Cloud computing

What is cloud computing???

Cloud Computing is a technology that uses the internet and central remote servers to maintain data and applications. Cloud computing allows consumers and businesses to use applications without installation and access their personal files at any computer with internet access. This technology allows for much more efficient computing by centralizing data storage, processing and bandwidth.

Cloud Computing Basics:

The use of the word cloud tries to describe the two essential concepts, namely Abstraction: the absolute details of system implementation are hidden from users and developers, the applications are run on physical systems that arent specified, and administration of such systems is outsourced to others, data is stored in locations that are unknown, and access by users is ubiquitous. Virtualization: systems are virtualized by pooling and sharing of resources. Storage can be provided as needed from a centralized

infrastructure, costs are assessed and levied with a pay-as-you-use model, multiple tenants are allowed, and resources are scalable with appreciable agility.

Cloud Deployment Models:

The cloud deployment models define the purpose of the cloud and the nature of how the cloud is located. There are four basic models one should have some insight on: Public Deployment: The public cloud infrastructure is available for public use alternatively for a large industry group and is owned by an organization selling cloud services. Private Deployment: The private clouds infrastructure is operated for the exclusive use of an organization. The clouds can be managed by that organization or a third party. Private clouds may be either on- or off-premises. Hybrid Deployment: A hybrid cloud combines multiple clouds (private, community or public) where those individual clouds retain their unique identities, but are bound together as a unit. A hybrid cloud offers standardized or proprietary access to data and applications, as well as enables and enhances application portability. Community Deployment: A community cloud is one where the cloud has been organized to serve

a common function or purpose of one or several organizations, but they share common concerns such as their mission, policies, security, regulatory compliance needs, and so on. A community cloud may be managed by the constituent organization(s) or by a third party.

Cloud Service Models:

Commonly known as the SPI Model, the universally accepted service models are: Software as a Service: SaaS is a complete operating environment with provisioned applications, management, and the user interfaces. Platform as a Service: PaaS provides virtual machines, operating systems, applications, services, development frameworks, transactions, and control structures. Infrastructure as a Service: IaaS provides virtual machines, virtual storage, virtual infrastructure, and other hardware assets as resources that clients can provision.

Cloud Computing Features:

The following are an ideal cloud computing models features, which will help you to assess the value proposition of a cloud. Elasticity: You have the ability to right-size resources as required by your application. This feature not only allows you to optimize your system but also capture all the possibilities that come your way. Scalability: You have access to unlimited computer resources as needed, because the cloud provides infinite resource pool. This feature eliminates the need for careful planning and intelligent provisioning, while enabling batch processing, which greatly speeds up highprocessing applications. Utility model: A pay-as-you-use model matches resources to your need on a continuous basis, which eliminates the wastage of funds and has the most powerful added advantage of shifting risk from the client to the service provider. Low barrier to entry: Gaining access to systems is cheaper than ever, and only requires for a small investment. This feature offers the cloud users to access globally distributed resources and helps the small ventures by providing the ability to experiment and succeed with minimal risk.

Cloud Computing Benefits:

The features of cloud are its very benefits. The advantages of cloud based computing are immense and can vary over a wide range of applications. But, this doesnt mean that its a complete recipe for a successful business. The cloud provides On-demand self-service, Broad network access, Resource pooling, Rapid elasticity, Lower costs, Outsourced IT management, Ease of utilization, Quality of Service, Reliability, Measured service, Low Barrier to Entry, Simplified maintenance and up-gradations. In cloud computing, anyone can be a giant at any time. Cloud computing is not a panacea, however. In many instances, cloud computing doesnt work well for particular applications, but the instances are rare-long list of benefits should make it obvious why so many people are excited about the idea of cloud computing.