Week11

Week 11: Introduction to Cloud Computing

  • Instructor: D. Marwa Chendeb El Rai

  • Course: Fall 2024 COMP101 IT and Innovation in Today's World

Overview of Cloud Computing

  • Definition: Cloud computing involves convenient, on-demand access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g., networks, servers, storage).

  • Characteristics: Discusses essential traits of cloud computing.

  • Cloud Service Models: Outlines the different service models available.

  • Deployment Models: Overview of deployment methods used in cloud computing.

  • Relation to Big Data: Examines the connection between big data and cloud computing.

Difference Between Big Data and Cloud Computing

  • Big Data: Focuses on managing large volumes of data.

  • Cloud Computing: Provides IT infrastructure as services.

What is Cloud Computing?

  • Description: A model that allows network access to shared computing resources, provisioned and released quickly with minimal management.

  • NIST Definition: Specifies the five characteristics, three service models, and four deployment models crucial to cloud computing.

Enabling Technology: Virtualization

  • Traditional Stack vs. Virtualized Stack:

    • Traditional involves Hardware > OS > Apps.

    • Virtualization introduces a hypervisor layer that enables the creation of virtual servers.

Characteristics of Cloud Computing

  1. On-Demand Self-Service: Users can access resources as needed without human intervention.

    • Example: Businesses scaling server capacity during high traffic.

  2. Broad Network Access: Resources are reachable from any internet device.

    • Example: Accessing company applications remotely.

  3. Resource Pooling: Providers pool resources for multiple customers, optimizing efficiency.

    • Example: Dynamic resource allocation in cloud environments.

  4. Rapid Elasticity: Services can scale quickly based on demand.

    • Example: E-commerce site scaling for Black Friday sales.

  5. Measured Service: Resource usage is monitored and controlled.

    • Example: Users billed based on their resource usage.

  6. Security: Advanced measures are in place to safeguard data and applications.

    • Example: Use of encryption and firewalls.

Cloud Service Models - Comparison

  • Service Model Identification: Differentiate between IaaS, PaaS, SaaS regarding who manages specific components (applications, runtime, middleware, OS, etc.).

Cloud Service Models

1. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)

  • Provides virtual hardware resources over the internet.

  • Example: AWS EC2 for renting virtual servers.

  • Benefits:

    • Cost Savings

    • Scalability

    • Flexibility

    • Scenario: Renting servers vs. managing physical ones.

2. Platform as a Service (PaaS)

  • Enables development and management of applications without infrastructure overhead.

  • Examples: Google App Engine, Wix.

  • Comparison: Using PaaS simplifies application deployment versus building everything from scratch.

3. Software as a Service (SaaS)

  • Offers ready-to-use software via the internet on a subscription model.

  • Examples: Salesforce, Microsoft 365, YouTube.

  • Advantages for Businesses: Ideal for immediate software solutions without setup.

Cloud Service Delivery Models - Examples

  • SaaS: Office 365, YouTube.

  • PaaS: Google App Engine.

  • IaaS: AWS, Azure, Google Compute Engine.

Types of Cloud Computing Models

1. Public Cloud

  • Services offered over the internet to anyone paying for them.

  • Examples: Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive.

2. Private Cloud

  • Dedicated to a single organization for better control.

  • Examples: Financial institutions managing sensitive data.

3. Hybrid Cloud

  • Combines public and private cloud capabilities.

  • Examples: Businesses using public clouds for non-sensitive operations but private clouds for critical data.

Main Cloud Providers

  • Market Share: AWS (32%), Microsoft Azure (23%), Google Cloud (10%).

AWS - Regions and Availability Zones

  • AWS has extensive global infrastructure with 108 Availability Zones.

  • Notable Regions: Middle East (Bahrain) and UAE, launched in 2019 and 2022 respectively.

Impact of Cloud Computing

  1. Business Continuity: Ensures secure data backup.

    • Example: Operational continuity during disasters.

  2. Collaboration: Enables real-time project collaboration from various locations.

    • Example: Tools like Google Workspace.

  3. Cost Efficiency: Reduces need for physical hardware and IT staff.

    • Example: Startups utilizing cloud resources.

  4. Flexibility and Scalability: Adapts resources to meet business needs.

    • Example: E-commerce scaling for seasonal traffic.

Cloud Computing in Different Fields

  1. Psychology: Facilitates data storage and analysis for research.

    • Example: Behavioral data analysis.

  2. Business: Uses for CRM and financial tools.

    • Example: Salesforce for customer interactions.

  3. Biology: Supports genomic research.

    • Example: Computational power for genomic sequencing.

  4. International Studies: Analyzes global data trends.

    • Example: Social media analysis for public opinion.

  5. Arts and Media: Offers tools for digital content creation.

    • Example: Adobe Creative Cloud for artists.

  6. Architecture: Assists in design and simulations.

    • Example: Autodesk for building simulations.