Cloud computing refers to the delivery of computing services—such as servers, storage, databases, networking, software, and analytics—over the internet ("the cloud"). These services offer faster innovation, flexible resources, and reduced operating costs. Here are key concepts:

Core Characteristics 🌟

  • On-demand self-service: Users provision resources without human interaction.
  • Broad network access: Available through standard web browsers.
  • Resource pooling: Shared infrastructure among multiple users.
  • Rapid elasticity: Scales resources up or down quickly.
  • Measured service: Pay only for the resources used.

Service Models 📊

  1. IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service)
    Example: Amazon EC2, Google Compute Engine

    iaas

  2. PaaS (Platform as a Service)
    Example: Google App Engine, Microsoft Azure App Services

    paas

  3. SaaS (Software as a Service)
    Example: Salesforce, Google Workspace

    saas

Deployment Models 🌐

  • Public Cloud: Services hosted over the public internet (e.g., AWS, Azure).
  • Private Cloud: Dedicated infrastructure for a single organization.
  • Hybrid Cloud: Combines public and private cloud environments.
  • Community Cloud: Shared by specific communities with common concerns.

Key Advantages 🚀

  • Cost efficiency 💰
  • Scalability 📈
  • Global accessibility 🌍
  • Disaster recovery support ⚡

Challenges ⚠️

  • Security risks 🔒
  • Vendor lock-in 🚪
  • Complexity in management ⚙️
  • Dependency on internet connectivity ⚙️

For deeper insights, explore our guide on Cloud Services or Data Center Architecture.

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