Cloud computing

Architecture

Layout or blueprint for how devices are supposed to work together.

Infrastructure

Actual hardware (e.g., Ethernet cables, routers), software, and networking components (e.g., switches, bridges) that support processing and transfer of information.

Cloud Computing

Cloud computing is when you use someone else’s powerful computers (over the internet) to do things like store data, run software, or process information — instead of doing it all on your own computer.

Shared Infrastructure

cloud computing uses a virtualized software model, enabling the sharing of physical services, storage, and networking capabilities among multiple users.

Dynamic Provisioning

Services are automatically provisioned based on current demand, allowing services to expand or contract as needed

Network Access

Needs to be accessible from various devices across the internet using standards-based APIs.

Managed Metering

Uses metering for managing, optimizing services, and providing billing information based on usage.

Software as a Service (SaaS)

Software applications delivered over the Internet, usually on a subscription basis, and managed by cloud providers.

Platform as a Service (PaaS)

Cloud computing services that provide an on-demand environment for developing, testing, and managing software applications.

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)

The most basic category of cloud computing services where IT infrastructure is rented on a pay-as-you-go basis.

Private Cloud

Cloud infrastructure maintained for a specific organization, which can be located on-site or hosted by third-party providers.

Public Cloud

Cloud services owned and operated by third-party providers that offer computing resources over the Internet.

Hybrid Cloud

Combines public and private clouds, allowing data and applications to be shared between them.

Cost Savings

Organisations can reduce capital expenditures and use operational expenditures to increase computing capabilities.

Scalability/Flexibility

Organisations can rapidly scale deployments up or down based on their needs.

Reliability

Services using multiple redundant sites that support business continuity and disaster recovery.

Maintenance

Cloud service providers handle system maintenance, reducing the load on in-house IT resources.

Accessibility

Increased productivity for mobile workers due to accessible systems over the internet.

Security and Privacy

Concerns regarding storing data in the cloud and monitoring the use of cloud services.

Lack of Standards

Absence of common standards for clouds, making interoperability challenging.

Reliance on Third Parties

Risk associated with depending on cloud service providers for core operations.

Compliance Concerns

Legal issues related to data privacy and differing legislation across countries affecting cloud usage.

Cloud

A system that lets users access computing services (like storage, software, or processing power) over the internet, without needing to own the physical hardware.

Cloud service providers

• Amazon web services - Iaas

• Google - SaaS → e.g., Gmail, Google Docs, Google Drive

• Microsoft-SaaS → e.g., Microsoft 365 (Office apps, Teams

• Salesforce- Saas

Community cloud

A cloud environment shared by multiple organizations with common concerns

• Government Cloud (GovCloud by AWS), Education Cloud (Google for Education), Healthcare Clo

Why businesses use cloud computing

To reduce expenditure on IT infrastructure (servers,

storage, networking)

Easily scale computing resources up or down based on

demand.

• Cloud services provide automated backups,

redundancy, and disaster recovery solutions

• Cloud providers use energy-efficient data centers,

reducing an organization's carbon footprint

Cloud computing benefits

Cost Saving-Capital vs operational expenditure; maintenance

of infrastructure)

Flexibility/Scalability -Dynamic provisioning, allows for provision of services based on demand

Reliability- Disaster recovery; Redundancy for business continuity

Easy maintenance–Service providers are responsible

Accessibility-Remote access;continuous access

Drawbacks of cloud computing

Privacy & Security- Provider and user are

responsible

Lack of Standards – No acceptable cloud computing

standards and practices

Reliance on Third Parties- Exposes the organisation to risk

(Business acquisitions or closure)

Compliance-Data centres in various countries; Data privacy policies –Protection of Personal Information (POPI) Act, General Data Protection Regulation

(GDPR)