"⚡️⚡️⚡️ Cloud Computing 101: A Beginner's Guide to Mastering the Basics 🚀☁️☁️"

Cloud computing is the on-demand delivery of IT resources over the Internet with pay-as-you-go pricing. Instead of buying, owning, and maintaining physical data centers and servers, you can access technology services, such as computing power, storage, and databases, on an as-needed basis from a cloud provider

Cloud computing can majorly be classified into two main models:

1.Deployment Model
2.Service Model

What is a Cloud Deployment Model?

The cloud deployment model determines how and where your data is stored and who can access it, based on factors like ownership and scale. It outlines the structure of your cloud setup, including server locations and control mechanisms, and clarifies whether you'll receive pre-made services or need to build everything from scratch

Cloud Deployment Models

1. Public Cloud

2. Private Cloud

3. Hybrid Cloud

4. Community Cloud

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Public Cloud

A public cloud is a cloud computing model where IT infrastructure like servers, networking, and storage resources are offered as virtual resources accessible over the internet.The name says it all. It is accessible to the public.

A third-party provider maintains the hardware, relevant software, and licenses in a globally distributed network of data centers. You can access exactly what you need on-demand and at any scale from any device of choice.

Advantages of the Public Cloud Model:

• Scalability:

  • Public clouds offer virtually unlimited scalability.
  • Resource usage can be quickly increased or decreased based on demand without capacity concerns.

• Cost Efficiency:

  • Operates on a pay-as-you-go model, reducing upfront investment in hardware and infrastructure.
  • Pay only for the resources utilized, leading to significant cost savings.

• Reliability:

  • Public cloud providers invest heavily in infrastructure maintenance.
  • Multiple data centers worldwide ensure access to the latest hardware and software.
  • Third-party providers ensure all upgrades and patches are up-to-date, enhancing reliability.

Examples of public cloud services:

1. Amazon Web Services (AWS)
2. Microsoft Azure
3. Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
4. IBM Cloud
5. Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI)

Private Cloud

A private cloud is a cloud computing environment dedicated to a single organization. Any cloud infrastructure has underlying compute resources like CPU and storage that you provision on demand through a self-service portal.In a private cloud, all resources are isolated and in the control of one organization.

The cloud platform is implemented in a cloud-based secure environment that is protected by powerful firewalls and under the supervision of an organization’s IT department.

Advantages of the Private Cloud Model:

• Cost Efficiency and Control:

  • Companies seeking cost efficiency and greater control over data and resources may find the private cloud more suitable.

• Enhanced Security and Flexibility:

  • Some organizations believe the private cloud offers benefits such as enhanced security, flexibility, and control.
  • They prefer the freedom to make architectural decisions and select hardware and software tailored to their requirements.
  • Private cloud adoption may also be driven by the need to meet regulatory compliance for sensitive data.

• Data Privacy:

  • The private cloud is ideal for storing corporate data, limiting access to authorized personnel only.

• Security Measures:

  • Segmentation of resources within the same infrastructure enhances access control and security levels.

Examples of private cloud solutions:

1. VMware vCloud Suite
2. Microsoft Azure Stack
3. OpenStack
4. Cisco UCS Director
5. HPE Helion CloudSystem

Hybrid Cloud

As the name suggests, a hybrid cloud is a combination of two or more cloud architectures. A hybrid cloud is a mixed computing environment where applications are run using a combination of computing, storage, and services in different environments—public clouds and private clouds, including on-premises data centers or “edge” locations.

A company with critical data will prefer storing on a private cloud, while less sensitive data can be stored on a public cloud. The hybrid cloud is also frequently used for 'cloud bursting'.

Cloud bursting :

In a private cloud architecture, the access point for third-party utilization serves as a gateway to external cloud resources, primarily used for cloud bursting scenarios. During periods of high demand, when the organization's private infrastructure reaches capacity, the access point enables seamless integration with public cloud services. This allows the organization to dynamically extend its computing resources into the public cloud, providing additional capacity to meet workload spikes. By leveraging external resources only when needed, organizations can optimize costs and maintain performance levels while retaining control over sensitive data and critical workloads within their private cloud environment.

Advantages of the Hybrid Cloud Model:

• Cost-Effectiveness:

  • Hybrid solutions leverage the public cloud primarily for data storage, reducing overall costs compared to purely private cloud setups.

• Security:

  • Data segmentation enhances security, lowering the risk of data theft from attackers.

• Flexibility:

  • Higher flexibility allows businesses to design custom solutions tailored precisely to their needs.

Examples of hybrid cloud platforms:

1. AWS Outposts
2. Azure Stack
3. Azure VMware Solution
4. Google Anthos
5. Nutanix Cloud Infrastructure
6. VMware Cloud Foundation

Community Cloud

It allows systems and services to be accessible by a group of organizations. It is a distributed system that is created by integrating the services of different clouds to address the specific needs of a community. The infrastructure of the community could be shared between the organization which has shared concerns or tasks. It is generally managed by a third party or by the combination of one or more organizations in the community.

Advantages of the Community Cloud Model:

• Cost Effectiveness:

  • Shared infrastructure leads to cost savings for participating organizations.

• Shared Resources:

  • Allows for efficient resource sharing among multiple organizations, optimizing infrastructure utilization.

• Collaboration and Data Sharing:

  • Facilitates collaboration and data sharing among community members, promoting synergy and productivity.

Examples of community cloud platforms:

1. Government Community Cloud (GCC)
2. Healthcare Community Cloud
3. Financial Services Community Cloud
4. Research Community Cloud
5. Education Community Cloud

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