What is Cloud Computing
Here the term cloud is used in the sense of virtual storage. That is, we can compare cloud computing as a virtual data storage system. Basically, when more than one virtual server is connected to each other through the Internet, its free space is rented to users to store data, then it is called cloud computing.
Cloud computing is a Unix-based technology that includes an operating system, APIs, virtualization, automation, and management software. Earlier, if we wanted to create any online application, we needed hardware and software. This would have significantly raised the price. But in cloud computing, you have to pay as much as you use the resource in a Pay-As-You-Go system. This way you don’t need to buy hardware and software or spend any extra money.
Cloud computing simply means a computer connected to thousands of servers in data centres around the world. This allows you to use a computer with updated hardware virtually in your home without having to bear any physical expenses. Again, if any hardware problem occurs in your rented service, the service provider will replace it for a comparable amount from you.
Types of Cloud Computing
Cloud-based deployment is divided into three categories:
1. Public cloud
2. Private cloud
3. Hybrid cloud
Cloud-based services are also further divided into three categories:
1. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
2. Software as a Service (SaaS)
3. Platform as a Service (PaaS)
Cloud-Based Deployment Model
Public Cloud
In a public cloud, everything is stored over the Internet and accessed over the Internet. This system gives the user proper permissions to various applications and resources. The great thing about the public cloud is that you don’t own anything to use here, be it software or hardware. All types of components here are managed by service providers. Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services are two examples.
Private Cloud
A private cloud is specifically used for an organization, which they can use locally or hire from a cloud service provider. This system runs strictly on a private network, which means that only people on that particular network can use it. VMware cloud and AWS products are examples of private cloud.
Hybrid Cloud
It is an interesting form of cloud computing that has characteristics similar to both public and private clouds. Organizations using hybrid cloud can keep some of their data locally and some data in the cloud. One well-known organization that uses hybrid cloud is NASA. Â Â A private cloud is where sensitive data is kept safe. Â In addition, the public cloud is used to store data that is not a problem for the global public to see or display.
Cloud-based service
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
Infrastructure as a Service or IaaS is a type of cloud computing where all activities are organized through service providers, such as servers, storage, and network services. In this service system, the user does not need any changes in the system infrastructure. He only has control over storage, operating system, and applications. There is a third party who hosts all the services like hardware, software, servers, and storage itself and shares it with the users on a pay-as-you-go basis. That is, the user has to bear the cost as much as he uses.
Platform as a Service (PaaS)
In this model of cloud computing, you are provided with a pre-built platform from the cloud provider. Using this platform, you can do it your way. Here you can deploy your code and applications. You only need to manage code and applications; no infrastructure changes are required. An example of PaaS computing is AWS Elastic Beanstalk.
Software as a Service (SaaS)
In cloud computing, SaaS is a model where a user subscribes to a cloud-based software from a vendor and gets access accordingly. This type of cloud computing does not require users to install or download applications on their own devices. Instead, they can access software located on remote cloud networks directly through the web or API. In this model, the service provider manages all hardware, software, middleware, and security of the system. Salesforce is an example of SaaS cloud computing.
How does Cloud Computing work
Cloud computing is usually a collection of many cloud servers located in different data centres. A network infrastructure is used to consolidate various servers into a single core server. By doing this, thousands of servers are connected to each other through the Internet to exchange information. In fact, the cloud is the largest virtual computer network infrastructure. And these are controlled and maintained by cloud service provider companies.
Cloud service provider companies are constantly creating new servers and placing them in the cloud network, for which the storage capacity and computing power of the cloud network are increasing. And these service provider companies such as Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, Alibaba Cloud, IBM Cloud, Amazon Web Service (AWS), etc. rent computing services to users in cloud networks. Here they control the entire network infrastructure. And this server never goes down because if any kind of server problem occurs, that server is activated immediately from the backup.
By doing this, as unlimited data can be stored on the cloud server, its performance and internet security increase. On the other hand, physical servers have various security issues because such servers are not controlled by updated hardware and software. But the hardware and software used in cloud networks are regularly updated. Cloud Service Provider (CSP) Their main work is to manage data encryption, virtualization, auto-scaling, data centre, backup server, and firewall, etc. As the cloud service is managed by a fully automatic system, there is no human intervention to ensure hundred percent security.
Finally, cloud services are just like any other web hosting service. And if you imagine Google Drive as an example, it is perfectly compatible with the concept of cloud computing.
Advantages of Cloud Computing
Low Cost: As it does not require the purchase of any separate software or hardware, the cost will naturally be less.
Ease of Use: Cloud computing tasks can be controlled through mobile devices anywhere, so it is easy to use.
Use of Software: Cloud computing enables much higher quality completion of work, and it is possible to use all the necessary software that you might have to buy separately.
Auto Software Update: You don’t need to update cloud computing software; they are auto updated, so it does not require separate maintenance costs.
Pay as You Use: In cloud computing, you only pay for what you use, which is not possible in desktop computing.
Document Control: Without cloud computing, an office would require different people to control documents or transfer them from one place to another. However, there is no such problem in cloud computing; all documents can be controlled without adding additional people.
Data Storage: It is possible to store many data simultaneously, and that data will never be lost or corrupted. You don’t need to worry about your data because cloud computing firms have multiple data centres.
Security: Your data is more secure than you. You can get lost at any moment, but you don’t have to worry about losing your data. If you have a lot of data, you may want to back it up using a separate hard disk, but there is no guarantee that the hard disk will not crash. You can also lose data in other ways. But in the cloud, you don’t have this fear. The cloud guarantees the protection of your data. So, in this opportunity, you will also get time to take care of yourself a little more.
Disadvantages of Cloud Computing
1. There’s a chance that your data privacy may be compromised if you save it in the cloud. Handing over your valuable information to another person, is there any guarantee that he will not research your information?  This isn’t true for all businesses, either.
2. Data can become corrupted in an instant.
3. There may not be enough security.
4. Possibility of information leakage.
Some popular applications and services of Cloud Computing
Outright: Outright is a finance application. It is used for small business accounts. Profit, loss, income, expenses, etc., of the business can be calculated very easily.
Google Apps: Google Apps provides many facilities such as creating documents, creating spreadsheets, creating slide shows, calendar maintenance, creating personal emails, etc.
Evernote: Evernote is very useful to easily control, use, and access notes anywhere in the organization.
QuickBooks: QuickBooks is a type of accounting service. It provides very good support for cash management, budget preparation, business report preparation, etc.
Skype: Skype turns computers into phones, facilitating talking, video chatting, etc., through a computer from anywhere in the world.
Dropbox: A very useful service, also called a virtual hard disk. It means you can keep any type of file and control it from any PC very easily. You can share with others.
Cloud computing has become important for us. Through this, we can perform multiple tasks, including data storage and access. With the benefit of cloud computing systems, any person or organization can receive different types of cloud services from any cloud service provider with the help of the internet.
