Cloud computing is the new Facebook. Well, everyone is on it! As a result, cloud computing has become an integral part of our day-to-day lives, whether we realize it or not.
From it’s your Gmail app or Google docs where multiple users can work on the same document from around the world in real-time. Without owning the servers, databases, or software that is required to make it possible to use these services, we can still access them from the leisure of our homes. How?
Cloud computing is the answer. You can rent computing services according to your requirements. The example we used above is the most basic way cloud computing affects our lives. As a result, MNCs and small businesses are flocking toward cloud computing.
What is Cloud Computing?
To understand cloud computing and better gauge the scope of a career in developing and managing cloud computing services, one must first start with the basics of cloud computing.
Cloud computing makes the internet a medium to transport resources that were previously only available locally. Cloud computing, in simple terms, is a technology that makes all computing services securely available on the internet. You can access it from anywhere.
Before the explosive growth of cloud computing, companies used to manage their IT requirements themselves. From procuring the heavy hardware to hiring professionals to maintain the equipment, businesses had to do a ton of heavy lifting to ensure the safety of their databases and software. But with cloud computing, companies can simply pay a monthly subscription fee to access servers, storage, networking, analytics, etc., services from a cloud computing service provider without spending a fortune as they did earlier.
How does Cloud Computing work?
Cloud computing enables clients to access data, software, and applications over the internet from anywhere.
The front end is the accessing client device, and the back end, which consists of databases, and servers, are connected by an internet network connection. The back end serves as a repository, holding the information that the front end can access with the help of a cloud delivery system and middleware.
Cloud engineers and architects design effective, quicker, more efficient, and secure cloud ecosystems to further advance cloud computing services. As a result, a career in cloud computing is quickly gaining traction. It’s a great career advancement opportunity for IT professionals around the world.
3 basic components of Cloud Computing
But first, one must understand the 3 essential components of Cloud computing in dept.
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Clients
The front-end component of the cloud computing system is the client devices. Any device the client uses to access the cloud services, such as desktops, ipads, laptops, and mobile devices, falls under clients. It helps the client interact with the cloud systems.
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Datacenter
A data center is a group of servers that host the application to which you have subscribed. As a result, clients can easily connect to servers on the other side of the globe.
The virtualizing server is a developing trend in the IT industry. In other words, software that enables the operation of numerous instances of virtual servers can be installed. This allows you to run six virtual servers on a single physical server.
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Distributed servers
Although a distributed server system is a group of two or more servers, to the user, it appears to be a single server. Through a network, users can concurrently access and change the data on each server.
Cloud computing has a lot of other components such as security, management, Internet, runtime cloud, application, and services. Three main services are further explained below:
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Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
As the name suggests, IaaS provides clients with infrastructure on rent. Without having to manage the storage and software infrastructure locally, clients can access it on the cloud. In addition, they can host any operating system or application on their servers without worrying about maintenance as the cloud service provider takes care of it.
Advantages of IaaS
- It becomes more accessible and quicker to upscale or downscale with Iaas. Scaling up or down becomes efficient and quicker as businesses don’t have to figure out logistics. With a simple renewal of the subscription, it is done. The service provider takes care of the entire process for the company.
- With IaaS taking care of the entire IT infrastructure, businesses can focus on their core business objectives without figuring out the IT specifics.
- As your data is stored across multiple servers around the globe, you don’t have to worry about losing it in case of disasters or other problems. A copy of your data is always safe with the cloud company.
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Platform as a Service (PaaS)
PaaS is another important cloud computing service that provides an application software platform to clients. This platform allows programmers and developers to create, run and test their codes and applications without the headache of managing the platform infrastructure.
Advantages of PaaS
- PaaS helps in reducing the overall coding time. It has a ton of applications and tools that make it easier for developers to code faster.
- It also provides versatile development tools that help you code for multiple devices like desktops and mobile phones.
- A wide array of advanced and expensive development software and tools has become affordable to businesses thanks to the subscription model.
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Software as a Service (SaaS)
SaaS is one of the most popular cloud computing services. SaaS enables users to interact and use applications over the internet. The most popular example of SaaS is Gmail.
Similarly, customized CRM applications and software allow organizations to let their employees access the application anywhere in the world.
Advantages of SaaS
- Most of the SaaS applications are free.
- It allows you to mobilize your resources and carry out operations from anywhere in the world.
- You can access expensive applications easily due to the pay-per-use models.
In conclusion
After the pandemic, the importance of cloud computing services has increased exponentially, thanks to accelerated digital transformations of businesses globally. Now you, too, understand the basics of cloud computing.
