Cloud Computing Study Notes

Emerging Trends in ICT

Introduction

This unit introduces important concepts associated with Cloud Computing, particularly focusing on internet-based cloud computing. It explores the following key areas:

  • The characteristics, service models, and deployment models in use today.

  • The benefits and challenges associated with cloud computing.

  • The communications services in the cloud, including methods of accessing the cloud such as web APIs and media control interfaces.

  • The critical importance of scalability and flexibility in a cloud-based environment.

  • Various interface choices available for businesses looking to utilize communication services, such as Web 2.0 APIs, media control interfaces, Java interfaces, and XML-based interfaces, catering to a wide range of application and service creation developers.

AIM

The aim of this unit is to explore some fundamental concepts of Cloud Computing technologies as part of emerging trends in Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

OBJECTIVES

By the end of this unit, you should be able to:

  • Define Cloud Computing.

  • Explain the Cloud Computing Environment.

  • List the specific uses of Cloud Computing.

  • Describe the characteristics of cloud computing.

  • Identify the services provided by cloud computing.

Cloud Computing Definitions

  • DFN1: Cloud Computing is defined as a framework that allows convenient, on-demand network access to a shared collection of configurable computing resources, like networks, server systems, storage facilities, computer applications, and services. These resources can be provisioned to users quickly with minimal management effort or service provider interaction.

  • DFN2: Cloud computing refers to the on-demand delivery of IT resources over the Internet with a pay-as-you-go pricing model. This model enables users to access technology services—such as computing power, storage, and databases—on an as-needed basis from cloud providers like Amazon Web Services (AWS), rather than requiring the purchase, ownership, and maintenance of physical data centers and servers.

Explaining the Cloud Computing Environment

Cloud computing delivers various services via the Internet, encompassing:

  • Tools and applications like data storage, servers, databases, networking, and software.

  • Rather than storing files on local hard drives, cloud-based storage allows files to be saved on remote databases.

  • Users can access data and software programs remotely as long as they have an internet connection.

  • Benefits of cloud computing for individuals and businesses include:

    • Cost savings

    • Increased productivity

    • Enhanced speed and efficiency

    • Improved performance

    • Heightened security

Popularity of Cloud Storage

Cloud storage has notably gained traction among individuals requiring substantial storage space and for businesses seeking effective off-site data backup solutions. It provides users with the ability to save files in a remote database, accessible on demand. The term 'cloud computing' derives from the fact that information is accessed remotely in the cloud, or a virtual space, where users can store files and applications on remote servers rather than on-premises systems, thus enabling remote work.

Companies that Deliver Cloud Computing

Some of the leading cloud service providers include:

  • Google Cloud

  • Amazon Web Services (AWS): An entirely public cloud service with a pay-as-you-go model, offering a range of apps and additional services on its platform.

  • Microsoft Azure: Offers clients the flexibility to retain some data on their premises.

  • IBM Cloud

  • Alibaba Cloud: A subsidiary of Alibaba Group, focusing on delivering cloud solutions.

Examples of Cloud Computing

Some prevalent applications of cloud computing used by individuals and businesses include:

  • Streaming platforms for audio or video, where media files are stored remotely.

  • Data storage solutions such as Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, or Box.

Main Types of Cloud Computing

There are three primary service models in cloud computing:

  • Software as a Service (SaaS): Consumers obtain access to applications or services hosted in the cloud. For example, Salesforce.com provides a service where interaction necessary for consumers is hosted in the cloud. Microsoft has also entered this market with its cloud-based Office Web Apps available through Microsoft Office 2010.

  • Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): Consumers maintain control over operating systems, applications, storage, and network connectivity without managing the underlying cloud infrastructure.

  • Platform as a Service (PaaS): Consumers can access platforms to develop and deploy their software and applications in the cloud. However, consumers do not manage the operating systems or network access, and there may be limitations on the applications that can be deployed.

Characteristics of Cloud Computing

Several key characteristics define cloud computing:

  • Shared Infrastructure: Utilizes a virtualized software model allowing physical resources, such as services, storage, and networking capabilities, to be shared among multiple users effectively.

  • Dynamic Provisioning: Facilitates service offerings based on current demand requirements, enabled by software automation, which allows for scalability and contraction of service capabilities while ensuring high reliability and security.

  • Network Access: Accessible via the internet across a range of devices such as PCs, laptops, and smartphones, utilizing standard APIs like those based on HTTP.

  • Managed Metering: Incorporates metering for service management and optimization, allowing for billing according to actual consumption during a specified period.

  • Overall, cloud computing promotes shared, scalable deployment of services from virtually any location, with billing based on usage.

Deployment of Cloud Computing

Cloud computing deployment models differ based on requirements, categorized into four main types:

  • Private Cloud: The infrastructure is maintained and operated for a specific organization, either in-house or via a third party.

  • Community Cloud: Shared infrastructure among organizations with similar interests, potentially reducing capital expenditure as costs are distributed.

  • Public Cloud: The infrastructure is available to the public on a commercial basis, enabling consumers to develop and deploy cloud services with minimal financial investment compared to other options.

  • Hybrid Cloud: Integrates multiple clouds of varying types, permitting movement of data and applications between them. This model combines private and public clouds to meet organizational requirements while ensuring data retention and service delivery.

Benefits of Cloud Computing

Cloud computing offers several advantageous implications, including:

  • Cost Savings: Reduces capital expenditures, substituting them with operational expenditures, and necessitating fewer in-house IT resources for system support.

  • Scalability/Flexibility: Enables companies to start small and scale rapidly while allowing for resource utilization during peak demand.

  • Reliability: Facilitates business continuity and disaster recovery via services supported by multiple redundancy.

  • Maintenance: Cloud service providers manage system maintenance with access through APIs, minimizing local installation needs.

  • Mobile Accessibility: Boosts productivity for mobile workers due to system accessibility from a variety of locations.

  • Agility: Grants quick access to a wide range of technologies to foster innovation, enabling rapid resource deployment to transform businesses and enhance customer experiences.

Cloud Computing Challenges

Several challenges inhibit the delivery of cloud services:

  1. Security and Privacy: Concerns emerge around data storage and security protocols, impacting cloud service deployment. Hybrid cloud solutions may accommodate organizations needing to maintain data security while utilizing cloud functionalities.

  2. Lack of Standards: Despite documented interfaces for clouds, a lack of interoperability standards exists. Initiatives like the Open Grid Forum and the Open Cloud Consortium are working to develop cloud computing standards, which will evolve to meet consumer needs.

  3. Continuously Evolving: The dynamic nature of user requirements leads to constant evolution of cloud environments, especially in public clouds.

  4. Compliance Concerns: Regulations such as the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) in the US and various data protection directives in the EU impose compliance challenges intersecting with cloud computing requirements.

Summary

Cloud computing delivers computing services over the Internet, enabling individuals and businesses to use managed software and hardware hosted by third parties at remote locations. Examples vary widely, from online file storage to business applications. The cloud model allows for resource sharing across networks and supports various applications ranging from data storage space to specialized user applications accessible anywhere there is a network connection.

ACTIVITY

Carry out research on the following concepts:

  • What is a Data Centre?

  • What do you expect to find in a data centre?

  • Explain the significance of the data centre.