What is Cloud Computing? Definition, Types, and Benefits

These days, people are moving all old systems to the cloud, so the need for Cloud Solution Architects is growing. In the future, all web or mobile applications will be available on the cloud. So, let’s check out everything about cloud computing.

Table of Contents:

• What is Cloud Computing?
• Cloud Providers in Cloud Computing
• How do we access Cloud computing or Cloud?
• Cloud computing vs Traditional computing
• History of Cloud Computing
• Virtualization in Cloud Computing
• Examples of Cloud Computing
• Characteristics of Cloud Computing
• Cloud Computing Architecture
• Types of Cloud Computing Service Models
• Types of Cloud Computing Deployment Models
• How does Cloud Computing work?
• Is Cloud Computing Really Safe?
• How Can Cloud Computing Help the Organization?
• What Is Cloud Hosting?
• What Is a Data Center In Cloud Computing?
• Migration in Cloud Computing
• Advantages and Disadvantages of Cloud Computing
• Cloud Computing Applications
• Cloud Security
• Conclusion

What is meant by Cloud Computing?

Cloud computing is a way to access resources or various services such as storage, online computers (virtual machines/servers), IoT services, databases, app hosting services, load balancers, networking, and application monitoring over the internet without the need to set up your own combination of hardware to achieve your goals. This means that all the services/products you use will be stored on someone else’s hardware, and they will be responsible for managing your data on that hardware. You will not be responsible for how the backend hardware is managed to store your application or data. This concept is known as Cloud Computing.

For example, suppose you are asked to work on three computers with different operating systems, such as Linux (Ubuntu), Linux (Red Hat), and Windows. Practically, buying three laptops just for a project that might last only two months is not a feasible solution. The other option is virtualization on your local PC, but this depends on the strength of your local machine. Additionally, there could be a situation where other team members need to access all the computers at the same time. Practically, there is a high chance that tasks you need to perform on these three different PCs will not run seamlessly because they are dependent on your local hardware. You also won’t be able to provide access to three people on your system simultaneously. So, how do you achieve this?

In such a case, you can create virtual machines, a service available on all these platforms at very reasonable prices. Moreover, your hardware will not be used to run these three machines; instead, they will be launched on the hardware in the data centres of the cloud provider you are using. You will simply use your PC to access these machines.

Watch this video on Cloud Computing by Intellipaat:

Cloud Providers in Cloud Computing

A few major companies have set up a strong network infrastructure across the globe. This infrastructure includes multiple data centres, private networks, load balancers, routers, switches, firewalls, content delivery networks (CDNs), satellite control, and various compliance/regulatory certifications,  making them capable of providing services over the Internet anywhere in the world and onboard users. These companies are known as cloud providers, and the services they offer over the internet are called cloud computing. Some of the companies that provide cloud computing services include Microsoft, Amazon, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP).

Source: Synergy Resource Group and Statista

Comparison between top cloud providers: AWS vs. Azure vs. GCP

How do we access Cloud computing or Cloud?

Every cloud provider has given a name to its cloud product along with a corresponding website. For example, Microsoft’s cloud product is called Microsoft Azure, accessible at http://portal.azure.com, while Amazon offers Amazon Web Services (AWS) at http://aws.amazon.com. The same applies to other cloud providers and their products.

Users who want to access cloud services simply need to create an account on these websites and choose a subscription plan. Most companies also offer a free trial plan ranging from 30 days to 1 year, with certain limitations.

The below quote by Steve Jobs provides a one-liner understanding of the difference between running software and products on local computers versus running them on a server or machine that we don’t have to maintain, manage, or carry with us.

‘I don’t need a hard disk in my computer if I can get to the server faster … carrying around these non-connected computers is byzantine by comparison.’– Steve Jobs, Former CEO of Apple

Cloud Computing vs Traditional Computing

Go through this table to easily understand why, nowadays, every organization or individual is shifting from the traditional approach to the cloud.

Cloud Computing vs Traditional Methods in 5 simple points:

History of Cloud Computing

Cloud Computing was first thought of as a far-off idea in the 1960s. They suggested an “intergalactic computer network.” They didn’t know this technology would revolutionize suppliers and enterprise IT.

JCR Licklider, the person who suggested the “intergalactic computer network” wanted everyone in the world to be interconnected and access programs and data regardless of location. It subsequently became the footing for grid computing, which connected geographically dispersed computers and created a loosely coupled network.

The evolution of cloud computing can be seen in the table below:

Interestingly, the term, “cloud” was actually adapted from telephony. The telecommunication companies that offered VPNs used the cloud symbol to mark the demarcation point which was their sole responsibility.

