What is cloud computing?

Cloud computing is the on-demand access of computing resources—physical servers or virtual

servers, data storage, networking capabilities, application development tools, software, AI-
powered analytic tools and more—over the internet with pay-per-use pricing.
The cloud computing model offers customers greater flexibility and scalability compared to
traditional on-premises infrastructure.

Cloud computing plays a pivotal role in our everyday lives, whether accessing a cloud
application like Google Gmail, streaming a movie on Netflix or playing a cloud-hosted video
game.

Characteristics of Cloud Computing

1. On-demand self-services: The Cloud computing services does not require any human
administrators, user themselves are able to provision, monitor and manage computing
resources as needed. Before the cloud, an individual or business would need to buy,
configure, and install an IT infrastructure to support their computing needs. With the
advent of AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, and other public cloud platforms, it
is now possible to access the IT tools you need much more quickly. You also don’t
need to provision the servers, databases, or other computing capabilities yourself, and
you can get started without understanding the underlying technology.
2. Broad network access: The Computing services are generally provided over standard
networks and heterogeneous devices.Gone are the days when an individual needed to
be onsite, in front of a desktop connected by a cable to the server, an internet
connection, and other technology. The cloud provides broad network access, with
resources available from anywhere with an internet connection.
3. Rapid elasticity: The Computing services should have IT resources that are able to
scale out and in quickly and on a need basis. Whenever the user require services it is
 provided to him and it is scale out as soon as its requirement gets over. Since the
actual computing resources are online, it is much easier to scale up or down as needed.
For instance, If a business needs more data backup, it can contract with the cloud
provider for more storage. It doesn’t have to shop around for its data storage
technology, wait for that hardware to arrive, set it up, and secure it first. Or, if a
business wants to scale back when a team shrinks, it can simply pay for fewer
software licenses instead of having unused desktops and other technology taking up
space and budget.
4. Resource pooling: The IT resource (e.g., networks, servers, storage, applications, and
services) present are shared across multiple applications and occupant in an
uncommitted manner. Multiple clients are provided service from a same physical
resource. With the public cloud, you have access to resource pooling. For example,
instead of one small business investing in all the technology needed to develop a new
application, it can turn to a cloud provider. Common resources are shared on a high-
efficiency infrastructure maintained, monitored, secured, and updated by experts.
Meanwhile, a small business can take advantage of economies of scale and only needs
access to the internet to take advantage of the cloud resources.
5. Measured service: The resource utilization is tracked for each application and
occupant, it will provide both the user and the resource provider with an account of
what has been used. This is done for various reasons like monitoring billing and
effective use of resource.
6. Multi-tenancy: Cloud computing providers can support multiple tenants (users or
organizations) on a single set of shared resources.
7. Virtualization: Cloud computing providers use virtualization technology to abstract
underlying hardware resources and present them as logical resources to users.
8. Resilient computing: Cloud computing services are typically designed with
redundancy and fault tolerance in mind, which ensures high availability and
reliability.
Technology is vulnerable to security threats. Yet, because of online resources, your IT may be
more secure if you access a cloud supported by a provider. Also, most cloud providers will
build redundancy to ensure you can access the resources you want if something goes wrong.
This would mean, for example, that your provider might have a data centre in Hyderabad and
another in Bangalore in case something happened to one or the other.

This also means that if something happened to your own business (say a power outage), while
your on-premises computers were down, your employees could continue to function by logging
in to the cloud from off-site networks.
9. Flexible pricing models: Cloud providers offer a variety of pricing models, including
pay-per-use, subscription-based, and spot pricing, allowing users to choose the option
that best suits their needs.

Pay-per-use availability

Expanding on this idea, cloud computing lets you pay only for the services you need. The cloud
computing provider can measure your resource utilisation and charge per use. Providers may
even be able to bill you down to the second. However, agreeing to a long-term commitment
could see greater cost savings.

10. Security: Cloud providers invest heavily in security measures to protect their
users’ data and ensure the privacy of sensitive information.
11. Automation: Cloud computing services are often highly automated, allowing
users to deploy and manage resources with minimal manual intervention.
12. Sustainability: Cloud providers are increasingly focused on sustainable practices,
such as energy-efficient data centers and the use of renewable energy sources, to
reduce their environmental impact.
IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS are three of the most common service models in cloud computing. Each
provides a different level of abstraction and control over the underlying infrastructure,
depending on the needs of the user. Here’s a detailed breakdown of their characteristics,
advantages, and disadvantages:

1. IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service)

Characteristics:

● Definition: IaaS provides virtualized computing resources over the internet. It offers
basic infrastructure services, such as virtual machines (VMs), storage, networking, and
firewalls.
● Components: Typically includes virtual servers, networking, storage, load balancers, and
monitoring tools.
● Control: Users have control over the operating systems, storage, and deployed
applications, but not over the underlying hardware.
● Scalability: Easily scalable up or down, depending on demand.
● Providers: Examples include Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, Google
Cloud Compute Engine.

