Lecture 19 – Cloud Computing

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering definitions, models, characteristics, benefits, and concerns of cloud computing from Lecture 19.

Cloud Computing

Using the Internet (“the cloud”) to deliver virtualized computing services—such as servers, storage, and applications—over a network.

NIST Definition of Cloud Computing

A model enabling convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources that can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort.

On-demand Self-service

Essential characteristic where a consumer can automatically provision computing capabilities as needed without human interaction with each service provider.

Broad Network Access

Cloud capabilities are available over the network (Internet or intranet) and accessed through standard mechanisms like browsers or thin clients.

Resource Pooling

Provider’s resources are pooled to serve multiple customers using a multi-tenant model, with resources dynamically assigned and reassigned according to demand.

Multi-tenancy

Architecture in which multiple customers share the same physical resources while data and workloads remain logically isolated.

Rapid Elasticity

Capabilities can be quickly scaled up or down; to the consumer, resources often appear unlimited and can be purchased in any quantity at any time.

Measured Service

Cloud systems automatically control and optimize resource use by leveraging metering capabilities, enabling pay-for-use pricing.

Service Models (SaaS, PaaS, IaaS)

The three layers of cloud service: Software as a Service, Platform as a Service, and Infrastructure as a Service.

Software as a Service (SaaS)

Provider-hosted software accessed through a web browser or thin client, usually subscription-based and on-demand.

SaaS Examples

Google Docs, Salesforce.com, Basecamp, Gmail—applications delivered entirely via the web.

Platform as a Service (PaaS)

Cloud-delivered development environment that supplies storage, compute, and networking for building and deploying applications.

PaaS Examples

Google App Engine, Force.com, Microsoft Azure—platforms that let developers create apps that run on provider infrastructure.

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)

On-demand provisioning of fundamental computing resources—processing, storage, networking—letting users deploy and run software including OSes.

IaaS Examples

Amazon EC2, Rackspace, GoGrid—services that rent virtual machines and related infrastructure.

Deployment Models (Public, Private, Community, Hybrid)

Four ways to deploy clouds, differing in ownership, access, and management.

Public Cloud

Infrastructure operated by a third-party provider that offers services to multiple clients over the public Internet.

Private Cloud

Cloud infrastructure operated solely for a single organization, either on-premises or hosted, with restricted access.

Community Cloud

Infrastructure shared by several organizations supporting a specific community with common concerns.

Hybrid Cloud

Combination of two or more cloud types (public, private, community) that remain unique but are bound by standardized technology enabling portability.

Cloud Bursting

Hybrid-cloud technique that shifts workloads to a public cloud when private cloud capacity peaks.

Virtualization

Technology that abstracts physical resources into multiple virtual machines, enabling flexible, efficient cloud services.

Benefits of Cloud Computing

Reduced costs, pay-as-you-go pricing, location independence, flexibility, and improved operational efficiency.

Capital vs. Operational Expenses

Cloud moves spending from large upfront capital expenditures to ongoing operational expenditures charged for actual usage.

Reliability Concern

Dependence on provider hardware—failures in routers, switches, or drives can disrupt service beyond the customer’s control.

Lack of Control

Customers have limited authority over the physical infrastructure and how providers manage it.

Security (Biggest Issue)

Ensuring data protection, preventing breaches, and maintaining trust when services and information reside off-premises.

Data Privacy

Safeguarding personal or sensitive information stored in cloud environments from unauthorized access or misuse.

Intel IT Cloud Strategy

‘Inside-out’ approach: build an internal private cloud first, then migrate workloads externally as security and privacy mature.

Federal Cloud Strategy

U.S. agencies must make risk-based decisions, assessing whether commercial or government cloud providers can meet federal requirements.