Cloud Computing and the Internet of Things

Cloud Computing and the Internet of Things

• Instructor: Azhar Merchant

• Course: BCIS 3610

• All rights reserved. This presentation may not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.

Cloud Computing

• Definition: A computing environment where software and storage are provided as an Internet service and accessed using a web browser.

• Deployment Models:

  • Public Cloud Computing: Services offered over the public Internet, with infrastructure owned and managed by service providers.

  • Private Cloud Computing: Infrastructure used exclusively by one organization, providing greater control over data and security.

  • Hybrid Cloud Computing: A combination of public and private clouds, allowing for greater flexibility and optimization.

Internet of Things (IoT)

• Definition: A network of physical objects (termed "things") that are embedded with sensors, processors, software, and connectivity capabilities, enabling data exchange between devices, manufacturers, and operators.

• Components:

  • Sensors: Devices capable of sensing environmental data, such as pressure, temperature, humidity, pH level, motion, vibration, or light levels.

Importance of Learning Cloud Computing and IoT

• Relevance in the Workforce: Many organizations operate within a cloud-computing environment where software, data storage, and services are accessed over the Internet using another organization's hardware.

• Ease of Access: Both software and data are easily accessible, resulting in increased efficiency and operational capabilities.

Public Cloud Computing

• Ownership and Management:

  • Infrastructure is owned by the service provider.

  • Users (tenants) access shared hardware resources via the Internet.

• Features:

  • Delivering increasing amounts of computing, network, and storage capacity on demand.

  • No required capital investment from cloud users.

Benefits of Public Cloud Computing

• Reduced Costs:

  • Organizations can avoid significant upfront investments in hardware.

• Flexible Computing Capacity:

  • Service providers can adjust capacity based on changing computing needs.

• Increased Redundancy:

  • Multiple geographically distributed data centers help enhance disaster recovery.

Types of Cloud Computing Services

1. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS):

   • Organizations outsource hardware and equipment used for data processing.

2. Platform as a Service (PaaS):

   • Users receive a computing platform, often including operating systems, programming languages, databases, and web servers.

3. Software as a Service (SaaS):

   • Software is delivered remotely through a web-based service, allowing users access without local installation.

Issues Associated with Public Cloud Computing

• Complex Pricing Arrangements:

  • Difficulties in understanding the overall cost due to varying usage and service levels.

• Variability in Performance:

  • Performance can fluctuate over time, impacting user experience.

• Inadequate Data Security:

  • Concerns about data protection and compliance when using public infrastructure.

• Vendor Lock-In:

  • Difficulty in migrating away from a service provider due to proprietary tools or complicated data transfer processes.

Private Cloud Computing

• Characteristics:

  • A single-tenant cloud environment owned and operated exclusively by one organization.

• Types of Private Clouds:

  • On-premises Private Cloud: Built and maintained within the organization's facilities.

  • Service Provider-Managed Private Cloud (Virtual Private Cloud): A cloud service provider optimally manages resources exclusive to the organization.

Hybrid Cloud Computing

• Definition: A cloud computing environment integrating both private and public clouds, interconnected through private networks.

• Usage Expectations:

  • Organizations may use public cloud services for non-sensitive applications with fluctuating usage needs while keeping critical applications on private infrastructure.

Autonomic Computing

• Definition: The capability of IT systems to self-manage and adapt to modifications in the environment or business policies.

• Goal: To create complex systems that operate independently while concealing complexity from users.

• Key Functions:

  • Self-Configuring: Systems reconfigure themselves without manual intervention.

  • Self-Healing: Systems automatically recover from failures.

  • Self-Optimizing: Systems enhance their performance autonomously.

  • Self-Protecting: Systems proactively defend against security threats.

Examples of Internet of Things (IoT) Applications

• Home Automation: Devices that automate household tasks.

• Wearable Devices: Technology worn on the body, such as fitness trackers.

• Smart Cities: Urban areas utilizing IoT for traffic management, energy consumption, etc.

• Autonomous Vehicles: Vehicles that navigate and operate independently.

Enabling Connectivity with 5G

• Definition: The latest generation of mobile communication technology.

• Capabilities:

  • High data transfer speeds, minimal latency, low energy requirements, and use of millimeter waves for enhanced connectivity.

  • Allows multiple devices to rapidly transmit data to cloud services.

Business Benefits of the Internet of Things

• Cost Reduction: Enables companies to reduce expenses, enhancing competitive advantages.

• Consumer Insights: Deepens understanding of consumer behavior and preferences.

• Enhanced Customer Service: Improves overall customer experience with timely interventions and service personalization.

• Workplace Safety Improvements: Implements monitoring tools that improve safety in business environments.

Types of Internet of Things Applications

1. Connect and Monitor:

   • Individual devices collect minimal data, facilitating basic monitoring.

2. Control and React:

   • Engages automatic monitoring coupled with remote control and trend analysis via data collection.

3. Predict and Adapt:

   • Combines sensor data with external inputs for predictive analysis and proactive operations.

4. Transform and Explore:

   • Facilitates new business model creations using combined data insights for innovation.

Issues in the Internet of Things

• Data Usability and Security Issues:

  • Challenges with the reception and application of sensor data, particularly regarding security concerns.

Summary

• Access to Cutting-Edge Technology: Cloud computing offers advanced services at a fraction of traditional ownership costs and minimizes acquisition delays.

• IoT Data Processing: Organizations leverage IoT to capture and analyze sensor data for real-time pattern detection, greatly influencing event outcomes.