What is Cloud Computing?
Cloud Computing is the delivery of computing services such as storage, servers, databases, networking, and software over the Internet instead of using on local infrastructure and hardware.
Think of it as having your own supercomputer without worrying about the huge cost of acquiring one, the months it will take to set it up, space, cooling, and manpower required. You only need a local device to connect to your supercomputer via the Internet.
Cloud computing is very popular because it enables users to innovate faster and complete tasks more efficiently by providing on-demand resources.
How Cloud Computing works
Cloud service providers use virtualisation technology to deliver scalable and flexible services.
This gives the following advantages:
Flexibility It scales resources up or down as needed.
Cost-Effectiveness You pay only for what you use.
Efficiency You can quickly deploy applications and services.
Cloud Computing Buzzwords
Here are some keywords you will come across in cloud computing-
Virtualisation
Virtualisation is a technology that creates virtual versions of computing resources, which enables better efficiency, flexibility and scalability. It allows multiple virtual instances to run on a single physical machine, which maximises hardware utilisation.
Imagine serveral virtual super computers connected to your personal computer and the posibilities it creates for you.
Virtualisation works by decoupling software from hardware; making virtual machines (VMs) run on the same physical server without interference, optimising resource allocation by dynamically distributing computing power based on demand thus reducing waste, and enabling rapid deployment by creating, modifying or quickly moving virtual environments without affecting the underlying hardware.
Virtualisation is used in cloud computing, data centres and used in remotely accessing desktops and applications.
Virtualisation boosts efficiency, enhances scalability and flexibility, improve security and isolation, reduces IT costs and power consumption.
Scalability
Scalability is the ability of a system or network to handle an increasing amount of work or its potential to accommodate growth. It is essentially the capacity to scale resources up or down as needed, ensuring that a cloud service can continue to perform well even as demand fluctuates.
Scalability is a key feature in cloud computing because it allows businesses to efficiently manage resources without over-provisioning it. Cloud providers offer scalable infrastructure where users can adjust their resources based on real-time needs, making it cost-effective and responsive to changing workloads.
Agility
Agility is the ability to quickly and efficiently adapt to changing business needs and market conditions by leveraging cloud technologies. It helps cloud services enable businesses to be more flexible and responsive in their operations.
Agility helps businesses and individuals to develop and launch applications quickly and easily without having to wait for infrastructure setup. With cloud servicing agility, you can deploy apps in minutes (not months), experiment and scale without delays and adjust quickly based on feedback.
High Avalability
High availability is the ability of a system, service, or application to remain operational and accessible with minimal downtime even in the event of hardware failures, network issues or other disruptions. High availability ensures that services are consistently available to users, providing reliability and continuity of operations.
It ensures that applications and services in the cloud are continuously available and accessible, minimizing the impact of failures and ensuring a smooth user experience.
Fault Tolerant
The term "fault tolerant" in cloud computing refers to the ability of a system to continue operating properly in the event of a failure of one or more of its components. This ensures minimal disruption and maintains availability, reliability, and data integrity even when unexpected failures occur.
Global Reach
Global reach is the ability of cloud services to be accessed and delivered from anywhere in the world with minimal latency and high availability. This allows businesses and users to deploy applications, store data, and access computing resources across multiple geographical regions seamlessly.
What is the difference between Elasticity and Scalability
Elasticity is the ability of a system to automatically increase or decrease resources in response to real-time demand.
While scalability is the ability of a system to handle increasing workloads by adding resources without affecting performance.
Elasticity is usually based on on-demand needs while scalability refers usually refers to long-term expansion (growth).
Top comments (1)
Nicely written!