cloud computing

Cloud computing

is the delivery of computing services, like servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics, and intelligence, over the internet ("the cloud").

Cloud computing

the ability to process online

Software as a Service (SaaS)

a cloud computing model where software applications are delivered over the internet, usually through a subscription model.

Platform as a Services (PaaS)

a cloud computing model that provides a platform for developing, running, and managing applications without the complexity of managing the underlying infrastructure. It offers a comprehensive environment that includes hardware, software, and infrastructure, allowing developers to focus on building and deploying applications.

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)

a cloud computing model that provides on-demand access to computing resources like servers, storage, and networking over the internet. Essentially, it allows businesses to rent the infrastructure they need, rather than purchasing and managing it themselves. This model offers flexibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness, making it suitable for various workloads and business needs.

Cloud Deployment Model

refer to how cloud services are made available to users. The main types are Public, Private, Hybrid, and multi-cloud, each offering different levels of control, security, and scalability.

Public Cloud

Scalable, cost-effective, and accessible from anywhere.

Private Cloud

Tailored control and security for your unique business needs

Hybrid Cloud

Seamless integration of on-premises and cloud solutions.

Multicloud

Flexibility and redundancy across multiple cloud providers.

Cost-Efficiency

Pay only for what you use (no need for expensive hardware).

Scalability

Easily scale resources up or down based on demand.

Accessibility

Access services and data from anywhere with internet.

Automatic Updates

Providers handle system updates and maintenance.

Disaster Recovery

Built-in data backup and recovery options.

Data Security & Privacy

Risk of data breaches and compliance concerns.

Downtime & Reliability

Dependence on internet and provider availability.

Vendor Lock-In

Difficulty moving data or services between providers.

Limited Control

Less visibility into infrastructure and backend systems.

Hidden Costs

Potential overuse or unclear billing structures.

Cloud providers

are companies that offer cloud computing services such as servers, storage, databases, networking, analytics, and software over the internet.

Cloud providers

its purpose is to eliminate the need for on-premise infrastructure by offering scalable and on- demand computing resources over the internet. They enable organizations to rapidly deploy applications and services without managing physical hardware, while ensuring secure, reliable, and globally accessible platforms for data storage, computing, and collaboration.

Deployment model

it is where the cloud infrastructure is located and how it's accessed.

Service model

defines the type of service being offered.

Public Cloud Model

The most common cloud deployment model. Imagine renting a space in a large shared office building. You don't own the building, but you can rent out the space you need and expand as required.

Public Cloud Model

It's hosted and managed by third-party providers, such as AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure.

Public Cloud Model

Ideal for businesses that need scalable and flexible resources without the overhead of managing infrastructure.

Public Cloud Model

You only pay for what you use, making it a cost-effective option for startups or businesses with fluctuating demand.

Private Cloud Model

For companies with sensitive data or specific regulatory needs, it is the way to go. It is like having your own dedicated server or data center but hosted by a third-party provider or managed internally.

Private Cloud Model

Provides greater control over security and data privacy. It's not shared with other organizations, so it's perfect for industries like finance and healthcare.

Private Cloud Model

Typically more expensive than the public cloud, as you're paying for dedicated resources.

Hybrid Cloud Model

combines the best of both worlds. It lets businesses use a mix of public and private clouds based on their specific needs.

Hybrid Cloud Model

Sensitive data stays in the private cloud, while less-critical workloads can be moved to the public cloud.

Hybrid Cloud Model

Perfect for businesses that need flexibility in scaling and managing workloads.

Hybrid Cloud Model

Provides a balance between security and cost-efficiency.

Community Cloud Model

is a less common but very useful model, especially for organizations that need to collaborate while still maintaining some level of privacy.

Community Cloud Model

A shared infrastructure used by multiple organizations with similar concerns, like a research community or government agencies.

Community Cloud Model

It's more cost-effective than private clouds but offers more control than the public cloud.

Community Cloud Model

Typically used for joint projects or organizations with common regulatory or compliance needs.

Security Needs, Cost, Scalability, Compliance and Control

deployment model selection factors

IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service)

Virtualized infrastructure provided over the internet. You control the operating systems, storage, and applications.

PaaS (Platform as a Service)

Provides a platform for building and deploying applications. You don't worry about managing the infrastructure.

SaaS (Software as a Service)

Software applications available online without needing installation or maintenance.

Multi-Cloud Strategy, Serverless Computing, Edge Computing and Cloud Integration

cloud and computing strategy

Multi-Cloud Strategy

involves using multiple cloud providers rather than relying on just one. This can reduce risks, improve performance, and give you more flexibility in choosing the best provider for each specific need. It also helps avoid outages by diversifying across providers.

Serverless Computing

allows developers to focus on writing code without having to manage the underlying infrastructure. The cloud provider automatically manages the servers, scaling up or down as needed.

