Скачать или смотреть INTRODUCTION TO CLOUD COMPUTING

Cloud computing is a technology that allows individuals and organizations to access and store data and computing power over the internet rather than on a local computer or server. It enables on-demand access to a shared pool of resources, including servers, storage, applications, and services, which can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort. This model provides significant benefits such as scalability, flexibility, cost savings, and improved collaboration by eliminating the need for owning and maintaining physical data centers and hardware.

In cloud computing, users typically pay for services based on usage, allowing them to scale resources up or down according to their needs. It also supports various deployment models, such as public clouds (services provided over the public internet), private clouds (dedicated infrastructure for a single organization), and hybrid clouds (a combination of public and private cloud elements). This technology powers a wide range of applications, from data storage and processing to machine learning and large-scale business software solutions.

Cloud computing can be categorized into three main service models: Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS). Each offers different levels of control, flexibility, and management.

1. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS):
IaaS provides virtualized computing resources over the internet. It offers the basic building blocks for cloud IT, allowing users to rent servers, storage, and networking on a pay-as-you-go basis. This model gives users significant control over their infrastructure, similar to a traditional data center, but without the expense and complexity of managing physical hardware. Examples include Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP).

2. Platform as a Service (PaaS):
PaaS supplies a platform and environment to allow developers to build applications and services. This model manages the infrastructure (servers, storage, and networking) as well as development tools, database management, and other resources. PaaS simplifies the process of developing and deploying applications by eliminating the need to manage underlying infrastructure. Examples include Google App Engine, Microsoft Azure App Services, and Heroku.

3. Software as a Service (SaaS):
SaaS delivers software applications over the internet, on a subscription basis, allowing users to access them via web browsers without installing or maintaining the software on their local devices. SaaS providers handle all technical issues like software maintenance, updates, and security. This model is convenient for users as it provides ready-to-use applications and minimizes the burden of IT management. Examples include Google Workspace, Salesforce, and Microsoft 365.

Each type of cloud service meets different needs: IaaS for IT administrators needing flexibility, PaaS for developers focusing on building applications without managing infrastructure, and SaaS for end-users requiring fully managed software solutions.