Overview
This lecture covers the fundamentals of cloud computing, its advantages, various cloud deployment models, and the differences between service models like IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS.
Cloud Computing Fundamentals
- Cloud computing allows hosting applications and services outside of local data centers.
- Provides access to large-scale computing resources (CPU, storage, network) on demand.
- Applications can be deployed or removed globally in moments, offering flexibility and scalability.
Advantages of Cloud Computing
- Reduces time and effort needed for deploying applications compared to traditional physical data centers.
- Enables geographic flexibility by hosting services closer to end-users.
- Offers cost efficiency by paying only for resources used and avoiding large upfront investments.
- Supports scaling resources up or down based on demand.
Cloud Deployment Models
- Public Cloud: Services provided by third parties (e.g., Microsoft, Amazon) accessible via the internet.
- Private Cloud: Hosted internally within a company’s own data center for greater control.
- Hybrid Cloud: Combines both public and private clouds, used simultaneously for different needs.
- Community Cloud: Shared cloud infrastructure among organizations with similar requirements to share costs.
Cloud Service Models
- Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS/HaaS): Rent hardware resources; customer manages OS, applications, and data.
- Software as a Service (SaaS): Use web-based applications managed entirely by the provider (e.g., Google Mail, Microsoft 365).
- Platform as a Service (PaaS): Provider manages the platform; customer develops and runs custom applications on it (e.g., Salesforce development platform).
Responsibility Matrix
- In IaaS, the provider manages hardware and networking; the customer manages OS, apps, and data.
- In SaaS, the provider manages almost everything except end-user devices and authentication.
- In PaaS, the provider supplies the platform; the customer develops and controls applications.
- On-premises solutions require the customer to manage every aspect of the infrastructure.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Cloud Computing — Delivery of computing resources over the internet.
- Public Cloud — Third-party cloud services open to all users.
- Private Cloud — Cloud environment operated solely for one organization.
- Hybrid Cloud — Combination of public and private clouds.
- IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service) — Cloud service model renting virtualized hardware.
- PaaS (Platform as a Service) — Cloud service model providing a platform for application development.
- SaaS (Software as a Service) — Cloud service model delivering ready-to-use software over the internet.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the differences between IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS for future exams.
- Compare public, private, and hybrid cloud scenarios in terms of control and responsibility.