2. Cloud Computing Details

Cloud Computing means accessing the hosted services over the Internet. That means, we can access our documents or interact with our application or develop applications that are stored at the service provider from any place.

Cloud Computing Provides Various Services:

•   SaaS:

Software-as-a-service products provide complete hardware infrastructure and software applications. User has to interact with it using front-end tool no matter where he is, e.g. salesforce.com

•   PaaS:

Platform-as-a-service products provide some softwares and development tools also. Users can create their application in provider's infrastructure at any place, e.g. GoogleApps.

•   IaaS:

Infrastructure-as-a-service products provide virtual server and memory. Users have to use providers API to start stop access and configure their virtual server.

e.g. Amazon web services, EMC Atmos

•    DaaS:

Desktop-as-a-service enables us to use our desktop virtually from anywhere.

The pros:

•    Lower computer costs: Not necessary to have high-powered computers to access web applications. Even with cheaper computer also can give efficient results because data is stored in the web not with us.

•    Improved performance: Everything is run in cloud so our computer doesn’t have to take much effort to run applications. As a result, performance will be improved automatically.

•    Unlimited storage capacity: Storage is also one kind of service provided by the Cloud, so there is no limit to store data (based on the service provider).

•    Device independence: The actual documents are in the Cloud, so you can access it wherever you are.

The cons:

•    Requires a constant High speed Internet connection: To get benefit from this we need to have always a high speed Internet connection. 

•    Stored data might not be secure: There is no guarantee that your data stored is in cloud is securely protected. Intruders may access to your vital data at any time.

Deployment Models:

 

Public cloud

A public cloud is one based on the standard cloud computing model, in which a service provider makes resources, such as applications and storage, available to the general public over the Internet. Public cloud services may be free or offered on a pay-per-usage model.

Community cloud

Community cloud shares infrastructure between several organizations from a specific community with common concerns (security, compliance, jurisdiction, etc.). The costs are spread over fewer users than a public cloud (but more than a private cloud), so only some of the benefits of cloud computing are realized.

Hybrid cloud

Hybrid cloud is a composition of two or more clouds (private, community, or public) that remain unique entities but are bound together, offering the benefits of multiple deployment models. It can also be defined as multiple cloud systems that are connected in a way that allows programs and data to be moved easily from one deployment system to another.