Virtualization in Cloud Computing

Virtualization is the technology that assesses the ability to deploy a virtual box of servers, storage, networks, and other physical machines that run on the hypervisors, which is the underlying technology behind virtualization. To run multiple virtual machines simultaneously on a single physical machine, virtual software replicates the operations of physical hardware. 

Virtualization helps to run services using resources that are already in existence such as memory, storage, and operating systems. It allows users to use the existing machines to their fullest capacity, thereby improving business agility where the capabilities of services are distributed.

The device on which the virtual machine is to be created is known as the host machine, and the virtual machine itself is known as the guest machine. The architecture of a virtual machine provides an environment that is logically separated from the existing hardware. It makes it possible for companies to share a single physical source among many users.

Virtualization allows for the separation of an application, a guest operating system, or data storage from the underlying software or hardware. Virtual machines, created by virtualization, provide their customers with additional isolation, flexibility, and control once the majority of systems and applications are fully utilized. 

Examples of Cloud Computing

When it comes to the applications of Cloud Computing at home, local computing can, sometimes, make that line blurry. That is because the Cloud, these days, is, undeniably, an integral feature of almost everything on our computers.

Any local piece of software, such as Microsoft Office, utilizes at least one form of Cloud Computing. In this case, it is Microsoft OneDrive for storage. Microsoft also has a range of web-based apps, called Office or Office for the Web, that are web-only versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote. They are accessible via web browser without the need for installing anything.

Listed below are some of the major examples of Cloud Computing that you are most likely using:

1. Google Drive: This is a pure Cloud Computing service that offers online storage for use with various Cloud productivity apps such as Google Docs, Sheets, Forms, Slides, etc. Google Drive can also be used on tablets, such as iPads, as well as smartphones that have Docs and Sheets as separate apps. As a matter of fact, most Google services, such as Gmail, Google Maps, Google Calendar, etc., are based on Cloud technology.
2. Apple iCloud: The primary application of Apple’s Cloud service is online storage, backup, and synchronization of your contacts, mail, calendar, etc. All the data that you need is accessible from your iOS, macOS, iPad OS, or Windows devices (after installing the iCloud control panel.) Apple iCloud offers Cloud-based versions of Word Processors (Pages), Spreadsheet (Numbers), and Presentations (Keynote.) iCloud also has the Find My iPhone feature that enables one to find their device when the same goes missing.
3. Dropbox: It is a simple, reliable file-sync and storage service that is, now, enhanced with a number of paid collaboration features and services.
4. Social Media: Even though its power is undeniable, social media is the most overlooked example of Cloud Computing. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc., keep communities connected. They have network-based storage that holds personal data on the Cloud. Since the Cloud can extend its resources based on demand, it can easily store enormous amounts of data.

Characteristics of Cloud Computing

Let’s discuss some of the characteristics of cloud computing:

1. Resources Pooling – Cloud providers pull computing resources with the help of a multi-tenant model to provide services to multiple customers. These resources can be physical and virtual and are assigned and reassigned depending on the requirements of the customer.

2. On-Demand Self-Service – A user can continuously monitor the allotted network storage, server uptime, and computing capabilities.

3. Easy Maintenance – The maintenance of servers is very easy and the downtime is low, so much so that sometimes, there is no downtime at all. Regular updates gradually aim to make Cloud Computing better with each update.

4. Large Network Access – The user can upload data to the cloud and access data from the cloud from anywhere with the help of a device that has an internet connection.

5. Availability – The capabilities of the cloud can be extended and modified as per use. It analyzes the storage usage and gives the user the option to buy extra cloud storage.

6. Automatic System – Cloud computing is capable of automatically analyzing the data required and supports a metering capability at some level of services. Users are able to monitor, regulate, and report the usage thus providing transparency for the host as well as the customer.

7. Economical – It is a one-time investment and saves the host from heavy costs as parts of the storage that have been bought can be provided to many companies. The only expense is on basic maintenance and a few other light expenses.

8. Security – Cloud security is one of the best features of Cloud Computing. The data storage and backups are automated and are less vulnerable to physical damage or hackers.

9. Pay-as-you-go – The user has to pay only for the service or the space they have used. There are no hidden costs to be paid. Most of the time, some of the space is allotted for free.

10. Measured Service – The resource utilization is analyzed by supporting charge-per-use capabilities. The resource usage gets monitored, measured, and reported by the service provider.

