🤖 Cloud Computing

Cloud computing is the delivery of IT resources when needed over the internet. Example: Google Cloud

Cloud computer is a method by which remote servers are used to store files and run applications, rather than storing them locally.

Cloud computing uses virtualisation which one physical server hosts many cloud servers.

This is handled behind the scenes and the end user never realises this.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages
- Easy implementation — Allows businesses to retain the same applications and processes without having to deal with any back end settings.
- Accessibility — You can access the data anywhere, anytime.
- No hardware required — Everything is hosted online, so no physical hardware is needed.
- Flexibility for growth — The cloud is easily scalable so companies can add or subtract resources based on their needs.

Disadvantages
- Security
- Internet connection quality dependent.

Virtualisation

Virtualisation is the virtual instance of a computer system.

Hyper-Visor

Type 1

Acts as an operating system for the physical machine and is used for server side virtualisation and has low hardware requirements. Doesn’t have to load an underlying OS.

Hyper-Visor

Type 2

Installed on top of an existing OS
It relies on the host machines preexisting OS to manage calls to the CPU, memory, storage and network resources.

Benefits

Cloud portability
- The ability to move applications and data from one cloud computing environment to another with minimal disruption.

Elastic cloud
- A cloud computing offering that provides variable service levels based on changing needs.

Cloud sourcing
- An arrangement in which a company pays a third party cloud hosting provider to deliver IT services that could be provided in house. Similar to outsourcing.

Storage
- Storage is the amount of space you have to store your files. The more you want, the more expensive.

Cost effective
- Only get the amount you need as you can upgrade later.
- There are many different cloud hosting providers and some may offer the same services for cheaper.

Community Cloud

Community Cloud is for different organisations, ones that have the same interests.
It’s a form of public cloud with more security and scalability would be less of an option. Community Cloud is a multi-tenant platform.

Characteristics

Cost effective
- The whole cloud is shared between several organisations or a community.

Security
- More secure than public cloud but less secure than private cloud.

Sharing infrastructure
- Allows us to share resources

Hybrid Cloud

Integrated cloud storage that uses private cloud.

Characteristics

Flexibility
- Hybrid cloud setup uses traditional systems as well as the latest cloud technology.

Cost management
- Organisations own and operate the data centres

Compliance
- Must follow restrictions on where data can reside, and this often means they cannot move certain workloads to the public cloud.

Private Cloud

Private cloud is where only specified users can access.

Private cloud is only accessible by a single organisation which greater control and privacy.

It has the added advantage of virtualisation.

Characteristics

Scalable
- High levels of utilisation (through virtualisation and size of data centres)

Accessible
- IT customers can self provision

Elastic
- Infinite capacity, when they need it.

Expensive

Public Cloud

Operated by organisations like Google, Microsoft, Apple

Public cloud includes free storage controlled by Google, Microsoft…
Most recognisable format
Constructed using pooled shared physical resources
Accessible over a public network

Characteristics

Self provisioning

More storage, when you need it

Security