Introduction to Cloud

Computing
• Definition of Cloud
• Basics of Cloud Computing
• Characteristics of Cloud
• Benefits of Cloud
• Driving Factors for Cloud Adoption
Introduction
• Cloud computing refers to the delivery of computing resources
over the Internet.
• Instead of keeping data on our own hard drive or updating applications
for our needs, we can use a service over the Internet, at another location,
to store our information and Use its applications .
• The idea of cloud computing is based on a fundamental principal
of ‘reusability of IT capabilities’.

• Cloud services allow individuals and organizations to use

software and hardware that are managed by third parties at
remote locations.
• Examples of cloud services are: online file storage, social networking
sites, webmail, and online business applications.
• The services are delivered to the users transparently without their
need to know the details of the underlying software and hardware
Definition of Cloud
• Cloud Computing Definition:
Cloud computing is a technology that delivers computing services—
such as storage, servers, databases, networking, software, and
analytics—over the internet, enabling on-demand access without
requiring physical infrastructure.
• Key Concept:
Provides flexible resources and faster innovation with economies of
scale.
• Analogy:
Similar to utilities like electricity; resources are provided as services
and charged based on consumption.
With cloud computing, other companies host your applications.
Basics of Cloud Computing
• Concept Overview:
Cloud computing leverages virtualization, distributed computing, and
resource pooling to provide scalable solutions.
• Key Components:
• Virtual Machines: Simulate physical computers.
• Data Centers: Store and manage data.
• Network Infrastructure: Connects users to cloud services.
Basics of Cloud Computing contd. (Cloud Components)
• Cloud computing is made up of several
elements , each playing a specific role. They
can be classified as Clients, Distributed
servers and Data Centers.
• Clients: These are typically the computers
which are used by the end users i.e. the
devices which can be used by the end user to
manage the information on cloud (laptops,
mobile phones, PADs etc.)
• Data center: These are collection of servers
where the service is hosted.
• Distributed servers: These are servers which
are located in different geographical place. It
provides better accessibility, security to the
user.
Aim of Cloud Computing
Characteristics of Cloud Computing

