Cloud computing is all about storing and accessing data, and applications over the internet instead of deploying them in your personal computer or any hardware storage. It allows us the online access to computer services and resources. These resources include servers, databases, networks and software. Instead of storing your data on hard drive or local storage cloud computing allows us to store them on a remote database. Cloud computing helps small and large scale businesses in a number of ways such as it increases the productivity, decrease cost, provide efficiency and security, increase speed and performance.
Cloud computing can be private and public. Public cloud computing service is freely available on the internet. On the other hand, private cloud computing service is only available to the limited number of users.
FEATURES OF CLOUD COMPUTING SERVICES
Cloud computing services offer the following features to their users either private or public
- Email messaging
- Audio and video streaming
- Backup, storage and data access
- Analyzing data
- Developing and testing applications
- Developing and delivering complete software
TYPES OF CLOUD SERVICES
There are three types of cloud computing:
- Software-as-a-service (SaaS)
- Infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS)
- Platform-as-a-service (PaaS)
SOFTWARE-AS-A-SERVICE
In this service, a software system is given to the customers on payment. People can get this type of service in Microsoft Office’s 365.
INFRASTRUCTURE-AS-A-SERVICE
In this service, everything from operating system to storage space is delivered to the customer through an IP based connection. Microsoft Azure and IBM cloud are the example of (IaaS).
PLATFORM-AS-A-SERVICE
PaaS is one of the most complex service among the three. Unlike SaaS it does not deliver the complete software online rather it provides with a platform to develop the software that is delivered online.
CHARACTERISITICS OF CLOUD COMPUTING
According to the National Institute of Science and Technology, there are five standardized characteristics of cloud computing that makes it cloud.
On demand self service
It is a kind of utility billing service where you can pay as per usage. You can choose your service provider yourself and upon the payment your services will be available to you. You are paid at the end of the month and hence this type of service gives you full control over your spending.
Broad network access
You can access your cloud from anywhere and any device that is connected to the internet. It is possible as the servers are located on multiple locations.
Resource pooling
Many users can share the same resources and resources are assigned and reassigned to everyone unless the internet is connected at your device no matter where ever you are located.
Rapid elasticity
Cloud services are elastic services. If you are facing a lot of traffic then the cloud will adjust itself and accommodate the new number of users without effecting its services.
Measured services
As stated earlier, you have to pay against your usage. No more no less. It is like utility bills, as much electricity you consume, your bill will be according to your usage. As much as you store your data on the cloud you are charged accordingly.