The Cloud

What is the "Cloud"?

Definition of the Cloud

  • The Cloud: A term typically used to describe a digital storage system accessible through a computer.

    • Instead of storing information on a local computer hard drive or another storage device, users can save data to a remote database accessed via the Internet.

    • Represents the next evolution of the internet, enabling data storage and software application use on ANY computer, regardless of the saving device.

Why A Cloud?

  • Metaphor for the Internet:

    • The term "Cloud" serves as a metaphor for the internet, resembling the way water is collected and transferred globally.

    • In this analogy, the internet functions as the “Cloud,” while data is likened to rain that accumulates within it.

  • Abstraction of Internet Structure:

    • The cloud serves as an abstraction of the internet’s structure, involving the breakdown of complex problems into manageable parts.

  • Accessibility:

    • Like the internet, the cloud is a space for storing essential information accessible from any location or device.

  • Analogy:

    • The internet can be thought of as roads connecting locations, data as people traveling these roads, and the cloud as vehicles and garages transporting and storing them.

Cloud Computing

  • Definition:

    • Cloud computing refers to the delivery of computing services, including servers, storage, databases, networking, software, and analytics, over the Internet, typically through a web browser.

  • User Benefits:

    • Users do not need source application software installed or updated on their computing devices.

Cloud Computing vs. Cloud Storage

  • Cloud Storage:

    • Services that allow users to store documents and files online.

    • Involves data storage on a web-connected server operated by a third party, used for backing up information and sharing files.

  • Cloud Computing:

    • Accessing software, applications, or services developed by others, distinguishing it from cloud storage which focuses on user-generated data.

Cloud Applications

  • Definition:

    • Cloud Applications (Apps) are software programs that rely on remote servers for processing logic, accessed through a web browser with a continual internet connection.

  • Benefits of Cloud Apps:

    • Fast response to business needs.

    • Simplified operations.

    • Instant scalability.

    • Reduced costs.

    • Improved data sharing and security.

Cloud Collaboration

  • Examples:

    • Office 365, Cisco WebEX, GoToMeeting, Skype, G Suite.

  • Definition:

    • Cloud Collaboration refers to systematic cooperation that enables employees to work together on documents and files stored off-premises, outside company firewalls.

    • Allows multiple individuals to collaborate on a project simultaneously.

Cloud Collaboration/Syncing

  • Definition:

    • Cloud File Syncing is an application that synchronizes files across different locations through the cloud.

  • Process:

    • Users set up a cloud-based folder to which files are copied, making them accessible across devices via a web interface.

Cloud Services

  • Commercial Cloud Services:

    • Running workloads remotely in a public cloud data center. Popular examples include Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Salesforce CRM.

  • Personal Cloud Services:

    • Local network-attached storage devices optimized for media sharing and storing personal data (photos, music, videos, etc.).

Cloud Databases

  • Definition:

    • Cloud databases are stored in large data facilities (data centers or data banks), not literally in the sky.

    • These facilities contain server farms, which consist of clusters of supercomputers for data storage and processing.

  • Management:

    • Maintained by service providers, who may charge for storage space.

Examples of Stored Content

  • Google Docs:

    • Users can upload documents and spreadsheets, which can be edited and published online.

  • Web Email Providers:

    • Services like Gmail, Hotmail, and Yahoo! Mail store messages on their servers, allowing access from any internet-enabled device.

  • Photo and Video Hosting:

    • Flickr and Picasa host digital photos, while YouTube stores user-uploaded videos.

    • Social media sites like Facebook also store user content on their servers.

Types of Cloud Services

  • 1. Software as a Service (SaaS):

    • A software distribution model where a third-party provider hosts applications accessible over the internet.

  • 2. Platform as a Service (PaaS):

    • A model where a third-party provider hosts application development platforms and tools, accessible over the internet (e.g., Google App Engine).

  • 3. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS):

    • A model where a third-party provider offers servers, storage, and virtualized compute resources, accessible over the internet (e.g., AWS, Microsoft Azure).

Virtualization

  • Definition:

    • Virtualization is the creation of a virtual version of physical assets like operating systems, servers, and storage devices.

    • It abstracts applications, guest operating systems, or data storage from the underlying hardware or software.

History of Cloud Services

  • 1950s:

    • Mainframe computing marks the beginning of cloud evolution.

  • 1970s:

    • Introduction of the concept of virtual machines (VMs).

  • 1999:

    • Salesforce.com began delivering applications via a simple website.

  • 2002:

    • Amazon launched the first public cloud service, AWS, providing storage and computation.

  • 2009:

    • Google Apps started offering cloud computing enterprise applications.

    • Microsoft launched Windows Azure, with other companies like Oracle and HP joining the sector, leading to the mainstream acceptance of cloud computing.

Cloud Security Issues

  • Concerns:

    • The two main concerns associated with cloud storage are reliability and security, as clients may hesitate to trust their data without guaranteed access and protection from unauthorized access.

Redundancy

  • Definition:

    • Redundancy refers to creating extra components not technically necessary but enhances functionality should any part of a process fail.

  • Application in Cloud:

    • Data is stored in multiple locations around the world based on service provider geography, ensuring data recovery is possible in case of failure.

Additional Cloud Security Issues

  • Security Risks:

    • Distributed Denial of Service Attacks: Overwhelm services to disrupt operations.

    • Shared Cloud Computing Services: Potential vulnerabilities from shared resources.

    • Employee Negligence: Risks associated with human error in handling data.

    • Data Loss and Inadequate Backups: Insufficient backup strategies can lead to data loss.

    • Phishing and Social Engineering Attacks: Targets a company's staff to gain unauthorized access.

    • System Vulnerabilities: In-built weaknesses in systems that can be exploited.

Methods of Improving Security

  • Encryption:

    • Uses complex algorithms to encode information.

    • A decoding encryption key is needed to access the information; while decrypting is possible, it often requires significant computational power that most hackers lack.

  • Authentication Processes:

    • Creation of usernames and passwords needed for access.

  • Authorization Practices:

    • Users define who can access their stored information on cloud systems, often with multiple access levels (e.g., limited access for general employees vs. extensive access for HR heads).