Cloud Computing Architecture

Cloud Computing architecture is a blend of event-driven architecture and service-oriented architecture. It is divided into:

• Front End – The front end contains the client-side interfaces and applications that allow users to access the cloud computing platforms. It includes web servers, thin & fat clients, tablets, and mobile devices.
• Back End – The back end is for use by the service provider and helps manage all the resources to provide cloud computing services. It includes huge data storage, virtual machines, servers, deploying models, security mechanisms, traffic control mechanisms, etc.

Both the front-end and back-end are connected to others through a network.

Cloud Computing architecture has the following components:

1. Client Infrastructure – Client infrastructure is part of the front end that provides GUI to interact with the cloud.

2. Application – The application may be any software or platform that a client wants to access.

3. Service – A cloud service manages the type of service that can be accessed as per the client’s requirement.

4. Runtime Cloud – It provides the execution and runtime environment to the virtual machines.

5. Storage – An important component of cloud computing that provides a huge capacity of storage in the cloud for data.

6. Infrastructure – Cloud infrastructure provides services on three levels—host, application, and network level. It includes both hardware and software components like storage, servers, network devices, virtualization software, and other storage resources to support the cloud computing model.

7. Management – It is used for the management of Cloud Computing components and establish coordination between them.

8. Security – Security is part of the back end and an in-built component that implements a security mechanism.

9. Internet – Through the Internet, the front end and back end are able to communicate with each other.

Types of Cloud Computing Service Models

Basically, cloud services are divided into three categories:

1. Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS):

Also known as Cloud infrastructure services, IaaS is responsible for the management of application data, middleware, and runtime environments. A Cloud provider provides a user with a virtual machine or any other resource without letting the user worry about the physical aspects of the machine. More importantly, a user gets access to the operating system in IaaS. Therefore, you can install or uninstall any software on these servers. Example: AWS EC2, GCE, and Cisco Metapod.

2. Software-as-a-Service (SaaS):

SaaS is also known as Cloud application services. Most of the time, these applications run directly through the web browser and need not be downloaded and installed. A user just gets access to the software that is installed on the server. No dashboard is provided, and no access to the operating system is given. ExamplesExample: Google Apps, Dropbox, Netflix, Slack, Salesforce, Hubspot, Cisco WebEx, etc.

3. Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS):

These Cloud platform services are quite similar to SaaS. PaaS, however, provides a platform required for software creation. In this service, one does not get access to the operating system. If a user needs a web server with PHP installed on it, the user will get the web server without getting access to the OS. What a user gets is a dashboard through which they can upload and deploy their files; the rest is managed by the Cloud provider, i.e., software installation, security patch on OS, etc. ExamplesExample: Windows Azure, OpenShift, Magento Commerce Cloud, Force.com, etc.

Cloud Computing Deployment Models

There are three basic cloud deployment models:

• Public Cloud
• Private Cloud
• Hybrid Cloud

1. Public Cloud

In a public cloud, your applications would reside on a shared infrastructure. Although Cloud Providers provide complete isolation from other users who co-exist on the same hardware, it is advisable not to store any sensitive documents or information on it when using a public cloud.

2. Private Cloud

A private cloud is not very different from a public cloud, only that the security features vary. In a private cloud, your infrastructure or server will just have your applications. It will be completely isolated from public cloud servers. These servers are commonly used by companies that have sensitive information to store. A private cloud can either be provided to you by your Cloud Provider or you can create your own private cloud by buying your own stack.

3. Hybrid Cloud

A hybrid cloud is a combination of a public cloud and a private cloud. It provides functionalities of both public and private clouds.

So, if a company wants to keep its mission-critical data in a private cloud and run its services and applications on a public cloud, it can make a hybrid integration.

Apart from the three basic cloud deployment models, there is multi-cloud and hybrid multi-cloud.

4. Multi-Cloud and Hybrid Multi-cloud

Multi-cloud is when two or more clouds are used from two or more different providers. A multi-cloud environment can be as simple as using an email SaaS from one vendor and sourcing an image editing one from another.

However, enterprises are typically more about using multiple cloud services like SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS services from multiple leading public cloud providers.

Hybrid multi-cloud, on the other hand, is the use of multiple public clouds together with a private cloud environment.

Organizations opt for multi-cloud in order to have more services to choose from, prevent vendor lock-in, and have access to more innovation. However, with the increasing number of clouds used, it becomes more and more difficult to manage the environment since each comes with its own set of management tools, data transmission rates, and security protocols.

