1. What is Cloud Computing?
Cloud computing is the delivery of computing services—including servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics, and intelligence—over the internet instead of on local computers. Users access resources on demand and pay only for what they use. Source: IBM
2. Is Cloud Computing a New Technology?
Cloud computing is not entirely new; it builds on existing technologies like virtualization, distributed computing, and high-speed internet. What’s unique is its delivery as scalable, on-demand services over the internet.
Key Features:
- On-Demand Self-Service: Users can provision resources as needed.
- Broad Network Access: Accessible from multiple devices via the internet.
- Resource Pooling & Elasticity: Resources are shared and can scale up or down quickly.
- Measured Service: Usage is tracked and billed transparently.
Source: Synopsys – Essential Cloud Computing Characteristics
3. Major Cloud Service Models
- IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service): Provides virtual servers, storage, and networks. Users manage OS, apps, and middleware.
Example: Amazon EC2, Google Compute Engine - PaaS (Platform as a Service): Provides a platform to develop, test, and deploy applications without managing the infrastructure.
Example: Google App Engine, Microsoft Azure App Service - SaaS (Software as a Service): Fully managed software applications accessed via web browsers.
Example: Google Workspace, Salesforce, Zoom
Source: AWS
4. Real-World Domains Enabled by Cloud Computing
- Healthcare: Storing patient records, AI diagnostics, telemedicine platforms.
- Finance/Banking: High-speed data analytics, online transactions, fraud detection.
- Education: E-learning platforms, virtual classrooms, collaborative tools.
- Retail: Online shopping platforms, inventory management, recommendation systems.
Source: IBM
5. Economic / Business Model of Cloud Computing
- Pay-as-you-go: Users pay only for the resources they consume.
- Subscription-based: Monthly or yearly fees for software services.
- Reduced CAPEX/OPEX: Avoids upfront infrastructure costs and lowers operational expenses.
- Scalable business solutions: IT resources scale with demand instead of fixed investment.
Source: Microsoft Azure