What Is Cloud Computing? | Microsoft Azure

Cloud computing is a transformative approach to IT resources that offers numerous benefits for organizations. It represents a departure from traditional methods, and there are several compelling reasons why businesses are adopting cloud computing services. These include cost savings, increased speed, global scalability, improved productivity, enhanced performance, greater reliability, and strengthened security. It’s important to note that there are various types of cloud computing, and no single model is suitable for every organization. The deployment of cloud services can be done on a public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud. Public clouds are operated by third-party providers and offer resources such as servers and storage over the internet. Microsoft Azure is an example of a public cloud. Private clouds, on the other hand, are exclusively used by a single business and can be located in an on-site data center or hosted by third-party service providers. Hybrid clouds combine elements of public and private clouds, enabling data and applications to be shared between them. This hybrid approach provides businesses with flexibility, deployment options, and the ability to optimize their infrastructure, security, and compliance. Cloud computing services can be categorized into four main types: infrastructure as a service (IaaS), platform as a service (PaaS), serverless computing, and software as a service (SaaS). Each category builds upon the previous one and offers distinct functionalities. IaaS involves renting IT infrastructure from a cloud provider on a pay-as-you-go basis. PaaS provides an on-demand environment for software development, testing, delivery, and management, without the need to handle underlying infrastructure concerns. SaaS enables the delivery of software applications over the internet, with the provider handling application hosting, infrastructure management, and maintenance. Serverless computing focuses on app functionality without the need for server and infrastructure management, allowing for scalability and event-driven architectures. Cloud computing has become ubiquitous and is utilized by various organizations, from small startups to large corporations, government agencies to non-profits. Many everyday activities, such as email communication, document editing, media streaming, and file storage, rely on cloud computing services. Microsoft is a prominent player in the cloud computing market, offering comprehensive services for businesses of all sizes. Their cloud platform, Microsoft Azure, is widely recognized, and they provide resources, comparisons, and best practices to assist organizations on their cloud journey.

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

What is cloud computing? | IBM

Cloud computing refers to the delivery of computing services over the internet, and there are three common models: SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS.

SaaS, or Software-as-a-Service, involves accessing application software hosted in the cloud through a web browser, desktop client, or API. Users typically pay a subscription fee or based on actual usage.

PaaS, or Platform-as-a-Service, provides software developers with an on-demand platform for running, developing, and managing applications without the need for on-premises infrastructure. The cloud provider hosts servers, networks, storage, and development tools.

IaaS, or Infrastructure-as-a-Service, offers on-demand access to computing resources such as servers, networking, and storage over the internet. It allows users to scale resources as needed, reducing upfront costs and the need for on-premises infrastructure.

Serverless computing, a subset of serverless, offloads backend infrastructure management tasks to the cloud provider, allowing developers to focus on application code and business logic. Serverless runs code on a per-request basis and automatically scales the infrastructure based on demand, resulting in cost savings.

Function-as-a-Service (FaaS) is often confused with serverless computing but is actually a part of it. FaaS enables developers to execute specific portions of code in response to events, with the cloud provider managing the underlying infrastructure.

While IaaS was initially the most popular cloud model, SaaS and PaaS are growing rapidly. Serverless computing offers a more streamlined approach, freeing developers from infrastructure management and optimizing resource utilization.

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

The NIST Definition of Cloud Computing

The NIST Definition of Cloud Computing, published in September 2011, presents a model that allows convenient and widespread access to a shared pool of customizable computing resources. These resources include networks, servers, storage, applications, and services. The model enables rapid provisioning and release of resources with minimal effort or interaction from service providers. It consists of five essential characteristics, three service models, and four deployment models. The document provides keywords such as SaaS, PaaS, IaaS, on-demand self-service, reserve pooling, rapid elasticity, and measured service. The citation for the publication is available as NIST SP – 800-145 and was authored by P. Mell and T. Grance in collaboration with the National Institute of Standards and Technology. The paper can be downloaded online, and it was created on September 28, 2011, with the last update made on November 10, 2018.

