☁️ What is Cloud Computing?
Cloud computing is the delivery of computing services — such as servers, storage, databases, networking, software, and analytics — over the internet, referred to as “the cloud.” Instead of owning and maintaining physical hardware or data centers, users can rent access to these resources from cloud providers.
🌍 Key Characteristics
- On-demand self-service: Users can access computing resources whenever they need them.
- Broad network access: Services are accessible over the internet from anywhere.
- Resource pooling: Providers serve multiple customers using shared infrastructure.
- Rapid elasticity: Resources can scale up or down automatically based on demand.
- Measured service: Usage is monitored and billed based on consumption.
🧱 Cloud Service Models
1. IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service)
Provides virtualized computing resources over the internet (e.g., virtual machines, storage, networking). Users manage the OS, apps, and runtime.
- Example: AWS EC2, Google Compute Engine
2. PaaS (Platform as a Service)
Offers a platform allowing developers to build, run, and manage applications without dealing with infrastructure.
- Example: Heroku, Google App Engine
3. SaaS (Software as a Service)
Delivers software applications over the internet, typically through a web browser. The provider manages everything.
- Example: Gmail, Dropbox, Salesforce
☁️ Deployment Models
- Public Cloud: Services are delivered over the public internet and shared across organizations.
- Private Cloud: Exclusive to one organization, offering greater control and security.
- Hybrid Cloud: Combines public and private clouds, allowing data and apps to move between them.
- Multi-Cloud: Uses services from multiple cloud providers to avoid vendor lock-in or improve resilience.
✅ Benefits of Cloud Computing
- Reduced capital and operational costs
- Scalability and flexibility
- Faster time to market
- High availability and disaster recovery
- Global reach and performance optimization
Cloud computing has revolutionized how businesses operate, offering flexibility, scalability, and cost efficiency that traditional IT infrastructure cannot match.