Multi-cloud management platforms have a central dashboard that provides visibility across multiple provider clouds. Here, the development teams can view their projects and deployments, the operations teams can monitor the clusters and nodes, and the cybersecurity team can keep an eye on potential threats.

How does Cloud Computing work?

We are already aware that Cloud Computing is a software infrastructure that is application-based and stores data on a remote server accessible through the Internet. Let us now understand how it actually works. Cloud Computing can be divided into front end and back end.

The front end is what enables users to access data that is in the Cloud with the help of a Cloud Computing software or internet browser. However, the main component of Cloud Computing that is responsible for storing data securely is the back end. These components are computers, servers, databases, and central servers.

Operations are facilitated by the central server by following a set of protocols. It employs a middleware for ensuring seamless connectivity between devices that are linked via Cloud Computing. Cloud Computing service providers usually maintain multiple copies of the data to quickly address situations in the event of security threats, data breaches, data loss, etc.

Is Cloud Computing Really Safe?

Cloud computing is normally considered safe, as cloud vendors implement sturdy security measures and compliances like HIPAA and GDPR requirements to shield data and infrastructure from cyber threats. However, when you choose to store your data in the cloud, you are giving the information to a third-party service provider. Therefore, before planning to migrate, discuss with the solution architect.

A cloud provider offers security mechanisms to protect secret keys using encryption, multi-factor authentication, managing backup services, access controls, identity and access management (IAM), risk detection, data breaches, and compliance with regulatory necessities. Hence, it is considered safe and useful.

How Can Cloud Computing Help the Organization?

The main reason why cloud computing is crucial for companies is because it allows them to scale up the servers, maintain flexibility and storage capacity, and focus their efforts on business operations.

The cloud has emerged as an equalizer medium for companies of all sizes, from global businesses to startups, providing an equal opportunity to innovate and maximize workloads. Big IT firms have used cloud technologies to improve scalability, simplify operations, and reduce expenses. For startups, the cloud provides an environment for experimentation because, in the beginning, there might be a chance they pivot their technologies or programming stacks, deployment process, and rapid scaling up for servers and storage capacity. 

What Is Cloud Hosting?

Running your website or application on virtual servers in the cloud is known as cloud hosting. A cloud hosting service is defined as hosting and providing storage for a website on the internet, where users can easily access the website’s content. It offers to create and maintain a site and make it accessible on the World Wide Web.

Traditionally, businesses host their applications on physical servers bought from on-premises data centres or rented from cloud providers. In cloud hosting, the cloud provider is paid to host applications across a huge network of physical and virtual servers distributed around geographical locations.

Comparing this method to other traditional methods, it is far more flexible. You can quickly scale your applications up or down by using an existing resource pool to access computing resources. Additionally, you do not need to worry about allocating the appropriate number of resources.

What Is a Data Center in Cloud Computing?

Computing machines and the hardware that is connected to them are physically stored in a data centre. In simple terms, a data centre is nothing but a physical facility that is geographically located worldwide and allows companies to house their critical applications and data. 

A data centre’s architecture is based on a computing network and storage resources that allow the delivery of shared applications and data. The key elements of a data centre architecture comprise routers, switches, firewalls, storage systems, servers, and application delivery controllers.

Data centres bring several advantages, such as: 

• Security measures that are easier to implement and follow compliance standards with data laws
• To handle power outages and have backup power sources.
• Data replication for disaster recovery across multiple computers
• Facilities with temperature control to increase equipment longevity

Migration in Cloud Computing

Cloud migration is the process of transferring computing resources, like data and applications, into a cloud computing environment. Usually, resources are moved from an on-premises data centre to a cloud service provider.

Migrations are happening more frequently within the cloud as more businesses switch between different cloud providers as more businesses have already made the shift to the cloud.

While conducting a migration process, the business or company’s whole infrastructure application and data transferred from the on-premises server to a cloud provider’s server need proper planning and execution. This encompasses choosing the right cloud services, migrating and testing data, and making sure the users get a smooth transition.

Working Process 

Assessment > Planning > Data Migration > Application Migration > Testing > Optimization

• Assessment: Before starting the migration process, it is a mandatory step to assess the fresh data, applications, and infrastructure.
• Planning:  The migration strategy should be well-planned. The objective of the migration should be clear, including determining which type of deployment model should be selected and choosing the best cloud provider.   
• Data Migration: Transfer of data from on-premises to cloud servers, which includes databases, files, and other types of data.
• Application Migration: Moving applications from on-premises to cloud servers requires re-hosting, re-platforming, and re-designing to create a suitable environment.  To enhance the compatibility and performance of the newly deployed application.
• Testing: This is an iterative step; once the migration is completed, testing can be done to make sure the data and applications are performing properly in the cloud environment.
• Optimization: In order to achieve maximum performance, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness, it is necessary to do continuous optimization and monitoring of the infrastructure.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Cloud Computing

The following are the benefits of Cloud Computing:

1) Back-up and restore data – Data back-up and restoration is a piece of cake once the data is in the cloud.