• On-Demand Self-Service: Users can provision resources like storage

and computing power as needed, without human intervention.
• Broad Network Access: Services are accessible over the internet
through various devices, such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
• Resource Pooling: Resources are pooled to serve multiple customers,
using multi-tenant models.
• Rapid Elasticity: Resources can be scaled up or down dynamically to
meet changing demands.
• Measured Service: Services are metered, and users pay only for what
they consume.
Applications Of Cloud
Computing
• Cloud computing applications are the cloud-based services also
known as Software as a Service (SaaS).
• Programs that once had to be installed on computers
individually are now offered online, and the only thing a
person needs to access the program is an account and
password.
• These apps can do everything from keeping track of notes to
accounting.
1. Mozy- mozy.co.uk :
Mozy is an online backup service that continuously backs up
the files on your computer or server.
It gives small businesses the space to back up all their
computer and server files for a very reasonable price.
2. Box - Box.com
Box.com is like a file folder that all your gadgets and devices can
access. You simply drag a file into Box, and you can instantly access it
from anywhere.
3. Skype - skype.com
Skype turns your computer into a phone. you can call or chat to
other Skype users for free. You can also call landlines and mobile
phones for a small fee.
4. Toggl - toggl.com
Toggl is a time-tracking app. It allows you to create tasks and projects
and assign a certain amount of time to each project.
It also logs how long tasks take to complete and how much time you
have left to spend in a project, making billing incredibly easy and
accurate
4. Moo - uk.moo.com
Moo offers a design and printing service for business cards,
postcards and minicards.
Users can customize existing Moo designs, upload their own
designs, or import their own images from their Etsy, Facebook,
Flickr, Picasa or Smug -Mug account.
5. QuickBooks - quickbooks.intuit.co.uk
 QuickBooks has an online accounting service. It can help with
all your accounting needs, including monitoring cash flow,
creating VAT returns, setting budgets and creating business
reports.
It is as useful to SMEs as the desktop program that came first,
but it is accessible from anywhere in the world.
6.Google Apps for Business - google.com
Google Apps pretty much eliminate the need for many
computer programs.
You can create and save text documents, spreadsheets, slide
shows and more on Google Docs, and several people can work
on one file simultaneously.
Google Calendar makes creating and sharing calendars easy,
and event reminders can be emailed to invitees.
7.Getting Social...
There are other notable social cloud applications that you’re
doubtlessly familiar with Facebook , twitter etc.
Applications
 Need Of Cloud Computing
• Lower cost – there is less capital expenditure and you do not have as
much equipment to maintain, so it is cheaper.
• Easier to manage – software updates and licenses are taken care of –
and so is security back-up.
• Agility and scalability – you can be much more agile and scale-up and
scale-down much more easily – and at relatively low cost
• Business contingency – with everything out there in the cloud,
switching over to another location or premises is simpler – and there is
no need to wait while systems are rebuild and data recovered.
• Flexibility – the cloud makes it easier for you to access information
from anywhere, any time on any device, reflecting the changing habits
of today’s IT user.
• On-demand computing – makes IT a utility that can be consumed on-
demand, whenever and wherever it is needed.
 Benefits of cloud Computing
Benefits of deploying applications using cloud
computing include :
1. Reduce in response time and run time
2. Minimizing the risk of deploying infrastructure,
3. Lowering the cost of entry
4.Increasing the cost of innovation
1.Reduce run time and response time: For applications
that use the cloud essentially for running batch jobs,
cloud computing makes it straightforward to use 1000
servers to accomplish a task in 1/1000 the time that a
single server would require.
2. Minimize infrastructure risk: IT organizations can use the cloud to
reduce the risk inherent in purchasing physical servers.
Will a new application be successful? If the application’s success is
short-lived, will the IT organization invest in a large amount of
infrastructure that is idle most of the time? These issues can be
avoided using cloud.
3. Lower cost of entry: There are a number of attributes of cloud
computing that help to reduce the cost to enter new markets:
 Because infrastructure is rented, not purchased, the cost is controlled,
and the capital investment can be zero.
Applications are developed more by assembly than programming. This
rapid application development is the norm, helping to reduce the time
to market, potentially giving organizations deploying applications in a
cloud environment a head start against the competition.
4. Increased pace of innovation: Cloud computing can
help to increase the pace of innovation.
The low cost of entry to new markets helps to level
the playing field, allowing start-up companies to
deploy new products quickly and at low cost.
This allows small companies to compete more
effectively with traditional organizations whose
deployment process in enterprise datacenters can be
significantly longer.
Benefits contd.
 Limitations of Cloud Computing
1.Possible downtime
Cloud computing makes your small business dependent on the
reliability of your Internet connection
2. Security issues
How safe is your data? Cloud computing means Internet computing. So
you should not be using cloud computing applications that involve
using or storing data that you are not comfortable having on the
Internet..
3.Additional costs
Although cloud computing offers cost benefits, it has some hidden or
additional costs as well. Clients are charged extra for data transfer or
other services. Initial offerings are priced higher, till economies of scale
work out for the service provider.
4. Peripherals
Peripheral devices like printers or scanners might not work with cloud.
Many of them require software to be installed locally. Networked
peripherals have lesser problems.
5. Integration
Integrating internal applications with those on cloud can be complex
and in some cases not viable.
6. Generic
Public cloud offerings are very generic and offer multi-tenancy service
which all organizations might not be comfortable with. Implementing
an in-house cloud is more complex to implement and are burdensome
on internal resources if the organization is not large enough.
Advantages &
Disadvantages
Driving Factors for Cloud Adoption
Cloud computing has become a cornerstone of modern IT infrastructure due to its
transformative capabilities and numerous benefits. Below are the driving factors that encourage
organizations and individuals to adopt cloud computing, detailed across various dimensions:
1. Cost Efficiency
2. Scalability and Flexibility
3. Accessibility and Mobility
4. Security Enhancements
5. Innovation and Agility
6. Collaboration and Integration
7. Environmental Sustainability
8. Innovation in Business Models
9. Reliability and Performance
10. Adoption of Hybrid and Multi-Cloud Strategies
11. Global Events and Trends
12. Reduced Time and Effort for IT Maintenance
1. Cost Efficiency
 Reduced Capital Expenditure (CapEx): Cloud computing eliminates the need for expensive on-premises hardware,
software, and data centers. Organizations can rent resources on a pay-as-you-go basis, leading to significant cost savings.