Source: https://www.nist.gov/publications/nist-definition-cloud-computing

Cloud computing

Cloud computing is a technology that allows users to access data storage and computing resources without having to actively manage them. It operates on a shared resource model and offers a pay-as-you-go pricing model. Cloud computing has a history that dates back to the 1960s, but it gained traction in the 2000s with the introduction of services like Amazon Web Services, Google App Engine, and Microsoft Azure. Cloud computing provides various value propositions, including cost reductions, device independence, easier maintenance, multitenancy, improved performance, increased productivity, availability, scalability, and elasticity. Security is also a consideration in cloud computing, with both benefits and concerns related to data centralization and control. Cloud computing offers different service models, such as Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS), each providing different levels of abstraction. Additionally, there are deployment models, including private and public clouds. Private clouds are operated for a single organization, while public clouds are accessible to multiple organizations.

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

Definition of CLOUD COMPUTING

Cloud computing refers to the practice of storing computer data on multiple servers accessible through the Internet. For instance, Amazon Web Services, a prominent provider of cloud computing services, hosts a significant portion of Ethereum workloads on its servers. Staying up-to-date with the latest trends and obtaining relevant certifications is crucial for professionals in this field. This recent focus on cloud computing by the industry also indicates the growing market for renting processing power and storage from major technology companies. The term cloud computing was first used in 1996, and these examples showcase the diverse applications and impact of this technology.

Source: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cloud%20computing

What Is Cloud Computing? Definition, Benefits, Types, and Trends – Spiceworks

Cloud computing refers to the use of hosted services, such as data storage, servers, databases, networking, and software over the internet. It has witnessed significant growth since its inception, with cloud-based applications and services becoming prevalent in 2021. Cloud computing can be categorized into infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS), platform-as-a-service (PaaS), and software-as-a-service (SaaS), as well as public, private, and hybrid cloud based on the deployment model. The front-end layer of cloud computing allows users to access data stored in the cloud, while the back-end layer consists of the hardware and software responsible for storing information securely. Private cloud offers additional control, security, and customization, while public cloud provides scalability and flexible bandwidth. Hybrid cloud combines features of both public and private clouds. Cloud computing can be further divided into IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS, each offering different levels of control and management over infrastructure, development, and software. The benefits of cloud computing include scalability, cost savings, and the ability to access data and applications from anywhere. However, security concerns remain a challenge. Key trends in cloud computing for 2021 include increased spending on public clouds, multi-cloud and hybrid cloud strategies to alleviate downtime, growing popularity of container technology, wider adoption of virtual desktops for remote work, the evolution of security technologies for the cloud and edge, communication and collaboration as important use cases, the emergence of serverless computing outside of the tech industry, challenges in cloud cost optimization, cloud’s role in powering AI adoption, and the competition between Azure and AWS in the public cloud market. Embracing cloud computing can provide businesses with a competitive edge in various aspects.

Source: https://www.spiceworks.com/tech/cloud/articles/what-is-cloud-computing/

What is Cloud Computing? Pros and Cons of Different Types of Services

Cloud computing is a method of delivering various services over the Internet. It allows users to access tools and applications such as data storage, servers, databases, networking, and software remotely, without the need for local storage devices. Cloud computing offers benefits such as cost savings, increased productivity, speed, efficiency, performance, and security.

The concept of cloud computing is based on accessing information from remote servers or virtual spaces, eliminating the need for physical storage. It enables users to work from anywhere, as long as they have an electronic device with Internet access. The heavy processing and data crunching tasks are moved to large computer clusters located in the cloud, which is essentially the Internet. This allows users to access their data, work, and applications from any Internet-connected device globally.

Cloud computing services can be categorized as public, private, or hybrid. Public cloud services are provided over the Internet by third-party companies, allowing access to services through accounts. Private clouds are reserved for specific clients or organizations and are often hosted in their own data service centers. Hybrid clouds combine elements of both public and private services, offering greater flexibility and optimizing infrastructure and security.

