What is Cloud Computing?

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Cloud computing is a topic that many find confusing. However, it is not as complicated as you may think. In fact, those who claim to be most confused by it, use it on a regular basis.

Cloud computing is the phrase used to describe different scenarios in which computing resource is delivered as a service over a network connection (usually, this is the internet). Cloud computing is therefore a type of computing that relies on sharing a pool of physical and/or virtual resources, rather than utilizing local or personal hardware and software. Similar to a consumer using the electric grid to power a home over running their own generator, cloud computing is also known as “utility computing,” as users are able to tap into a computing resource supply rather than manage the equipment needed to generate it themselves.

One of the key characteristics of a cloud system is the options that it permits through scalability. This refers to the ability of a system to adapt and scale to changes in workload. Cloud technology allows for the automatic provision and deprovision of resource as it is needed, ensuring that the level of resource available is as closely matched to current demand as possible. This is in stark contrast to other computing models where resource is delivered in blocks (e.g., individual servers, downloaded software applications), usually with fixed capacities and upfront costs.

Cloud deployments are great as levels of security and management can be customized to suit almost any business.


What are the Different Types of Clouds?

 

 

    1. 1. Public Cloud. Public clouds are the most accessible form of cloud computing in which services and infrastructure are hosted off-site by a cloud provider, shared across their client base and accessed by these clients via public networks. Although they offer economies of scale and provide redundancy, public clouds are the most vulnerable to security threats due to their accessibility.

 

    1. 2. Private Cloud. Private clouds on the other hand use pooled services and infrastructure stored and maintained on a private network for exclusive use by a particular client. This ensures greater security and control.

 

    1. 3. Hybrid Cloud. A hybrid cloud combines both public and private cloud elements. A hybrid cloud allows a company the greatest flexibility; they can utilize the public cloud for non-sensitive operations while using a private setup for sensitive or critical operations.

 

Following deployment models, there are three most common models for cloud computing: Software-as-a-service (SaaS), Platform-as-a-service (PaaS), and Infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS).

1. IaaS refers to the delivery of virtualized computing resources as a service across a network connection. IaaS deals with the hardware, or computing infrastructure – delivered as a service. Offerings include virtualized server space, storage space, network connections and IP addresses. The resource is pulled from a pool of servers distributed across data centers under the providers’ supervision, their user is then granted access to this resource in order to build their own IT platforms. IaaS can provide enterprises with great business benefits. 3EX Hosting services in Miami offers IaaS services for all of South Florida – users can benefit from colocated servers with continuous uptime so that they can focus on running and scaling their businesses.

2. PaaS is an extension of IaaS and is the category of cloud computing that provides developers with environments in which to build applications over the internet. In addition to the fundamental computing resource supplied by the IaaS service offering, PaaS models also include the software and configuration to create the platform on which clients can create their applications. PaaS packages can be customized to meet user needs; they can select which features of the service they need and leave the rest.

3. SaaS is the most common form of cloud computing variations. In this model, software is made available over a network connection. Many frequently used web applications are delivered this way: Gmail, Twitter, and Facebook are all examples of SaaS.
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