What is Cloud Computing?
Cloud computing is the delivery of computing services such as servers, storage, and software over the internet instead of using physical hardware. Users can access these resources when needed and pay only for what they use.
It allows systems to be set up quickly, scaled easily, and accessed from anywhere. Because of this flexibility and efficiency, cloud computing is widely used for building and running modern applications.
What is Virtualization?
Virtualization is a way of using one physical computer to act like multiple computers. Instead of one server doing just one job, virtualization allows it to run several virtual machines at the same time.
Each virtual machine works independently, with its own operating system and applications, even though they all share the same hardware. This helps save money, makes better use of resources, and makes systems easier to manage. Cloud platforms rely heavily on virtualization to provide services on demand.
Scalability
Scalability means a system can grow when more resources are needed. If more users start using an application, the system can be expanded to handle the extra load.
For example, a website that becomes popular can add more servers or increase server power so it doesn’t slow down or crash. Scalability helps systems keep performing well as demand increases.
Agility
Agility is about how quickly changes can be made. In cloud computing, agility allows teams to set up servers, test ideas, and release updates much faster than traditional systems.
Instead of waiting days or weeks for hardware, developers can create and remove resources in minutes. This makes it easier for businesses to adapt, experiment, and improve their services.
High Availability
High availability means a system is built to stay online most of the time, even when something goes wrong.
This is usually done by using multiple servers and backup systems. If one part fails, another takes over so users don’t notice much disruption. The goal of high availability is to reduce downtime as much as possible.
Fault Tolerance
Fault tolerance is similar to high availability but stronger. A fault-tolerant system continues to work normally even when a failure happens.
Instead of reacting after something breaks, fault-tolerant systems are designed to expect failures. They already have backups running, so services continue without interruption. This is important for critical systems where downtime is not acceptable.
Global Reach
Global reach means cloud services can be accessed from anywhere in the world.
Cloud providers have data centers in different countries, so users are connected to the closest one. This improves speed and performance and allows businesses to serve international users without setting up their own infrastructure in every location.
Difference Between Elasticity and Scalability
Scalability and elasticity are related but not the same.
Scalability is about being able to grow when needed. Elasticity is about automatically adjusting resources based on demand.
For example, a system might be designed to support more users in the future (scalability), while automatically adding or removing servers during busy or quiet periods (elasticity).
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