4.1: Cloud Computing

Cloud computing

A model for delivering computing services over the internet, allowing for rapid provisioning and scalability.

Private cloud

Cloud infrastructure operated solely for a single organization; often on-premise.

Public cloud

Cloud infrastructure available to the general public; hosted by third-party providers.

Hybrid cloud

A combination of public and private clouds working together.

Community cloud

Cloud infrastructure shared by several organizations with common concerns.

IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service)

Cloud model that provides virtualized hardware; user manages OS and data. (AKA HaaS)

SaaS (Software as a Service)

On-demand software fully managed by provider; no installation required. Example: Google Workspace, Microsoft 365.

PaaS (Platform as a Service)

Cloud model where user builds and runs applications; provider manages infrastructure. Examples: Salesforce, Google App Engine

Internal cloud

A cloud setup with no shared resources; usually private and fully owned.

External cloud

Cloud infrastructure shared with a third-party; owned and managed externally.

Metered cloud

Charges based on usage (e.g., storage, upload/download).

Non-metered cloud

Flat-rate pricing regardless of actual usage.

Elasticity

The ability to scale resources up or down quickly as needed.

Availability

Ensures services are accessible at all times; uses redundancy.

File Synchronization

Process of ensuring data is consistent across multiple devices/locations.

DaaS (Desktop as a Service)

Cloud-hosted virtual desktops accessed over a network. Example: Amazon Workspaces

Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)

Technology to host virtual desktops on centralized servers.