Advantages:

● Cost-Effective: Pay-as-you-go model where you only pay for the resources you use,
which is ideal for businesses with fluctuating demands.
● Scalable: Resources can be quickly scaled to match demand without the need for
physical hardware.
● No Maintenance of Physical Infrastructure: Users do not need to manage or maintain
physical hardware, as it is handled by the cloud provider.
● Flexibility: You can run almost any operating system and configure the system to meet
specific needs.
 ● Disaster Recovery: Built-in redundancy and backup options can ensure business
continuity.

Disadvantages:

● Security Concerns: Since the underlying hardware is owned by the cloud provider,
security of the virtualized infrastructure can be a concern.
● Complexity: Setting up and managing servers and networking can require specialized
knowledge. For businesses without dedicated IT teams, this can be challenging.
● Limited Control Over Infrastructure: While users have control over software and
configurations, they do not control the underlying hardware and network infrastructure.
● Possible Hidden Costs: While IaaS can be cost-effective, the pay-per-use model can
result in unexpected expenses if resources are not carefully monitored and optimized.

When to Use IaaS

Choosing Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) sets businesses up for future success, irrespective of
their size. With IaaS, one can easily adjust their resources as your business grows or changes,
all without dealing with physical hardware. This means one have to only pay for what they
need, keeping costs in check. Plus, they have total control over their setup, allowing them to
customize it to fit your needs and keep up with industry standards. If they run into any issues,
they can count on support from their provider to help out. And with IaaS, they are always up-to-
date with the latest tech advancements, keeping them competitive in the market. So, by using
IaaS, businesses can stay flexible, save money, and keep up with the times, paving the way for
future innovation and success.

2. PaaS (Platform as a Service)

Characteristics:
● Definition: PaaS provides a platform allowing customers to develop, run, and manage
applications without worrying about the underlying infrastructure. It abstracts the
infrastructure, allowing developers to focus on coding and deploying applications.
● Components: Includes development tools, databases, middleware, application hosting,
and more.
● Control: Developers have control over the applications they build and deploy but do not
have control over the underlying hardware or operating systems.
● Scalability: Provides automatic scaling, where resources can scale up or down based on
demand, but without requiring the user to manage that directly.
● Providers: Examples include Google App Engine, Microsoft Azure App Service, AWS
Elastic Beanstalk.

Advantages:

● Faster Development: Developers can focus on building and deploying applications

rather than worrying about infrastructure management.
● Automatic Scaling: PaaS platforms automatically adjust resources based on demand,
improving operational efficiency.
● Integrated Development Tools: Includes pre-configured environments and tools that
accelerate the development process, such as frameworks, databases, and caching systems.
● Cost-Efficient: Often cheaper than managing on-premise infrastructure, since you only
pay for the computing resources you use.
● Improved Collaboration: Since the platform is centralized, it’s easier for development
teams to collaborate across geographies.

Disadvantages:

● Limited Flexibility: Developers are limited to the programming languages, tools, and
technologies supported by the PaaS provider, making it less customizable compared to
IaaS.
● Vendor Lock-In: Applications may become tightly coupled with the provider’s platform,
making it difficult to move to a different provider.
● Security and Compliance: While PaaS platforms offer some security measures, users
may not have full control over how their applications are secured or how compliance
requirements are met.
● Less Control: Users have less control over the underlying infrastructure and software
configuration.
● When to Use PaaS
● PaaS is ideal when developers prioritize cost-effectiveness and efficiency in creating
unique applications. By unloading tasks like software updates and security patches, PaaS
enables developers to focus on the creative aspects of app development, such as
designing, testing, and deploying. Use PaaS when you want to streamline development,
reduce time spent on maintenance, and maximize focus on innovation.

3. SaaS (Software as a Service)

Characteristics:

● Definition: SaaS provides fully managed software applications that are available over the
internet. These applications run on the provider’s infrastructure and are accessible via a
web browser.
● Components: Software applications for various purposes, including email, CRM
(Customer Relationship Management), productivity suites, and more.
● Control: Users have no control over the underlying infrastructure, platform, or software
updates. They interact only with the application interface.
● Accessibility: Users can access SaaS applications from any device with an internet
connection.
● Providers: Examples include Google Workspace (formerly G Suite), Microsoft 365,
Salesforce, Dropbox.

