What is Cloud Computing and Services

What is Cloud Computing and Services

Cloud computing is the delivery of computing services—including servers, storage, databases, networking, software, and analytics—over the internet (“the cloud”) instead of relying on local servers or personal devices.

It allows businesses and individuals to access scalable and flexible IT resources on-demand, paying only for what they use.

Main Objectives of Cloud Computing

  • Cost Efficiency: Avoid the capital expense (CapEx) of buying hardware and software and setting up on-site data centers.
  • Scalability: Instantly scale up or down based on demand.
  • Performance: Benefit from massive economies of scale and the latest infrastructure.
  • Speed and Agility: Deploy applications faster and innovate quicker.
  • Reliability: Data backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity are easier and less expensive.
  • Global Reach: Access services and data from anywhere, anytime.

Types of Deployments

Cloud (Public Cloud)

In a public cloud model, services are delivered over the public internet and shared across multiple organizations.

Providers like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud own and manage the hardware.

Example: Hosting a website on AWS EC2 instances.

On-Premises (Private Cloud)

On-Premises computing refers to running your IT infrastructure within your organization’s own facilities.

It offers complete control but usually comes with higher upfront costs and maintenance efforts.

Example: A company’s internal HR system running on servers they own and manage.

Hybrid Cloud

Hybrid cloud is a combination of on-premises infrastructure with public cloud services, allowing data and apps to move between the two environments.

It provides greater flexibility, optimized workload placement, and improved compliance.

Example: Keeping sensitive customer data on-prem while running front-end applications in Azure.

Multi-Cloud

Multi-cloud uses services from multiple cloud providers to avoid vendor lock-in, optimize costs, or enhance reliability.

An organization may host different applications or components on AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud simultaneously.

Example: Using AWS for storage, Azure for authentication services, and GCP for AI/ML workloads.

I am adding here a comparison table for the types of deployments

Cloud Services Diversity

Cloud services are broadly categorized into several models depending on what level of service the customer is consuming and here are some of those

Most major cloud providers offer hundreds of services across categories like AI/ML, IoT, Big Data, Analytics, DevOps tools, and more — making the cloud not just about “hosting” but powering entire business ecosystems.

Major Cloud Vendors in the Market

Amazon Web Services (AWS)

Leading the market with a wide range of services across compute, storage, networking, and AI.

Microsoft Azure

Strong presence in enterprise IT, hybrid cloud, and integrations with Microsoft products like Office 365.

Google Cloud Platform (GCP)

Known for big data, machine learning, and open-source technologies.

Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI)

Focuses on enterprise-grade databases, applications, and cloud-native services.

IBM Cloud

Emphasizes AI (Watson), hybrid cloud, and industry-specific solutions.

Alibaba Cloud

Major player in Asia, offering services like AWS for global customers.

Conclusion: Advantages and Disadvantages of Cloud Computing

✅ Advantages

  • Cost-Effective: No upfront investment in hardware; pay only for usage.
  • Scalable and Flexible: Scale up/down resources quickly based on needs.
  • Accessibility: Access services and data from anywhere with internet connectivity.
  • Performance: Benefit from global network of secure data centers.
  • Security and Compliance: Major providers offer built-in security and regulatory compliance frameworks.
  • Focus on Core Business: Offload infrastructure management to providers and focus on innovation.

❌ Disadvantages

  • Security and Privacy Concerns: Data stored on third-party servers may pose risks.
  • Downtime Risks: Outages in cloud services can impact availability.
  • Vendor Lock-In: Switching providers can be complex and costly.
  • Limited Control: In public cloud models, the organization has limited control over infrastructure.
  • Hidden Costs: Improper usage or lack of governance can lead to unexpected bills.

Final Thought:

Cloud computing has revolutionized the IT landscape by offering on-demand, scalable, and efficient services. Whether you’re a startup aiming for agility, or an enterprise seeking operational excellence, leveraging the right cloud strategy—be it public, private, hybrid, or multi-cloud—can be a game-changer. Careful planning, security consideration, and vendor evaluation are key to making the most out of cloud computing!

In upcoming blogs, we will discuss more on Azure Cloud. To make this series more understandable, I am splitting this into multiple blogs

Part 1 - What is Cloud Computing and Services

Part 2 - What is Microsoft Azure

Part 3 - Azure Compute Storage and Networking

Part 4 - Azure Identity & Access Management

Part 5 - Azure Cloud Adoption Framework & Well Architected Framework

Part 6 - Azure Landing Zone

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