Week 1

Cloud computing

Cloud computing

A large pool of computer resources which are accessed via the network.

These resources are offered “as-a-services”.

Resources can be dynamically scaled up/down.

Cloud computing parameters

1. Pooled computing resources

2. Elastic scaling of resources

3. Virtualization of resources

4. Pay-as-you-go OR Metered resource usage

5. Resource delivery over the internet

6. Automation of new resource deployment and deprovisioning

Pooled computing resources

When providers provide scalable services to multiple consumers which are available without geological constraints.

Elastic scaling of resources

Offers dynamic ability to scale up/down computing resources.

Saves resources and time to handle peak demand.

Base level : normal circumstances and resources

Peak load : abnormal circumstances requiring additional resources

Virtualization of resources

Provides virtual environments which can highly utilize computing resources.

Uses “Slice and Dice” computing resources to create virtual resources which are provided to customers.

Pay-as-you-go

The practice of the customer paying for the resources used

Resource delivery over the internet

Resources are provisioned as a “service” and are delivered via internet.

These are provided as software, platforms or infrastructure.

Automation of new resource deployment and deprovisioning

When resources are requested via an API by the consumer they will be configured and made ready automatically.

Once these resources are no longer required they will be de-provisioned.

Benefits of cloud computing

• Reduction in business costs

  • saves space

  • requires less time and man-power

• enables organizations to focus on core business activities

Infrastructure as a service (IaaS)

Provides resources to the consumer.

e.g. storage, processing power, databases, analytics

Platform as a service (PaaS)

Provides Execution environments.

e.g. GitLab, Google App Engine, Amazon web services

Software as a service (SaaS)

Provides software which exists on the cloud.

e.g. Dropbox, Zoom, Netflix, Google docs