What is Cloud Computing?

Technological innovations have revolutionized business life. One of these innovations is the concept of "Cloud Computing". Although it is gaining popularity and increasing its use day by day, there are still people who do not know what it is. Let's take a look at what this system, which provides so much convenience and benefit to people, is and what it does.

Definition of Cloud Computing

Cloud computing is the process of delivering computing services (applications, software, storage, and other resources) over the internet through a network of remote servers. Thanks to this system, it is possible to access applications and data from anywhere and anytime. It has become widespread as an alternative to IT infrastructure that creates high costs. The term cloud is cited as a metaphor for the internet world as it enables organizations to operate scalably, cost-effectively, and reliably.

Features of Cloud Computing

Cloud computing, which is service-oriented, has also virtualized hardware and software. It offers users access to shared pools of computing resources with minimal management effort or service provider interaction. This process takes place by combining all available resources from the internal and external clouds. It provides access to a broad set of processing power, storage capacity, and network bandwidth that can be rapidly provisioned through automation. Cloud computing is based on 5 key features.

On-Demand Self Service: The client constantly monitors the server's uptime and network storage. The user can control their computing skills as they wish.

Broad Network Access: Cloud resources can be found from different places at the same time. Data can be transferred and accessed to the cloud using the internet via tablets, computers, and smartphones.

Multitenancy and Resource Pooling: A cloud service provider can share resources among multiple customers. With multi-tenancy, users can share the same applications or the same physical infrastructure while maintaining the privacy and security of their information.

Fast Flexibility And Scalability: Thanks to the rapid flexibility, the allocated resources are matched with the actual amount of resources needed in a short time. With scalability, IT resources are increased or decreased to meet changes in customer demands.

Measured Service: It allows users to monitor which services are used for what purposes. Resources are optimally used and billing is monitored.

Usage Areas of Cloud Computing

Cloud computing, which provides many conveniences, has a wide range of uses. These usage areas include:

• Ability to build, deploy and scale new applications.
• Data storage
• Testing apps
• Analyze data
• Streaming audio and video
• Backup
• Providing software services

Models of Cloud Computing

The cloud computing stack is a standard way of mapping the different layers of a cloud deployment model. This is an abstract model and not every cloud provider uses it the same way. There are three main cloud computing models, each representing a different part of the cloud computing stack.

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)

IaaS refers to virtualized resources that you can provision on demand. These resources include databases or operating systems in addition to computing, storage, and networking. The main difference between these services and traditional applications is that they are managed by the provider. So they are easy to set up and use right away.

Platform as a Service (PaaS)

PaaS provides pre-configured environments for developing and deploying applications in the cloud. This means that everything needed for development is already included in this package. So developers don't have to install anything themselves. This way they don't have to spend time configuring their environment before working on the project.

Software as a Service (SaaS)

SaaS is delivered over the internet, usually through a browser. SaaS applications are hosted on servers maintained by a vendor or a third-party service provider. The software is not located on the customer's computer but runs on the vendor's server.

Types of Cloud Computing

Not all cloud technologies are the same, there are different types of clouds to suit the needs of organizations. First, you need to determine the type of cloud deployment or cloud computing architecture your cloud services will be applied to.

Public Cloud

The sources where the data is kept (stored) are accessible to the end user. Generally, this service is provided free of charge in the first place and different prices may be offered depending on the usage situation. The I-Cloud structure offered by the Apple brand will be an illustrative example of this situation.

Private Cloud

It is the Cloud Computing structure, in which privacy is more important than the data content and generally used by large companies. Private Cloud structure is a personal or company-specific structure. A good example of a Private Cloud structure would be a large bank storing all data in a single cloud structure and presenting it to all branches at the same time and processing the data at the same time.

Community Cloud

Community clouds are a hybrid form of private clouds created and operated specifically for a targeted group. These communities have similar cloud requirements and their ultimate goal is to work together to achieve their business goals. It is typically designed for businesses and organizations working on collaborative projects, applications, or research that require a central cloud computing facility to create, manage and execute such projects, regardless of the leased solution.

Hybrid Cloud

This structure is the system that brings together more than one Private or Public Cloud Computing structure. If we need to make a general example, collecting all the Cloud systems of an organization or system in a single point, ensures that information and software are managed in a more synchronous manner and are more open to access in a more flexible way.

Examples of Cloud Computing

Cloud computing now exists in almost every aspect of our lives, even if we are not aware of it. Here are some examples, some of which you may have never heard of:

• Storage Platforms: Facebook, Dropbox, Gmail
• Marketing Platforms: Hubspot, Adobe Marketing Cloud
• Educational Platforms: SlideRocket, Ratatype
• Health Platforms: IBM Cloud, ClearDATA
• Communication Platforms: Whatsapp, Skype

Advantages of Cloud Computing

Cloud computing has become the wave of the future and many businesses are taking this into account. Businesses around the world were quick to realize that moving to cloud infrastructure offers them many advantages and opens up new opportunities. Cloud computing is permanent and the advantages of the cloud will continue to increase over time. Some of the benefits of cloud computing are:

• Cost Savings: Cloud infrastructure does not require purchasing and maintaining equipment. Since interruptions are rare, it prevents the loss of time and money to be spent on them.
• Speed: Accessing computing resources can be achieved in a few clicks as many of the services are optional.
• Security: Cloud providers use technologies for protecting data, applications, and infrastructures.
• Mobility: Users can easily access the data they want from anywhere and anytime.