CLOUD COMPUTING FUNDAMENTALS

Cloud computing is a modern approach where users access data and applications over the
Internet, often stored remotely. This enables seamless interaction through platforms like
Facebook, email, or YouTube, providing instant information access worldwide.

Key Concepts

● Remote Data Access: Information and resources are stored on remote servers and
accessed via the Internet.
● Instantaneous Service: Cloud systems provide information on demand, serving millions
of users globally without delay.
● Scalability: Cloud infrastructure supports a vast number of users simultaneously,
allowing for widespread, efficient information delivery.

MOTIVATION FOR CLOUD COMPUTING

Cloud computing addresses the challenges and costs associated with traditional computing,
where users need to invest heavily in hardware, software, networking, and storage. These
expenses—particularly substantial for enterprises with high computing demands—include setup,
maintenance, and operational costs. In contrast, cloud computing allows users to access
computing power as needed from providers and pay only for what they use, saving on upfront
capital expenditures.

Key Points:

● Capital vs. Operational Expenditure: Instead of a large capital investment, cloud

computing provides resources on demand, aligning costs with actual usage.
● Service Model: Like electricity, computing resources can be rented, ensuring
accessibility only as needed.
● Data Security: Remote data storage ensures data remains safe and accessible, even if
personal devices are lost or damaged.
● Flexible Accessibility: Cloud computing is ideal for SMEs and individuals who can
securely access resources over the internet.

Cloud computing provides a flexible, cost-effective solution that extends IT capabilities without
significant investments in infrastructure, making it a popular choice for businesses and
individuals alike.
THE NEED FOR CLOUD COMPUTING

Cloud computing is essential due to its convenience and reliability, replacing the traditional need
to save files on physical storage devices like USB drives or CDs. Instead, files saved to the cloud
are accessible from any internet-connected device, making data storage and file sharing easier
and enabling collaboration.

Key Points:

● Convenience: Cloud storage (e.g., Dropbox) provides universal access to files,

eliminating the need for physical storage devices.
● Reliability: Data in the cloud is less prone to loss, offering a backup option.
● Security Considerations: Users must choose strong passwords and manage privacy
settings to protect data from unauthorized access.

Cloud computing simplifies file access and collaboration, while security measures ensure data
protection.

DEFINING CLOUD COMPUTING

Cloud computing refers to storing and accessing data and programs over the Internet from
remote servers rather than a local hard drive. This approach offers scalability, elasticity, and
accessibility from any device, anywhere with an online connection, making it distinct from
traditional local computing.

NIST Definition of Cloud Computing

According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), cloud computing
provides "ubiquitous, convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable
resources (e.g., networks, servers, storage, applications) that can be rapidly provisioned with
minimal management effort."

● Accessibility: Resources are available from any remote location.

● Cost Efficiency: Uses a "pay-as-you-go" model, where costs align with usage.
● Elasticity: Resources can be scaled up or down based on demand.
● Minimal Management: Users handle only local devices, while cloud providers manage
the core infrastructure.
CLOUD COMPUTING AS SERVICE

Cloud computing enables basic data storage and retrieval services, which allow users to store and
access various types of data, such as photos, music, and videos, from remote servers. An
example of this service is Flickr, which offers significant advantages over local storage:

1. Accessibility: Users can access photos from anywhere, on any device, making it easy to
view images uploaded from one device on another.
2. Sharing: Flickr facilitates easy photo sharing without physical storage media, allowing
users to simply share their Flickr link.
3. Data Security: Storing images on Flickr provides backup and security, reducing the risk
of data loss compared to local storage.

CLOUD COMPUTING AS PLATFORM

The World Wide Web (WWW) serves as a foundational platform for Internet-based applications,
though local operating systems are still needed for accessing these web applications. A platform
provides the necessary support for applications to function, whether it’s an operating system like
Windows or a software environment like Java.

Through cloud computing, the web itself has evolved into a platform. As part of this shift,
applications traditionally available on desktops, like word processors (e.g., Buzzword) and office
suites (e.g., Google Docs), have transitioned to the cloud. This trend has established cloud
computing as a versatile platform for hosting and delivering applications online.

PRINCIPLES OF CLOUD COMPUTING

The 5-4-3 principles defined by NIST outline key elements of cloud computing:

● Five Essential Characteristics: These are the core features that make cloud computing
unique, promoting its adoption and efficiency.
● Four Deployment Models: These describe various architectural approaches to
implementing cloud solutions, allowing customers to select based on their needs.
● Three Service Models: These are the fundamental service offerings of cloud computing,
each providing different levels of management and flexibility for customers.
5 ESSENTIAL CHARACTERISTICS

1. On-Demand Self-Service: Consumers can independently provision computing resources,

like server time and storage, without needing direct interaction with the service provider.
2. Broad Network Access: Services are accessible over the network using standard devices
(e.g., mobile phones, laptops), promoting diverse client use.
3. Elastic Resource Pooling: Resources are pooled to serve multiple users via a multi
tenant model, dynamically allocating resources based on demand. Users are
location-independent, with resources assigned flexibly.
4. Rapid Elasticity: Resources can be quickly scaled up or down as needed, giving
consumers the impression of limitless capabilities available at any time.
5. Measured Service: Resource use is automatically monitored, controlled, and reported,
enabling transparent usage tracking for both the provider and consumer.

FOUR CLOUD DEPLOYMENT MODELS

1. Private Cloud: Exclusively used by one organization with multiple users. It can be
owned and managed by the organization, a third party, or a combination, and may exist
on or off the premises.
2. Public Cloud: Open for public use and managed by businesses, academia, or
government, typically hosted on the cloud provider's premises.
3. Community Cloud: Shared by multiple organizations with common concerns (e.g.,
security, policy), managed by the organizations or a third party, and can be on-premise or
off-premise.
4. Hybrid Cloud: Combines two or more distinct clouds (private, public, or community)
connected by technology that enables data and application portability, allowing for
seamless load balancing.

THREE SERVICE OFFERING MODELS

1. Software as a Service (SaaS):

○ Provides access to applications hosted by a vendor over the internet.
○ Users can utilize applications through a web browser without managing the
underlying infrastructure.
○ Common examples include CRM systems, business intelligence tools, and online
accounting software.
2. Platform as a Service (PaaS):
 ○ Allows consumers to deploy their applications on cloud infrastructure using
supported programming languages and tools.
○ Users manage the deployed applications and configurations, while the vendor
manages the infrastructure, networks, and scalability.
○ Examples include Google App Engine and Microsoft Azure.
3. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS):
○ Offers fundamental computing resources like processing power, storage, and
networking on a pay-per-use basis.
○ Users have control over operating systems and deployed applications, while the
service provider manages the hardware.
○ Amazon Web Services (AWS) is a well-known IaaS provider.

Difference between PaaS and IaaS:

● Control: PaaS requires less management from users as the vendor handles most aspects,
while IaaS gives users more control over the infrastructure, necessitating greater
management on the customer side. Organizations with existing software packages
typically choose IaaS to run their applications in the cloud.