There are different types of cloud services, including Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), and Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS). Cloud computing is utilized by various organizations, including corporations, small businesses, nonprofits, government agencies, and individual consumers.

Cloud computing offers advantages such as the ability to use software from any device, seamless file and settings transfer, and cost savings for businesses by eliminating the need for costly infrastructure. It also allows users to save storage space on their devices, access software more quickly, and ensure the availability of files in case of hardware failures.

However, there are also disadvantages to consider. Security is a major concern, particularly for sensitive data like medical records and financial information. Server outages, natural disasters, and bugs can affect the availability of cloud services. There is also a learning curve for employees and managers, and inadvertent mistakes can have system-wide consequences.

In the business world, cloud computing can be implemented in different ways, with some users opting for a fully cloud-based approach and others adopting a hybrid model. Major players in the corporate computing sphere include Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Alibaba Cloud.

Examples of cloud computing applications include streaming platforms for audio or video and data storage platforms like Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, and Box.

Data security and platform security are crucial considerations in cloud computing. Measures such as two-factor authorization, VPNs, data encryption, and firewall services are implemented to protect digital assets and data stored in the cloud.

Source: https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/cloud-computing.asp

What Is Cloud Computing?

Cloud computing refers to the practice of storing and accessing data and programs over the internet rather than on a local computer’s hard drive. It utilizes the internet as a means of accessing information and services. The term cloud is a metaphor for the internet, representing the vast server-farm infrastructure that processes and delivers data. Unlike traditional local storage, where data is stored and accessed from a physical device, cloud computing allows for remote access to data and programs from anywhere with an internet connection. It has become a popular solution for individuals and businesses alike, offering flexibility, scalability, and convenience.

For individual consumers, cloud computing impacts their daily lives through various services and applications. Examples include software applications that utilize cloud storage for data, web-based productivity tools like Microsoft Office for the Web, and file synchronization and backup services that store files online and synchronize them with local storage. Chromebooks exemplify a cloud-centric device, relying heavily on internet connectivity for apps, media, and storage. While the reliance on internet access remains a potential drawback, cloud computing continues to evolve and improve.

Cloud computing extends beyond individual users to businesses, which can subscribe to software applications (Software-as-a-Service) accessed over the internet, create custom applications (Platform-as-a-Service), or utilize infrastructure services (Infrastructure-as-a-Service) provided by major companies like Amazon, Microsoft, Google, and Rackspace. The cloud computing market has experienced significant growth, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when many businesses transitioned to remote work setups.

Despite the benefits, there are potential downsides to consider. Reliance on internet service providers (ISPs), telecommunication companies, and media companies for access raises concerns about access control and costs. Service disruptions or misconfigurations can lead to temporary outages and impact multiple services. However, despite these challenges, cloud computing is here to stay, providing opportunities for innovation and advancement in the digital landscape.

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

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

Cloud computing refers to the delivery of various computing services, such as servers, storage, databases, software, and analytics, over the Internet. Companies can rent access to these services from cloud service providers instead of owning and maintaining their own IT infrastructure. This allows them to avoid upfront costs and complexities while paying only for what they use. Cloud computing offers benefits like faster innovation, flexible resources, and economies of scale for both providers and customers. It covers a wide range of services, from basic storage and processing power to advanced technologies like artificial intelligence. Cloud computing has become the default option for many applications, with software vendors increasingly offering their products as services over the internet. However, there are potential downsides, such as 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 to the 1960s. It has gained significant momentum in recent years, with predictions indicating that a large portion of IT spending will shift to the cloud in the coming years. Different types of cloud services include Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS). The shift to cloud computing allows companies to move faster on projects, test concepts without extensive procurement processes, and scale applications easily. However, there are considerations like data security, migration challenges, and the need for internet connectivity. Cloud computing is not always cheaper than other forms of computing, and some companies may be hesitant to host sensitive data on shared platforms. Nonetheless, the cloud continues to grow as it enables digital transformation, provides business agility, and offers new possibilities in emerging technologies like augmented and virtual reality.

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