Advantages:

● Ease of Use: SaaS applications are ready to use immediately, with minimal setup or
maintenance required by the user.
● Cost-Effective: No need for significant upfront investment in hardware or software. It’s
typically billed on a subscription basis, making it more predictable.
● Scalability: Users can scale the software usage as needed, adding or removing seats or
features.
● Automatic Updates: The SaaS provider handles all software updates and maintenance,
ensuring the software is always up-to-date.
● Accessibility: As the software is cloud-based, it can be accessed from any device with an
internet connection, facilitating remote work and collaboration.

Disadvantages:

● Limited Customization: SaaS applications are generally designed to serve a broad

audience and may not meet the specific needs of every organization.
● Dependency on Internet: Since the application is accessed via the internet, any network
disruptions can impact access to the software.
● Security and Privacy: Sensitive data is stored with the SaaS provider, creating potential
security and privacy risks, especially if the provider doesn’t offer strong protections or
comply with necessary regulations.
● Vendor Lock-In: Switching from one SaaS provider to another can be difficult,
especially if the data or integrations are tightly coupled to the service.
● Limited Control Over Features: Users cannot change or modify the software beyond
what the provider offers.
● When to Use SaaS
 ● SaaS Platform are ideal when you want applications to work smoothly without needing
much effort from you. It’s great for businesses that want quick access to tools like email,
project management, or customer relationship management (CRM) software.

Difference between IAAS, PAAS and SAAS

Basis Of IAAS PAAS SAAS

Infrastructure as a Platform as a
Stands for Software as a service.
service. service.

IAAS is used by PAAS is used by SAAS is used by the end

Uses
network architects. developers. user.

PAAS gives access

IAAS gives access to run time
to the resources like environment to SAAS gives access to
Access
virtual machines and deployment and the end user.
virtual storage. development tools
for application.
 It is a cloud
It is a service model
computing model It is a service model in
that provides
that delivers tools cloud computing that
Model virtualized
that are used for the hosts software to make it
computing resources
development of available to clients.
over the internet.
applications.

There is no requirement
Some knowledge is
Technical It requires technical about technicalities
required for the
understanding. knowledge. company handles
basic setup.
everything.

It is popular among It is popular among

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Popularity developers and focus on the companies, such as file
researchers. development of sharing, email, and
apps and scripts. networking.

It has about a 27 % rise

It has around a 12% It has around 32%
Percentage rise in the cloud computing
increment. increment.
model.

Used by the skilled Used by mid-level

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Usage developer to develop developers to build
entertainment.
unique applications. applications.
 Amazon Web Facebook, and MS Office web,
Cloud services. Services, sun, Google search Facebook and Google
vCloud Express. engine. Apps.

Enterprise AWS virtual private

Microsoft Azure. IBM cloud analysis.
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Salesforce AWS, Terremark
cloud services. Gigaspaces.

Operating System,
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User Controls Nothing
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Application data

It is highly scalable
to suit the different It is highly scalable to
It is highly scalable
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and flexible.
according to enterprise level business
resources.

What is a Cloud Deployment Model?

Cloud Deployment Model acts as a virtual computing environment that offers a choice of
deployment model according to how much data users want to store and who will have access to
the infrastructure. It signifies how servers are deployed and provisioned over the internet so that
various organizations and companies can access these servers without configuring them.

Types of Cloud Computing Deployment Models

Public Cloud

The public cloud makes it possible for anybody to access systems and services. The public
cloud may be less secure as it is open to everyone. The public cloud is one in which cloud
infrastructure services are provided over the internet to the general people or major industry
groups. The infrastructure in this cloud model is owned by the entity that delivers the cloud
services, not by the consumer. It is a type of cloud hosting that allows customers and users to
easily access systems and services. This form of cloud computing is an excellent example of
cloud hosting, in which service providers supply services to a variety of customers. In this
arrangement, storage backup and retrieval services are given for free, as a subscription, or on a
per-user basis. For example, Google App Engine etc.

Public Cloud Characteristics

● Multi-Tenancy: Shared resources where multiple organizations (tenants) use the same
infrastructure but are logically separated from each other.
● Scalability: Easily scalable to meet changing demand, with resources available on-
demand.
● Cost-Effectiveness: Pay-as-you-go or subscription-based pricing, eliminating the need
for upfront investment in physical hardware.
● No Maintenance: The cloud provider handles infrastructure maintenance, security,
updates, and management.
 ● Accessibility: Services are available globally, accessible from any device with internet
connectivity.
● Security: Shared security responsibility, where the provider ensures the physical and
network security, and customers are responsible for data protection and access control.

