What Is Cloud Computing?

Cloud computing refers to the use of hosted services, such as data storage, servers, databases,
networking, and software over the internet. The data is stored on physical servers, which are maintained
by a cloud service provider. Computer system resources, especially data storage and computing power,
are available on-demand, without direct management by the user in cloud computing.

Cloud Computing Architecture

Instead of storing files on a storage device or hard drive, a user can save them on cloud, making it possible to
access the files from anywhere, as long as they have access to the web. The services hosted on cloud can be
broadly divided into infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS), platform-as-a-service (PaaS), and software-as-a-service
(SaaS). Based on the deployment model, cloud can also be classified as public, private, and hybrid cloud.

Further, cloud can be divided into two different layers, namely, front-end and back-end. The layer with which
users interact is called the front-end layer. This layer enables a user to access the data that has been stored in
cloud through cloud computing software.

The layer made up of software and hardware, i.e., the computers, servers, central servers, and databases, is the
back-end layer. This layer is the primary component of cloud and is entirely responsible for storing information
securely. To ensure seamless connectivity between devices linked via cloud computing, the central servers use
a software called middlewareOpens a new window that acts as a bridge between the database and applications.

Types of Cloud Computing

Cloud computing can either be classified based on the deployment model or the type of service. Based on the
specific deployment model, we can classify cloud as public, private, and hybrid cloud. At the same time, it can
be classified as infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS), platform-as-a-service (PaaS), and software-as-a-service
(SaaS) based on the service the cloud model offers
Private cloud

In a private cloud, the computing services are offered over a private IT network for the dedicated use of a single
organization. Also termed internal, enterprise, or corporate cloud, a private cloud is usually managed via
internal resources and is not accessible to anyone outside the organization. Private cloud computing provides all
the benefits of a public cloud, such as self-service, scalability, and elasticity, along with additional control,
security, and customization.

Private clouds provide a higher level of security through company firewalls and internal hosting to ensure that
an organization’s sensitive data is not accessible to third-party providers. The drawback of private cloud,
however, is that the organization becomes responsible for all the management and maintenance of the data
centers, which can prove to be quite resource-intensive.

Public cloud
Public cloud refers to computing services offered by third-party providers over the internet. Unlike private
cloud, the services on public cloud are available to anyone who wants to use or purchase them. These services
could be free or sold on-demand, where users only have to pay per usage for the CPU cycles, storage, or
bandwidth they consume.
Public clouds can help businesses save on purchasing, managing, and maintaining on-premises infrastructure
since the cloud service provider is responsible for managing the system. They also offer scalable RAM and
flexible bandwidth, making it easier for businesses to scale their storage needs.

Hybrid cloud
Hybrid cloud uses a combination of public and private cloud features. The “best of both worlds” cloud model
allows a shift of workloads between private and public clouds as the computing and cost requirements change.
When the demand for computing and processing fluctuates, hybrid cloudOpens a new window allows
businesses to scale their on-premises infrastructure up to the public cloud to handle the overflow while ensuring
that no third-party data centers have access to their data.

In a hybrid cloud model, companies only pay for the resources they use temporarily instead of purchasing and
maintaining resources that may not be used for an extended period. In short, a hybrid cloud offers the benefits
of a public cloud without its security risks.

Infrastructure as a service (IaaS)

Infrastructure as a service or IaaS is a type of cloud computing in which a service provider is responsible for
providing servers, storage, and networking over a virtual interface. In this service, the user doesn’t need
to manage the cloud infrastructure but has control over the storage, operating systems, and deployed
applications.
Instead of the user, a third-party vendor hosts the hardware, software, servers, storage, and other infrastructure
components. The vendor also hosts the user’s applications and maintains a backup.

