The "cloud" is a metaphor for the internet or a remote server infrastructure that allows data and services to be accessed remotely rather than locally and Cloud computing is the technology and services that allow users to access and use the cloud.
The terms "cloud" and "cloud computing" are closely related but not identical. Here we will discuss in detail about both.
Understanding the Cloud and Cloud Computing
Getting Started
In today’s digital world, chances are you’ve heard the terms "cloud" and "cloud computing" thrown around. Whether it's saving your photos to Google Drive or streaming a movie on Netflix, you're likely already using "the cloud"—even if you don’t realize it.
But what exactly is the cloud? And how does it differ from cloud computing? Let’s break it down in a simple and easy-to-understand way.
What is Cloud?
The term 'cloud' refers to a network of remote servers hosted on the internet that store, manage, and process data or files, instead of saving them on your computer’s hard drive. It allows you to store and access data or files online, anytime and from anywhere, on demand.
Google Drive, iCloud and One Drive are the example of the Cloud storage.
What is Cloud Computing?
Cloud Computing is defined as storing and accessing of data or files over internet or the cloud. It is the delivery of on demand services (computing services)-such as servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics, and intelligence-over the internet to offer faster innovation, flexible resources, and economies of scale. You typically pay only for the cloud services you use, which helps lower operating costs and scale as needed.
Examples of Cloud Computing Service: google cloud computing, AWS, Amazone
Cloud Offerings
Cloud offerings refer to the wide range of cloud computing services provided by cloud service providers (like AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud) that cater to various computing needs—from infrastructure and storage to software and artificial intelligence.
These offerings are typically grouped into three main service models, with many specialized tools within each.
- Software as a service (SaaS)
- Platform as a Service (PaaS)
- Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
Software as a Service (SaaS)
Software as a Service (SaaS) in cloud computing provides software applications over the internet, rather than being installed locally on individual computers. Users typically subscribe to the service on a monthly or annual basis and access the software through a web browser.
It sometimes referred to as “on-demand software” as in this cloud provider manage the platform and infrastructure on which the software or applications are run.
Platform as a Service (PAAS)
Platform as a Service (PaaS) in cloud computing model is a model that provides developers with a platform to build, run, and manage applications—without dealing with the complexity of maintaining the underlying infrastructure (like servers, networks, storage, or OS).
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
Infrastructure as a Service in cloud computing model where computing resources such as servers, storage, networking, and virtualization are provided to users over the internet by a cloud provider. infrastructure as a service in cloud computing gives users the flexibility to manage and control the operating systems, applications, and data while the provider manages the underlying infrastructure.
Types of Cloud
There are four main types, which define how cloud services are made available to users. Those are given below
Public Cloud
A Public Cloud in cloud computing is a type of cloud deployment model where cloud services (such as compute, storage, and networking) are delivered over the internet by a third-party provider and shared across multiple customers (tenants).
AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud are the public cloud examples
Private Cloud
A Private Cloud is a cloud computing environment dedicated to a single organization. private cloud computing provides the same benefits as public cloud—such as scalability and self-service—but with greater control, privacy, and security, since the infrastructure is used exclusively by one organization.
Hybrid Cloud
A Hybrid Cloud is a cloud computing environment that combines public and private clouds, allowing data and applications to be shared between them. Hybrid cloud in cloud computing gives businesses greater flexibility and control by leveraging the scalability of the public cloud and the security of the private cloud.
Community Cloud
A Community Cloud is a type of cloud deployment model where the infrastructure is shared by several organizations that have similar requirements—such as security, compliance, or jurisdiction—and is managed either internally or by a third-party vendor.
Summary
The Cloud refers to remote servers accessed via the internet to store, manage, and process data, rather than relying on local computers or servers.
Cloud Computing is the delivery of computing services—including servers, storage, databases, networking, software, and analytics—over the internet (“the cloud”) to offer faster innovation, flexible resources, and economies of scale.
I hope you have understood the idea of cloud and cloud computing.
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