Cloud computing
Cloud computing
Cloud computing is the on-demand delivery of computing resources—such as servers, storage, databases, networking, software, and analytics—over the internet ("the cloud"). It enables users to access and use these resources without owning or managing physical hardware, paying only for what they consume. Major providers include Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform.
History
The concept of cloud computing emerged in the 1960s with John McCarthy’s vision of "utility computing." However, the modern form began in the early 2000s when Amazon.com launched Amazon Web Services in 2006, offering storage and compute capacity. Google introduced Google App Engine in 2008, and Microsoft followed with Microsoft Azure in 2010. The model gained widespread adoption through virtualization, broadband internet, and the rise of Software as a Service (SaaS) applications.
Features
- On-demand self-service: Users can provision resources automatically without human interaction.
- Broad network access: Services are accessible over standard network protocols.
- Resource pooling: Providers serve multiple customers using a multi-tenant model.
- Rapid elasticity: Resources scale quickly up or down based on demand.
- Measured service: Usage is monitored, controlled, and reported for transparency.
Service models
Cloud computing is typically divided into three service models:
- Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): Provides virtualized computing resources, such as virtual machines and storage.
- Platform as a Service (PaaS): Offers a platform for developing and deploying applications without managing underlying infrastructure.
- Software as a Service (SaaS): Delivers software applications over the internet, such as Google Workspace or Microsoft 365.
Deployment models
- Public cloud: Resources owned and operated by a third-party provider and shared among multiple tenants.
- Private cloud: Infrastructure used exclusively by a single organization.
- Hybrid cloud: Combines public and private clouds, allowing data and applications to be shared between them.
Benefits and challenges
Benefits include reduced capital expenditure, scalability, automatic updates, and global reach. Challenges involve security concerns, potential vendor lock-in, and reliance on internet connectivity. Major incidents, such as the Amazon Web Services outage in 2021, highlight risks.