Advantages of the Public Cloud Model

● Minimal Investment: Because it is a pay-per-use service, there is no substantial
upfront fee, making it excellent for enterprises that require immediate access to
resources.
● No setup cost: The entire infrastructure is fully subsidized by the cloud service
providers, thus there is no need to set up any hardware.
● Infrastructure Management is not required: Using the public cloud does not
necessitate infrastructure management.
● No maintenance: The maintenance work is done by the service provider (not users).
● Dynamic Scalability: To fulfill your company’s needs, on-demand resources are
accessible.

Disadvantages of the Public Cloud Model

● Less secure: Public cloud is less secure as resources are public so there is no
guarantee of high-level security.
● Low customization: It is accessed by many public so it can’t be customized
according to personal requirements.
Private Cloud

The private cloud deployment model is the exact opposite of the public cloud deployment
model. It’s a one-on-one environment for a single user (customer). There is no need to share
your hardware with anyone else. The distinction between private and public clouds is in how
you handle all of the hardware. It is also called the “internal cloud” & it refers to the ability to
access systems and services within a given border or organization. The cloud platform is
implemented in a cloud-based secure environment that is protected by powerful firewalls and
under the supervision of an organization’s IT department. The private cloud gives greater
flexibility of control over cloud resources.

Private Cloud
 Private Cloud Characteristics

A private cloud is a cloud environment used by a single organization. It can be hosted on-

premises or by a third-party vendor but is dedicated solely to that organization.

● Single-Tenant: Exclusively used by one organization, providing full control over the

infrastructure.

● Customizable: More flexibility to tailor resources, policies, and configurations to the

organization's specific needs.

● Security and Compliance: Provides enhanced security and compliance controls, often

essential for industries with strict regulations (e.g., healthcare, finance).

● Dedicated Resources: Resources are not shared with other organizations, ensuring

predictable performance.

● Higher Costs: Typically involves higher upfront costs or ongoing operational costs for

infrastructure, as the organization is responsible for hardware, software, and

maintenance.

● On-Premises or Hosted: Can be managed on-premises or by a third-party vendor, but it

remains isolated from other organizations' environments.

Advantages of the Private Cloud Model

● Better Control: You are the sole owner of the property. You gain complete command
over service integration, IT operations, policies, and user behavior.
 ● Data Security and Privacy: It’s suitable for storing corporate information to which
only authorized staff have access. By segmenting resources within the same
infrastructure, improved access and security can be achieved.
● Supports Legacy Systems: This approach is designed to work with legacy systems
that are unable to access the public cloud.
● Customization: Unlike a public cloud deployment, a private cloud allows a company
to tailor its solution to meet its specific needs.

Disadvantages of the Private Cloud Model

● Less scalable: Private clouds are scaled within a certain range as there is less number
of clients.
● Costly: Private clouds are more costly as they provide personalized facilities.

Hybrid Cloud

By bridging the public and private worlds with a layer of proprietary software, hybrid

cloud computing gives the best of both worlds. With a hybrid solution, you may host the

app in a safe environment while taking advantage of the public cloud’s cost savings.

Organizations can move data and applications between different clouds using a

combination of two or more cloud deployment methods, depending on their needs.

Hybrid Cloud Characteristics

● Combination of Public and Private: Uses a mix of private cloud (for sensitive data)

and public cloud (for less critical resources or when additional capacity is needed).

● Flexibility and Scalability: Organizations can take advantage of the scalability of

the public cloud while maintaining control over critical workloads and data in the

private cloud.
● Data Portability: Allows seamless movement of workloads and data between

private and public clouds, helping to avoid vendor lock-in and enabling optimized

resource allocation.

● Cost Optimization: Businesses can run high-performance, critical workloads on the

private cloud while offloading non-sensitive workloads to the public cloud,

optimizing costs.

● Security and Compliance: Sensitive or regulated data can remain in the private

cloud, while less sensitive operations can use public cloud resources. Hybrid

models help organizations comply with security and regulatory requirements by

keeping specific data private.

● Complexity: Managing a hybrid cloud can be complex, as it requires effective

orchestration, integration, and monitoring between the private and public

components.

● Use Cases: Ideal for organizations with dynamic workloads, fluctuating computing

needs, or specific regulatory or data residency requirements.

 Hybrid Cloud

Advantages of the Hybrid Cloud Model

● Flexibility and control: Businesses with more flexibility can design personalized

solutions that meet their particular needs.

● Cost: Because public clouds provide scalability, you’ll only be responsible for

paying for the extra capacity if you require it.

● Security: Because data is properly separated, the chances of data theft by

attackers are considerably reduced.

Disadvantages of the Hybrid Cloud Model

● Difficult to manage: Hybrid clouds are difficult to manage as it is a combination

of both public and private cloud. So, it is complex.

● Slow data transmission: Data transmission in the hybrid cloud takes place

through the public cloud so latency occurs.