Module 1: Cloud Computing Fundamentals
Topic 1: Introduction to Cloud Computing
What is cloud computing?
Cloud computing is the delivery of on-demand computing resources over the internet, including servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics, and intelligence. Cloud computing enables organizations to access and use computing resources without the need for on-premises infrastructure or physical hardware.
In cloud computing, users can pay for the resources they use, scaling up or down as needed, and have access to a vast pool of shared resources provided by a cloud service provider. Cloud computing allows organizations to operate more efficiently, reduce costs, and increase agility by eliminating the need for on-premises infrastructure and reducing IT complexity. It also enables new and innovative business models by providing flexible access to computing resources, regardless of location or device. Overall, cloud computing represents a shift towards the consumption of technology as a service, rather than as a product.
How cloud computing differs from traditional on-premises computing?
Cloud computing differs from traditional on-premises computing in several key ways:
Infrastructure Ownership: In traditional on-premises computing, organizations own and maintain all the hardware, software, and infrastructure needed to support their applications and services.
In cloud computing, the infrastructure is owned and maintained by the cloud service provider.
Scalability: In traditional on-premises computing, organizations need to estimate their computing needs and purchase sufficient hardware to support their applications and services. Scaling up or down requires additional hardware procurement and installation. In cloud computing, organizations can easily scale their computing resources up or down as needed, without the need for hardware procurement and installation.
Accessibility: Traditional on-premises computing is usually limited to the physical location where the hardware is located. In cloud computing, applications, and services can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection.
Maintenance: In traditional on-premises computing, organizations are responsible for maintaining and upgrading their hardware and software. In cloud computing, the cloud service provider is responsible for maintaining and upgrading the infrastructure.
Cost: Traditional on-premises computing requires significant upfront investment in hardware and infrastructure. Cloud computing allows organizations to pay for the resources they use, rather than investing in hardware upfront, which can result in cost savings.
Overall, cloud computing offers greater flexibility, scalability, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness than traditional on-premises computing, making it an increasingly popular choice for organizations of all sizes.
The benefits of cloud computing, include scalability, flexibility, and cost savings.
Cloud computing offers several benefits to organizations, including:
Scalability: Cloud computing allows organizations to easily scale their computing resources up or down as needed, without the need for hardware procurement and installation. This allows organizations to quickly respond to changing business needs and avoid over-provisioning or under-provisioning of resources.
Flexibility: Cloud computing provides organizations with flexibility in terms of location, device, and access. Applications and services can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection, allowing employees to work remotely and collaborate with colleagues across locations.
Cost savings: Cloud computing allows organizations to pay for the resources they use, rather than investing in hardware upfront. This can result in significant cost savings, as organizations only pay for the resources they need, and can scale their usage up or down as needed.
Reduced IT complexity: Cloud computing can reduce IT complexity by eliminating the need for on-premises infrastructure and reducing the amount of hardware and software that needs to be maintained and upgraded.
Increased agility: Cloud computing enables organizations to quickly and easily provision resources, deploy applications and services, and respond to changing business needs. This can increase agility and speed up time-to-market for new products and services.
Overall, cloud computing offers organizations greater flexibility, scalability, cost savings, and agility, making it an attractive option for organizations of all sizes and industries.