Cloud computing is a big shift from the traditional manner of storing and accessing data and information. Businesses no longer have to worry about data safety and security. Cloud computing is much safer and reliable than traditional web hosting methods. These services will be managed by the provider, which is a sense of relief for the otherwise engaged IT resources and professionals.

  1. Cost-effective: Cloud eliminates the capital required for purchasing the hardware and software, or investing in the data center infrastructure. Businesses no longer have to bear the overall costs of maintaining the racks of a data center. This includes the availability of electricity for power and cooling and the need for IT professionals who can manage the infrastructure. Overall, it is a cost-effective business approach. 
  2. Unmatched speed: Cloud servers are known for their amazing speed and on-demand operations. The computing resources can be loaded within seconds and with just a few mouse clicks. Such a flexible approach takes off the pressure of data maintenance from businesses and professionals.
  3. Scalability: Unlike traditional IT resources, cloud computing services can be stretched and contracted as per the businesses’ needs. Suppose, someday the traffic on your website is too much, you can scale your computing needs to include all the important details, and then compress it once you’re done. 
  4. Reliability: Cloud computing ensure recovery, access, and backup of all your data, thereby ensuring business continuity. The process becomes easier and cheaper since data can be copied from multiple redundant sites on a computer network.
  5. Performance: When you choose amongst the best cloud computing companies for your business requirements, the result is a fast and efficient computing station. Unlike a corporate data center, the cloud network doesn’t suffer from reduced network latency for applications. Eventually, it scales up your revenue figures.
  6. Security: Cloud services are completely secure, protect your data, apps, and infrastructure, and don’t let anyone without the rights to access it. The best cloud service providers offer a broad set of policies, technologies, and controls that strengthen the security of your cloud infrastructure.
  7. Productivity: On-site data centers require a lot of attention, including hardware setup, software patching, and other time-consuming IT chores. Cloud computing eliminates the need for such tasks and professionals, thereby allowing IT teams to focus on core level operations.
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The types of cloud computing services 

Cloud computing is a vast domain. However, all of the cloud computing companies offer three types of services: 

SaaS (Software as a Service) 

It is a subscription-based method, delivering software applications over the internet. The cloud providers handle all the underlying infrastructure and maintenance tasks like routine upgrades and security patching. Users can connect with the software through the internet with the help of a browser or search engine on their phone, tablet, laptop, or computer. Therefore, the SaaS method is a widely adopted model amongst enterprise applications.

IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service) 

A pay-as-you-go model and one of the most basic ones, with IaaS services from a cloud provider, you rent IT infrastructure, servers, virtual machines, storage, network, operating systems, etc. However, cloud providers include exceptional services like highly scalable databases, virtual private networks, big data analytics, developer tools, machine learning, artificial intelligence, application monitoring, etc. The top examples include Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform, and IBM Cloud. 

PaaS (Platform as a Service)

This type of service module includes on-demand development, testing, delivering, and management of software applications. It is mainly designed for developing mobile apps and websites, without panicking about the underlying structure of the servers, storage, network, and databases.

FaaS (Function as a Service) 

A serverless computing method, it covers developers from everything in the stack below their code. Many cloud providers offer FaaS on top of IaaS. Until the blocks of code result in some form of event, the cloud provider does not charge you. Therefore, this reduces the pay-per-use fees.

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The various types of cloud computing 

There is no one type of cloud computing services right for your business. There are several different models, and you need to explore the right solution for your business needs.

There are three different methods for deploying cloud services. These include:

  1. Public Cloud: These are owned by third-party cloud service providers, and are stored over the internet. The entire cloud infrastructure is owned and managed by the provider. You can access all the services and files through the internet using a web browser.
  2. Private Cloud: Through this deployment method, an organization can maintain its cloud infrastructure privately. It is like a company’s data center where nobody without the authority, including the cloud service providers from the company, can access it. It offers versatility, convenience, control, and security for businesses.
  3. Hybrid cloud: It is a combination of public cloud services and the private cloud. Companies can store critical or sensitive data over the private cloud, and use the public cloud for other data elements. This gives your business greater flexibility, more deployment options, security, and optimized infrastructure.

Uses of cloud computing

Cloud computing has improved data storage issues and concerns for businesses. A user can access all your files and data using a computer and a strong internet connection. Cloud computing services are better than your traditional storage methods, allowing remote data access using the internet. Cloud computing can be done anywhere and anytime. You can use similar services for various applications:

  • create applications particularly for the cloud using all the native technologies
  • store, recover, and backup data 
  • deliver and use software services on demand
  • analyze data across the infrastructure and derive insights 
  • test and build applications 
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The future of cloud computing 

Cloud adoption is no longer a phenomenon, but a necessity. With the growing size of enterprise data, the cloud offers a simple and easy way to store and access it. However, enterprises need to find their preferred provider from the long list of cloud computing companies and select the right cloud platform.

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