What Is Cloud Computing? | Microsoft Azure

Cloud computing is a transformative approach to IT resources that offers numerous benefits to organizations. These benefits include cost savings, faster operations, global scalability, increased productivity, improved performance, enhanced reliability, and strengthened security. Cloud computing encompasses various types of deployments, such as public, private, and hybrid clouds. Public clouds are managed by third-party providers like Microsoft Azure, offering hardware, software, and infrastructure through the internet. Private clouds are dedicated to a single business or organization and can be located on-site or hosted by third-party providers. Hybrid clouds combine both public and private clouds, enabling data and applications to be shared between them and providing flexibility, deployment options, and optimization of existing infrastructure. Cloud computing services can be categorized into four main types: Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), Software as a Service (SaaS), and serverless computing. IaaS involves renting IT infrastructure on a pay-as-you-go basis, while PaaS provides on-demand environments for software development and management. SaaS delivers software applications over the internet on a subscription basis. Serverless computing focuses on building application functionality without the need for server management, offering scalability and event-driven capabilities. Cloud computing is widely used across various industries, from startups to large corporations, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. Microsoft is a prominent provider of cloud computing services, particularly through its Microsoft Azure platform. For further information on Microsoft’s cloud offerings and a comparison with other providers, additional resources and best practices are available.

Source: https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/resources/cloud-computing-dictionary/what-is-cloud-computing/

What Is Cloud Computing?

Cloud computing refers to the practice of storing and accessing data and programs over the internet instead of on a local computer’s hard drive. The term cloud is a metaphor for the internet and represents the vast server-farm infrastructure that delivers information to users. Cloud computing is distinct from local storage, where data is stored and programs are run on the computer’s hard drive. To qualify as cloud computing, data and programs need to be accessed over the internet or synchronized with other information online. Cloud computing is widely used by individuals and businesses. For consumers, it involves utilizing web-based applications and services accessed through an internet connection. Businesses can choose from various cloud computing models, including Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS), and Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS). Cloud computing has become a significant industry, with companies like Amazon, Microsoft, Google, and Rackspace providing cloud services. Despite some drawbacks, such as potential service outages and reliance on internet connectivity, cloud computing has become an integral part of modern computing and is expected to continue growing in importance.

Source: https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/what-is-cloud-computing

Cloud computing

Cloud computing is a model of providing on-demand availability of computing resources, such as data storage and processing power, without the need for direct user management. It involves a group of networked elements that collectively form an amorphous cloud, where users can access a suite of hardware and software services managed by a provider.

The concept of cloud computing dates back to the 1960s with the advent of time-sharing and remote job entry. The term cloud was later used in 1994 by General Magic to describe the virtualized services accessible to mobile agents. In the 2000s, cloud computing started to take shape with the establishment of Amazon Web Services, followed by the introduction of Google App Engine and NASA’s open-source software for deploying clouds.

Over the years, various cloud services emerged, including Microsoft Azure, Oracle Cloud, and IBM SmartCloud. Cloud technology gained significant popularity during the global pandemic due to its data security and remote working capabilities.

Cloud computing offers several value propositions, such as cost reductions, device independence, maintenance ease, multitenancy, performance monitoring, increased productivity, availability, and scalability. It also raises concerns about data security, control, and compliance with regulations.

The three primary service models in cloud computing are Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS). IaaS provides high-level abstractions for managing computing resources, while PaaS offers a development environment for application developers. SaaS allows users to access software applications hosted in the cloud.

Additional cloud computing models include Mobile Backend as a Service (MBaaS), which provides APIs and SDKs for mobile app development, and Serverless Computing or Function-as-a-Service (FaaS), where the cloud provider manages starting and stopping code execution as necessary.

Cloud computing faces challenges related to data security, reduced visibility and control, and the complexity and cost of cloud migration. Despite these challenges, cloud computing has revolutionized the IT industry and continues to evolve as a fundamental technology for organizations worldwide.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cloud_computing

What is cloud computing? | IBM

Cloud computing refers to the delivery of computing services over the internet, and it encompasses three main models: SaaS (Software-as-a-Service), PaaS (Platform-as-a-Service), and IaaS (Infrastructure-as-a-Service).

