Introduction to Cloud Computing

Cloud Computing is the delivery of various computing services over the Internet, including:

• Servers: Virtualized machines for processing data.
• Storage: Scalable storage options for data.
• Databases: Managed database services.
• Networking: Virtual networking solutions.
• Software and Analytics: Tools for insights and applications.
• Intelligence: AI and machine learning services.

Traditional On-Premises vs. Cloud Computing

In a traditional on-premises setup, a company must:

• Purchase and install hardware.
• Set up and manage virtualization.
• Install operating systems and applications.
• Configure networking, firewall, and storage.

With Cloud Computing, a cloud provider handles the hardware, infrastructure, and maintenance. The user can rent any required service, paying only for what they use.

Advantages of Cloud Computing

1. Cost-efficient: No capital expenditures on hardware and software purchases as these are no longer needed to be bought and kept.
2. Fast: Available in minutes; accessible through a few clicks.
3. Scalability: Scaling resources up or down based on business needs.
4. Productivity: It eliminates operational overhauls and lets IT dedicate itself to realizing core business objectives.
5. Reliability: The recovery and backup process is efficient, hence enhancing the continuum of operations in a business.
6. Security: Cloud vendors provide most of them with a robust set of security policies, tools, and technologies in a bid to safeguard data.

Types of Cloud Computing

1. Public Cloud
   • Owned and operated by third-party providers, resources (servers, storage, software) are delivered over the internet.
2. Private Cloud
   • Dedicated to a single organization, these resources can either be located on-site or hosted by a third party.
3. Hybrid Cloud
   • Combines public and private clouds, allowing data and applications to be shared between them, providing greater flexibility.

Types of Cloud Services

1. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
   • Rent IT infrastructure like servers, virtual machines (VMs), and storage. Offers maximum flexibility but requires user maintenance. Examples include Azure Virtual Machines and Amazon EC2.
2. Platform as a Service (PaaS)
   • Provides an environment for developing, testing, and deploying applications. Reduces the responsibility of managing infrastructure but offers less flexibility. Examples include Google App Engine and Azure App Service.
3. Software as a Service (SaaS)
   • Centrally managed and hosted software available on-demand via subscription. Minimizes operational costs significantly. Examples include Microsoft Office 365, Dropbox, and Salesforce.