Platform as a service (PaaS)

Platform as a service or PaaS is a type of cloud computing that provides a development and deployment
environment in cloud that allows users to develop and run applications without the complexity of building or
maintaining the infrastructure. It provides users with resources to develop cloud-based applications. In this type
of service, a user purchases the resources from a vendor on a pay-as-you-go basis and can access them over a
secure connection.
PaaS doesn’t require users to manage the underlying infrastructure, i.e., the network, servers, operating
systems, or storage, but gives them control over the deployed applications. This allows organizations to focus
on the deployment and management of their applications by freeing them of the responsibility of software
maintenance, planning, and resource procurement.
Software as a service (SaaS)
SaaS or software as a service allows users to access a vendor’s software on cloud on a subscription basis. In
this type of cloud computing, users don’t need to install or download applications on their local devices.
Instead, the applications are located on a remote cloud network that can be directly accessed through the web or
an API.
In the SaaS model, the service provider manages all the hardware, middleware, application software, and
security. Also referred to as ‘hosted software’ or ‘on-demand software’, SaaS makes it easy for enterprises to
streamline their maintenance and support

Key Benefits and Challenges for Enterprises

The most important reason why cloud computing is growing rapidly is the various benefits it offers. It saves
businesses the time and resources required to set up full-fledged physical IT infrastructure. Let’s look at all the
benefits cloud offers:

 Reduced costs: Maintaining IT systems requires big outlays of capital, something that cloud

helps reduce. By using the resources provided by the cloud provider, businesses avoid the need to

purchase expensive infrastructure, substantially reducing their expenditure. Cloud providers work

on the pay-as-you-go model, which means businesses only pay for the services they use, further

reducing costs.

 Scalability: Cloud allows organizations to grow their users from merely a few to thousands in a

very short time. Depending on the need, a business can scale their storage needs up or down,

allowing organizations to be flexible.

  Flexibility and collaboration: Since the data on cloud can be accessed directly via the internet, it

gives employees the ability to work from anywhere, anytime. Cloud gives you the freedom to set

up your virtual office anywhere you are. It also allows teams to work on a project across locations

by giving them access to the same files as third-party vendors.

 Business continuity: Cloud safely stores and protects your data in the event of an outage or

crisis. This makes it easier to resume work once the systems are up and running again.

 Competitive edge: Cloud takes care of various business aspects, such as maintaining the IT

infrastructure, licensing software, or training personnel to manage your data. It, therefore, gives

you an edge over your competitors since the time and resources you invest are minimal.

1. Resources Pooling
It means that the Cloud provider pulled the computing resources to provide services to
multiple customers with the help of a multi-tenant model. There are different physical and
virtual resources assigned and reassigned which depends on the demand of the customer.
The customer generally has no control or information over the location of the provided
resources but is able to specify location at a higher level of abstraction

2. On-Demand Self-Service
It is one of the important and valuable features of Cloud Computing as the user can
continuously monitor the server uptime, capabilities, and allotted network storage. With
this feature, the user can also monitor the computing capabilities.
3. Easy Maintenance
The servers are easily maintained and the downtime is very low and even in some cases,
there is no downtime. Cloud Computing comes up with an update every time by gradually
making it better.

The updates are more compatible with the devices and perform faster than older ones
along with the bugs which are fixed.

4. Large Network Access

The user can access the data of the cloud or upload the data to the cloud from anywhere
just with the help of a device and an internet connection. These capabilities are available
all over the network and accessed with the help of internet.

5. Availability
The capabilities of the Cloud can be modified as per the use and can be extended a lot. It
analyzes the storage usage and allows the user to buy extra Cloud storage if needed for a
very small amount.
6. Automatic System
Cloud computing automatically analyzes the data needed and supports a metering
capability at some level of services. We can monitor, control, and report the usage. It will
provide transparency for the host as well as the customer.

7. Economical
It is the one-time investment as the company (host) has to buy the storage and a small
part of it can be provided to the many companies which save the host from monthly or
yearly costs. Only the amount which is spent is on the basic maintenance and a few more
expenses which are very less.

8. Security
Cloud Security, is one of the best features of cloud computing. It creates a snapshot of the
data stored so that the data may not get lost even if one of the servers gets damaged.
The data is stored within the storage devices, which cannot be hacked and utilized by any
other person. The storage service is quick and reliable.

9. Pay as you go
In cloud computing, the user has to pay only for the service or the space they have utilized.
There is no hidden or extra charge which is to be paid. The service is economical and most
of the time some space is allotted for free.

10. Measured Service

Cloud Computing resources used to monitor and the company uses it for recording. This
resource utilization is analyzed by supporting charge-per-use capabilities.