SaaS, also known as cloud-based software or cloud applications, involves hosting application software in the cloud. Users can access these applications through a web browser, dedicated desktop client, or an API. Typically, SaaS involves a monthly or annual subscription fee, but some providers offer pay-as-you-go pricing based on actual usage. SaaS is widely used for commercial software, ranging from industry-specific applications to enterprise-level software involving databases and AI.

PaaS provides software developers with an on-demand platform for running, developing, and managing applications. The cloud provider hosts all the necessary infrastructure, including servers, networks, storage, operating systems, middleware, and databases. Developers can easily select the required resources from a menu and scale them as needed. Modern PaaS often utilizes container technology, enabling developers to package applications with the necessary operating system services without modification.

IaaS offers on-demand access to fundamental computing resources, such as physical and virtual servers, networking, and storage, over the internet. Users can scale these resources based on their needs, eliminating the need for high upfront costs or maintaining on-premises infrastructure. Unlike SaaS and PaaS, IaaS provides users with the lowest-level control over computing resources in the cloud. While IaaS was initially the most popular model, SaaS and PaaS are now experiencing faster growth.

Serverless computing, also known as serverless, is a cloud computing model that outsources backend infrastructure management tasks to the cloud provider. This allows developers to focus solely on their application’s code and business logic. Serverless runs application code on a per-request basis and automatically scales the supporting infrastructure up or down based on demand. Users only pay for the resources used during application runtime, eliminating costs for idle capacity. Function-as-a-Service (FaaS) is a subset of serverless computing that enables developers to execute specific functions in response to events. The cloud service provider provisions the necessary resources in real-time as the code executes.

In summary, cloud computing comprises SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS models. SaaS delivers cloud-based software accessed through web browsers or dedicated clients, while PaaS provides a platform for developers to build and manage applications without the complexity of maintaining on-premises infrastructure. IaaS offers on-demand access to computing resources over the internet. Additionally, serverless computing allows developers to offload infrastructure management tasks to the cloud provider, while FaaS enables executing specific functions in response to events.

Source: https://www.ibm.com/topics/cloud-computing

What is the cloud? | Cloud definition

Cloud computing refers to the use of servers, software, and databases accessed over the Internet. These servers, located worldwide, allow users and companies to avoid the management of physical servers and the need to run applications on their own devices. Instead, the cloud enables users to access files and applications from various devices, as the computing and storage take place in data centers. Examples of cloud services include Gmail, Microsoft Office 365, Dropbox, and Google Drive.

Switching to cloud computing reduces IT costs for businesses, as they no longer need to maintain their own servers. Small businesses can benefit from outsourcing their infrastructure needs affordably through the cloud. Additionally, the cloud facilitates international operations by enabling employees and customers to access files and applications from any location.

Cloud computing relies on virtualization, which creates virtual computers that behave like physical computers with their own hardware. Virtual machines allow for efficient hardware utilization and enable multiple virtual servers to run on a single physical server. Cloud providers can serve numerous customers simultaneously at a low cost, and they ensure high availability through backup services.

Users connect to cloud services through browsers or apps, accessing the cloud over the Internet. Cloud services encompass various resources managed by cloud providers, such as infrastructure, applications, development tools, and data storage. These services are categorized into Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS), Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), and Function-as-a-Service (FaaS) or serverless computing.

Cloud infrastructure refers to the resources required for hosting and building applications in the cloud. It includes IaaS, PaaS, SaaS, and FaaS. Cloud deployments differ in terms of server location and management, and common types include public, private, hybrid, and multi-cloud deployments.

