This topic will cover the basics of cloud computing, including the definition, benefits, and characteristics of cloud computing. It will also introduce different cloud service models such as IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS.
Introduction to Cloud Computing – Study Notes
| Aspect | Definition |
|---|---|
| Core Idea | Delivery of computing resources (servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics, AI) over the Internet on a pay‑as‑you-go basis. |
| Key Benefits | • Elastic scaling • Cost efficiency • Rapid provisioning • Global accessibility • Reduced infrastructure management |
| Typical Users | • Start‑ups & SMEs • Large enterprises • Developers & data scientists • End‑users accessing SaaS apps |
| Model | What It Provides | Typical Use Cases |
|---|---|---|
| IaaS – Infrastructure as a Service | Virtualized compute, storage, and networking (e.g., VMs, block storage, load balancers). | • Hosting websites • Disaster‑recovery sites • Big‑data processing clusters |
| PaaS – Platform as a Service | Managed runtime environments, development tools, databases, middleware. | • Application development & testing • API management • CI/CD pipelines |
| SaaS – Software as a Service | Fully functional applications delivered via a browser or thin client. | • Email (e.g., Gmail) • CRM (e.g., Salesforce) • Collaboration suites (e.g., Office 365) |
| FaaS – Function as a Service (Serverless) | Executes individual functions in response to events; no server management. | • Event‑driven data processing • Micro‑service orchestration • Real‑time image/video transformation |
| Model | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Public Cloud | Resources owned and operated by a third‑party provider (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud). | • Variable workloads • Cost‑sensitive projects |
| Private Cloud | Dedicated infrastructure for a single organization (on‑premises or hosted). | • Strict compliance or data‑sovereignty requirements |
| Hybrid Cloud | Combination of public and private clouds with orchestration between them. | • Burst workloads, legacy migration, disaster recovery |
| Multi‑Cloud | Simultaneous use of services from two or more public providers. | • Avoid vendor lock‑in, leverage best‑of‑breed services |