Notes – Cloud Computing
What is Cloud Computing?
Cloud computing means using remote servers hosted on the internet to store, manage, and process data—instead of using local computers or personal devices.
You use computing power like a utility service—such as electricity or water.
Key Idea
“Don’t own the hardware. Rent the service.”
Real-World Analogy
Think of cloud computing like Google Drive:
- You don’t store documents on your computer
- You upload them to Google’s servers
- You can access them from anywhere
That’s cloud computing in action!
Key Features of Cloud Computing
- On-Demand: Get resources when needed
- Self-Service: Launch services without human help
- Scalable: Increase or decrease resources as per need
- Pay-As-You-Go: No upfront cost; pay only for what you use
- Accessible: Available from anywhere, anytime
Types of Cloud Environments
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Public Cloud | Services offered over the internet (e.g., AWS, Azure) |
| Private Cloud | Used by a single organization |
| Hybrid Cloud | Mix of public and private clouds |
Cloud Computing Service Models
| Model | What It Offers | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| IaaS | Infrastructure as a Service | AWS EC2, Google Compute Engine |
| PaaS | Platform as a Service | Heroku, AWS Elastic Beanstalk |
| SaaS | Software as a Service | Gmail, Dropbox, Salesforce |
Benefits of Cloud Computing
- Reduces the cost of owning hardware
- Quick deployment of applications
- No maintenance headache
- High availability and disaster recovery options
- Global access with internet connection
Who Uses Cloud Computing?
- Developers for testing applications
- Companies for data storage and backups
- Organizations running large-scale web apps
- Students for learning and practicing tools
