Cloud computing means using the internet to access computing services like servers, storage, databases, networking, and software. Instead of keeping data and programs on your own computer, you use services over the internet, which known as "the cloud."
Cloud computing isn't completely new; it's more like using old technologies in a fresh way. Here are some unique things about it:
• Use When You Need: You can access computing power and storage whenever you want without asking someone.
• Access from Anywhere: You can use cloud services over the internet from any device, like your phone or laptop.
• Sharing Resources: Many users share the same computing resources, which makes things work better and cost less.
• Easy to Grow or Shrink: You can quickly add more resources if you need them or reduce them if you don't.
• Pay Only for What You Use: Like paying for electricity, you only pay for the computing services you actually use.
The three major cloud service models are:
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): Gives you basic computing resources online, like servers and storage.
• Example: Amazon Web Services (AWS) EC2 lets you rent virtual computers to run your own programs.
Platform as a Service (PaaS): Offers a platform to develop and manage your own apps without dealing with the hardware.
• Example: Google App Engine allows you to build and host web apps using Google's infrastructure.
Software as a Service (SaaS): Provides software applications over the internet.
• Example: Microsoft Office 365 lets you use Word and Excel online without installing them on your computer.
Healthcare:
• Example: Hospitals use cloud services to store patient records so doctors can access them from anywhere securely.
Education:
• Example: The university uses Canva to share the assignments and material of courses with us.
Entertainment:
• Example: Netflix uses cloud computing to stream movies and shows to millions of people around the world.
The business model of cloud computing is like paying for utilities such as electricity or water. This is called the pay-as-you-go model. You only pay for the computing resources you use.
Here's how it works:
• No Big Upfront Costs: You don't need to buy expensive computers or servers.
• Scalable Use: You can easily use more or less resources depending on your needs.
• Cost-Efficient: You save money because you don't pay for resources you aren't using.
• Maintenance Included: The cloud provider takes care of updates and fixes.