What is Cloud Computing?
Definition of cloud computing
- Cloud computing is the delivery of computing services over the internet
Types of computing services provided
Computing services include virtual machines, storage, databases, and networking
Cloud services also include Internet of Things (IoT), machine learning (ML), and artificial intelligence (AI)
Advantages of cloud computing
Cloud computing is not constrained by physical infrastructure like traditional data centres
Rapid expansion of IT infrastructure is possible without building a new data centre.
Describe the shared responsibility model
Traditional corporate data centre responsibilities
The company is responsible for maintaining the physical space, security, and servers
The IT department is responsible for maintaining infrastructure, software, and system updates
Shared responsibility model in cloud computing
The cloud provider is responsible for physical security, power, cooling, and network connectivity
The consumer is responsible for data and information stored in the cloud and access security
Responsibilities may vary depending on the cloud service type:
In IaaS, the consumer has the most responsibility with the cloud provider handling the basics
In SaaS, most responsibility lies with the cloud provider
PaaS distributes responsibility between the cloud provider and the consumer.
Define cloud models
Cloud models
- The three main cloud models are: private, public, and hybrid
Private cloud
A private cloud is used by a single entity and provides greater control for the company and its IT department
It can be hosted from an on-site data centre or a dedicated data centre offsite
Public cloud
A public cloud is built, controlled, and maintained by a third-party cloud provider
Anyone can access and use resources in a public cloud
Hybrid cloud
A hybrid cloud uses both public and private clouds in an inter-connected environment
It allows a private cloud to surge using public cloud resources for increased temporary demand
It provides an extra layer of security by allowing users to choose which services to keep in the public cloud and which to deploy to their private cloud infrastructure.
| Public Cloud | Private Cloud | Hybrid Cloud |
| No capital expenditures to scale up | Organizations have complete control over resources and security | Provides the most flexibility |
| Applications can be quickly provisioned and de-provisioned | Data is not collocated with other organizations’ data | Organizations determine where to run their applications |
| Organizations pay only for what they use | Hardware must be purchased for startup and maintenance | Organizations control security, compliance, or legal requirements |
| Organizations don’t have complete control over resources and security | Organizations are responsible for hardware maintenance and updates |
Multi-cloud scenario
Using multiple public cloud providers
Utilizing different features from different cloud providers
Migrating from one provider to another
Managing resources and security in multiple cloud environments
Azure Arc
Technologies for managing cloud environments
Works with public cloud on Azure, private cloud, hybrid configurations, and multi-cloud environments
Azure VMware Solution
Allows running VMware workloads in Azure
Seamless integration and scalability
Describe the consumption-based model
Expenses to consider in IT infrastructure models
Capital expenditure (CapEx): One-time, up-front expenditure to purchase tangible resources (e.g., building, datacenter, company vehicle)
Operational expenditure (OpEx): Spending money on services or products over time (e.g., renting a convention centre, leasing a company vehicle, cloud services)
Cloud computing and OpEx
Cloud computing falls under OpEx as it operates on a consumption-based model
You pay for the IT resources you use, rather than the physical infrastructure, electricity, or security
Benefits of cloud computing's consumption-based model include: no upfront costs, flexibility to pay for more resources when needed, and the ability to stop paying for resources no longer needed
Advantages of cloud computing's pricing model
Helps plan and manage operating costs
Increases infrastructure efficiency
Allows for scalability as business needs change
Cloud computing is renting computing power and storage
Cloud computing is the delivery of computing services over the Internet using a pay-as-you-go pricing model
Resources are treated like those in your own data centre, but when done using them, they are given back
You are billed only for what you use, and the cloud provider maintains the underlying infrastructure
Ability to solve business challenges and provide cutting-edge solutions
- The cloud enables quick solutions to business challenges and the implementation of advanced solutions for users.
... to be continued in the next blog.!