 Operational Cost Reduction: Cloud providers handle maintenance, updates, and support, reducing IT management
overheads.

 Scalability Savings: With cloud services, users pay only for what they use, avoiding over-provisioning and under-utilized
infrastructure.

2. Scalability and Flexibility

 Dynamic Resource Allocation: Cloud platforms allow organizations to scale resources up or down based on demand. For
instance, e-commerce businesses can handle traffic spikes during sales without investing in permanent infrastructure.

 Global Reach: Cloud providers offer data centers worldwide, enabling businesses to deploy applications closer to users,
improving performance and accessibility.

 Support for Innovation: Developers can quickly test and deploy applications without worrying about infrastructure
constraints, fostering innovation.
3. Accessibility and Mobility
 Remote Access: Employees can access cloud-based applications and data from anywhere with an internet connection,
enabling remote work and collaboration.

• Device Agnosticism: Cloud services work across various devices, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops,
enhancing flexibility and productivity.

4. Security Enhancements
 Advanced Security Tools: Leading cloud providers offer robust security measures, including data encryption, identity
management, and regular audits.

 Compliance Support: Many cloud services adhere to industry standards and regulations, such as GDPR, HIPAA, and
ISO, helping organizations meet compliance requirements.

 Disaster Recovery: Cloud platforms provide automated backups and recovery solutions, ensuring business continuity
even during outages or cyberattacks.
5. Innovation and Agility
 Access to Advanced Technologies: Cloud providers offer cutting-edge tools such as artificial intelligence
(AI), machine learning (ML), big data analytics, and IoT platforms, enabling organizations to innovate.

 Rapid Deployment: With pre-configured templates and automation, businesses can deploy applications
and services faster, shortening time-to-market.

6. Collaboration and Integration

 Enhanced Collaboration Tools: Cloud solutions like Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and Slack enable
real-time collaboration, file sharing, and communication.

 Integration with Other Services: Cloud platforms support APIs and connectors, making it easier to integrate
with existing systems and third-party applications.
7. Environmental Sustainability
 Energy Efficiency: Cloud providers optimize their data centers for energy efficiency, reducing the carbon
footprint compared to traditional IT setups.

 Shared Resources: By leveraging shared infrastructure, cloud computing minimizes the environmental impact of
unused resources.

8. Innovation in Business Models

 Subscription-Based Models: Cloud computing supports new revenue streams like Software-as-a-Service (SaaS),
Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), and Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS), allowing companies to monetize software
and services flexibly.

 Global Expansion: Cloud enables businesses to expand internationally without the need for physical
infrastructure investments.
9. Reliability and Performance
 High Uptime Guarantees: Major cloud providers offer Service Level Agreements (SLAs) ensuring high
availability.

 Performance Optimization: Cloud platforms use load balancers and content delivery networks (CDNs) to
optimize application performance and reduce latency.

10. Adoption of Hybrid and Multi-Cloud Strategies

 Hybrid Cloud Flexibility: Organizations can combine on-premises and cloud resources for sensitive
workloads or specific compliance needs.

 Avoid Vendor Lock-In: Multi-cloud strategies allow businesses to distribute workloads across multiple
providers, enhancing flexibility and resilience.
11. Global Events and Trends
 Pandemic-Driven Adoption: The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the shift to remote
work and digital transformation, driving cloud adoption.
 Competitive Pressure: As more companies adopt cloud computing, others are
compelled to follow suit to remain competitive.

12. Reduced Time and Effort for IT Maintenance

 Outsourced Management: Cloud providers handle software updates, hardware
upgrades, and security patches, freeing up IT teams to focus on strategic tasks.
 Automatic Scaling: Elastic infrastructure management reduces the need for manual
interventions.