2) Improved collaboration – Cloud applications make it easy to quickly share information via shared storage.

3) Excellent accessibility – It is possible to quickly and easily access stored information from anywhere and anytime.

4) Low maintenance cost – It reduces hardware and software maintenance costs significantly.

5) Mobility – All cloud data is easily accessible via mobile.

6) Services in the pay-per-use model – Cloud Computing offers APIs to users for cloud services and charges are as per the usage.

7) Unlimited storage capacity – Cloud offers huge storage capacity for storing data in one place.

8) Data security – The cloud offers many advanced security features and ensures the security of the data stored.

However, Cloud Computing is not without its disadvantages:

1) Internet Connectivity – It goes without saying that If you do not have good internet connectivity, you cannot access data in the cloud. There is no other way to access it without an internet connection.

2) Vendor lock-in – Different vendors provide different platforms, which can cause difficulty for organizations to move their services from one cloud to another.

3) Limited Control – Cloud users have limited control over the functions and execution of services within a cloud infrastructure.

4) Security – One should be aware that an organization’s sensitive information is shared with a third party, i.e., a cloud computing service provider. While sending the data to the cloud, it is possible that hackers might try to gain access of that information.

Cloud Computing Applications

1. Art Applications – Art applications in Cloud Computing are used for conveniently designing attractive cards, creatives, images, etc. Some commonly used cloud art applications are Vistaprint, Adobe Creative Cloud, Moo, etc.

2. Business Applications – Business applications are used to grow businesses and ensure that they are 24*7 available to users. Some commonly used cloud business applications are Salesforce, QuickBooks, etc.

3. Data Storage and Backup Applications – Cloud Computing allows storage of information on the cloud and access to it whenever required. There are various Cloud backup recovery applications provided for retrieving lost data as well. Some commonly used data storage applications are Google Drive, Blackbaze, etc.

4. Education Applications – Cloud Computing in the education sector includes various online distance learning platforms and student information portals. It offers strong virtual classroom environments, ease of accessibility, scalability, greater reach for the students, minimal hardware requirements for the applications, and secure data storage. Google Classroom is one of the known examples.

5. Entertainment Applications – In the entertainment industry, a multi-cloud strategy is used to interact with the target audience. Online games and video conferencing are different types of entertainment applications. Netflix and Twitch use cloud computing platforms to handle the data.

6. Management Applications – Various cloud management tools that are available help admins manage resource deployment, disaster recovery, and data integration, along with administrative control over the platforms, applications, and infrastructure. AWS CloudWatch, Storage Mover, etc. is one of the examples.

Cloud Security

Naturally, security concerns have been a key reason keeping organizations from considering cloud services, particularly the public type. However, the security offered by cloud service providers is easily surpassing on-premises security solutions.

According to McAfee, 52% of companies currently are benefiting from better security in the cloud than on-premises.

Despite all that, maintaining cloud security definitely demands a variety of procedures and skills than in traditional IT environments. Following are some of the best practices in cloud security:

1. Security and Compliance Monitoring: Understanding all regulatory compliance standards applicable to the specific industry and active monitoring of all connected systems and cloud-based services is essential for maintaining the visibility of all data exchanges in public, private, and hybrid cloud environments.
2. Shared Responsibility: Generally, cloud service providers are the ones responsible for cloud infrastructure security and customers protect their data within the cloud. It is good practice to have a defined data ownership between private and public third parties.
3. Data Encryption: Data should be encrypted whether it is at rest, in transit, or in use. Customers should maintain complete control over security keys and hardware security modules.
4. User Identity and Access Management: Customers and IT teams need to have a full understanding of and visibility into devices, applications, networks, and data access.
5. Collaborative Management: There should be proper, clear, and understandable communication and processes between IT, operations, and security teams for seamless, secure, and sustainable cloud integrations.

Conclusion

A company offering cloud solutions allows for computing to be done in a much more collaborative and shared manner. It works with a service rather than a product. Through the cloud, users can easily and conveniently share information with the whole world or specific groups of people within the cloud network.

If you’re interested in diving deeper into cloud computing, consider enrolling in our course!