Edge Computing and Cloud Integration

involves processing data closer to where it's generated, rather than in a centralized data center. When combined with cloud services, it can optimize performance, reduce latency, and provide real-time data processing

Fundamental Technology Shift

Mainframe Computing, Client/Server, Cloud Computing

Microservices

Current prevailing approach for large scale globally distributed applications. Common choice for new development projects for business software. Many organizations are also evolving existing monolithic applications to this.

Microservices

Many are assembled to create complex business applications. Brought together via middleware or API gateway.

Software Development Styles

Monolithic Applications and Microservices Architecture

Monolithic Applications

Codebase of application deployed as a single bundle of executables and libraries on a unified platform

Microservices Architecture

Multiple independent software components orchestrated to form a unified application

Common Microservices Architecture Infrastructure

User interface toolkit, API Gateway, Persistence Layer

Internal Architecture

Not necessarily apparent to users whether the application is based on microservices. Needed for fast performance, high availability, extreme transaction loads.

Monolithic Application Conceptual Model

Web Service - Presentation Layer - Application software Business Logic - Run-time Libraries - Database Engine

Services-oriented Architecture

Longstanding approach to business application development

Monolithic Application: Enterprise SOA Model

Web Service - Presentation Layer - Application software Business Logic - Enterprise Service Bus - Database Engine

Microservices

Small unit of functionality. Complete and independent technology stack

Microservice Conceptual Model

Web Service - Service Components - Application software - Run-time Libraries - Data Store

Virtual Machines

a common technology for optimizing use of computing hardware. Most applications use a small portion of computing and storage capacity

VM Managers

enable multiple instances of operating environments to co-exist on each physical server

Multiple Virtual Machine

can share a single physical server

Virtual Machine

they are allocated via virtual machine monitor or hypervisor.

Virtual Machine

it contains its own operating system, code libraries, applications, web services, and other components.

Containers

can be rapidly deployed based on pre-defined configuration sets. And they require fewer sources: do not run an entire copy of OS and support services.

Server Hardware

It provides OS Kernel to any container

Container

can differ or replicate. They can share resources but are designed to be rigidly independent.

Container Engine

ensures against resource collisions

API Gateway

provide a single entry point for all requests into the application

DevOps

Merges development with operations

Contracts

Any given microservice will not necessarily be aware of all the ways in which it is consumed. Microservices must be persistent to avoid failures in the broader application / ecosystem. Agreement to provide specific requests/responses. Versioning is an essential characteristic

Docker

Leading technical environment for the management containers. Supported in most infrastructure environments

Container

Allocate computing resources in even smaller increments than Virtual Machines

Container Management Environments

provide fast and easy approach to deploy microservices or other computing components

Container Orchestration

In a complex environment tools are needed to manage the deployment of containers

Business Environment

Based on monolithic style, they remain viable

Cloud adoption

It is booming, but with great power comes great responsibility. Security and governance aren't just "IT problems" they're business-critical. A single breach could cost millions and destroy trust

The Shared Responsibility Model

Cloud providers secure the infrastructure. You secure the data, apps, and access.

Identity & Access Management (IAM), Data Protection, Network Security, Monitoring & Compliance

cloud security pillars

Identity & Access Management

is the front door of your cloud. Mismanaged access is like leaving the door unlocked. Strong policies, least privilege, and role-based access are essential.

Data Protection

Data is the crown jewel. Encryption at rest and in transit, proper backups, and access control ensure that even if attackers break in, the data is useless without keys.

Governance

policies, compliance, and accountability. It's not just security it's how you manage risk, spending, and rules in the cloud.

GDPR, HIPAA, ISO 27001, PCI-DSS

Cloud Compliance Standards

Monitoring

ensures visibility into threats, anomalies, and usage

Logs

Your forensic evidence when something goes wrong.

Tools for Monitoring

AWS CloudTrail, Azure Monitor, Google Cloud Operations Suite (Stackdriver), Open-source: Prometheus, ELK stack

defines policies, automate enforcement, audit regularly, educate users

cloud governance framework

Cloud Pricing Model

Pay-as-you-go, Subscription, Tiered pricing

Compute Usage, Storage & data transfer, Licenses & support, Hidden fees

key drivers of cloud costs

Access - Monitor - Optimize - Govern

cloud cost management cycle

AWS Cost Explorer, Azure Cost Management, GCP Billing Reports

tools for monitoring cost

Storage Optimization

lifecycle policies, archive infrequently accessed data, delete unused snapshots/backups

FINOPS

A culture combining financial accountability with cloud engineering. Encourages shared responsibility.

Cost Visibility & Transparency

Dashboards, invoices, and usage reports give clarity over how costs are incurred

Rightsizing Resources

Match VM size and storage to workload demand

Autoscaling Strategies

Use rules & triggers to scale up/down resources automatically

Serverless and managed services

Offload infrastructure management; pay only for execution time

Establish budget & alerts

Set up spending limits and alerts to prevent surprises

Implement tagging & cost allocation

Tag resources by project/team for accountability and budget tracking