Cloudflare assists businesses in migrating to and operating in the cloud. It provides protection and management solutions for various cloud deployments, offering services like DDoS protection and FaaS integration. The term the cloud originated as a slang term to represent the servers and infrastructure of the Internet. Containers, similar to virtual machines, are a virtualization technology categorized under the PaaS model and share the operating system kernel among multiple containers on the same machine.

Source: https://www.cloudflare.com/learning/cloud/what-is-the-cloud/

What is the Cloud – Definition | Microsoft Azure

The cloud is a global network of servers with distinct functions, not a physical entity. It operates as a single ecosystem, connecting remote servers worldwide. These servers store and manage data, run applications, and provide services like streaming videos, web mail, and social media. Instead of accessing files locally, you can access them online from any Internet-capable device, making the information available wherever and whenever you need it.

Businesses deploy cloud resources using four methods: a public cloud that shares resources and offers services over the Internet, a private cloud that provides services over a private internal network hosted on-premises, a hybrid cloud that combines public and private clouds based on their purpose, and a community cloud that shares resources exclusively among organizations, such as government institutions.

Source: https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/resources/cloud-computing-dictionary/what-is-the-cloud/

What is cloud computing? Everything you need to know about the cloud explained

Cloud computing refers to the delivery of various computing services over the Internet, such as servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics, and intelligence. Instead of owning their own computing infrastructure, companies can rent access to these services from cloud service providers. The benefits of cloud computing include avoiding upfront costs and complexity, paying only for what is used, and taking advantage of economies of scale. Cloud computing covers a wide range of options, from basic storage and processing power to advanced services like natural language processing and artificial intelligence. It supports various applications, from consumer services like Gmail to enterprise services like hosting data and running applications for large companies like Netflix. Cloud computing has become the default choice for many software vendors, who now offer applications as services over the internet. However, there are potential downsides to cloud computing, including new costs and risks. The concept of cloud computing has been around since the early 2000s, but the idea of computing as a service dates back even further. Cloud computing spending is increasing, with predictions indicating a shift of spending to the cloud across various markets. Different types of cloud computing services include Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS). While SaaS is the most commonly known, IaaS and PaaS have experienced faster growth. Businesses are increasingly adopting a multi-cloud strategy to avoid vendor lock-in and find the best mix of technologies. Cloud computing offers benefits such as agility, scalability, and cost savings, but it may not always be the cheapest option, and concerns about security and data privacy remain. Adoption of cloud computing is expected to continue growing, with the majority of organizations embracing a cloud-first principle and deploying new workloads on cloud-native platforms.

Source: https://www.zdnet.com/article/what-is-cloud-computing-everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-cloud/

What Is Cloud Storage, and Why Should You Use It?

Cloud storage is a method of storing data by utilizing the internet instead of local computer storage. It involves signing up for a paid service, such as those offered by Microsoft, Apple, or Google, where files are stored on their servers. The files can then be accessed from any device with an internet connection by logging into the service. Cloud storage offers several advantages, including freeing up space on local devices, providing file backup, saving money compared to purchasing additional hard drives, and allowing access to files from anywhere. Continuous synchronization ensures that the latest versions of files are available across all devices. However, cloud storage does have some drawbacks, such as the requirement for a reliable internet connection and concerns about data security and privacy. While cloud storage services can be vulnerable to hacking, it is generally recommended not to store sensitive files online. Overall, the benefits of cloud storage outweigh the drawbacks, making it a useful solution for various storage needs.

Source: https://www.howtogeek.com/775235/what-is-cloud-storage-and-why-should-you-use-it/

Computer Basics: Understanding the Cloud

The cloud refers to accessing remote resources over the Internet rather than storing data on your computer’s hard drive. It provides convenience and reliability, allowing you to access information from any device with an Internet connection. Web-based email services like Gmail or Yahoo! Mail are examples of cloud usage, as emails are stored on servers instead of locally. The cloud also enables data recovery in case of computer issues. Additionally, web apps are cloud-based applications that do not require installation on your computer and are commonly used on the Internet.

Source: https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/computerbasics/understanding-the-cloud/1/