Cloud Computing

In this wiki, you will explore all the aspects of cloud computing beginning from scratch.

Cloud – at a glance

Cloud can be referred to as a powerful grid of shared network. And, cloud computing is a type of internet-based computing that relies on shared network resources. Basically, it can be defined as virtual servers available over the Internet. In the present time, it is a new buzz world of IT industry and everyone is pretty much convinced with the idea of virtual server and cloud storage.

How does cloud computing work?

The terms cloud is indicative of the technology’s ability to be accessed from any place on earth. Say, for example, a server contains important files from a project. Even though the server has a network of its own, it is not connected to the internet. Thus, when a business executive on a trip needs access to these files, he cannot directly have so. He will either get in touch with another executive on site, or upload all the files on his computer.

But, so is not the case with cloud computing. Cloud hosting servers connect with their clients not through a local network but global internet. This means, as long as you have access to the internet, you have access to your data, regardless of where you are travelling.

Is cloud computing safe?

Clients often shoot at us the questions regarding data safety with the clouds. Much to their surprise, cloud computing turns out to be safer than all the other ways data has been stored.

Following are the reasons why it is so –

Without cloud server at the place, you’d either be storing data on your computer or an external hard drive. Not only is external storage prone to get corrupt, it is equally likely to get stolen or lost.

Files accidentally deleted from physical drives may never be recovered in full. Thus, you are at an increased risk of losing data.

Physical drives don’t usually send signals before corruption. Even if they do, the signs may be too obvious to comprehend anything.

Cloud servers store data on the internet-linked servers that are well guarded with security applications.

The data is backed in several bare metals in the cloud. Thus, even if one of the underpinning servers crashes, there are other servers to cater to your requests.

You need not carry cloud computing anywhere since the internet is omnipresent these days. In layman’s terms, there isn’t a physical device to lose with cloud computing.

How to hack cloud servers?

Though we won’t say that cloud server is unhackable, you are possibly running down a blind alley while trying to break into cloud servers.

Clouds deploy a number of security applications that can prove to be a nightmare for malicious attackers. First, it could take months of monitoring to discover loopholes. Second, the security applications would cover up all loopholes in the very next update, so you are likely to start from ground zero again.

Second, the firewall guarding the network would detect you right at the network entry. If anyhow you make it through the firewall, you cannot exit the network because another firewall guards the network exit.

If you somehow planted a malware, the cloud provider would quickly isolate the server while directing service engagements to other servers. The malware would be cornered and unless properly coded, security engineers would find a way to trace back its path, leading to you. The next person to knock on your doors would likely be cops.

Cloud computing Wikipedia

The information stated above has been referred to from various sources (including Wikipedia) and from our own internal database.

Cloud computing allows users to utilize as much as service, resources and space suiting to their specific requirements. Owning a personal system or computer with internet access is good enough to enjoy the access of this highly advanced and simple technology from anywhere at any point in time.

Due to shared resources, it maximizes the effectiveness of business operations. The key benefit of this advanced technology is the reduced cost of technology infrastructure, streamlined procedures and improved flexibility. Apart from this, global access is another convincing factor for the users that allows the user to access data anytime and from anywhere.

Deployment Models of Cloud Computing

Let us have a look at the various deployment models of cloud computing:

1) Public Cloud: The public cloud is accessible by public users. This model is a great fit for companies with fluctuating and growing demand for computing resources. So, you pay a service provider for compute, storage, and networking services accessible through the internet. It is also suitable for companies with testing and development needs.
Public cloud is typically more cost-effective than other models although it comes with security issues.

2) Private Cloud: Businesses that prioritise efficiency and control over data and resources find a private cloud solution more appropriate.
A private cloud is managed by your IT staff and can either be hosted on-premises or by a third party. As it is a highly customised solution, a private cloud enables organisations to meet their specific requirements. Private clouds are amongst the most secure of all models; it, however, involves high investment and isn’t as scalable as a private cloud.

3) Hybrid Cloud: As the name indicates, a hybrid model involves a combination of public and private cloud architectures. It is a great choice for companies that prefer storing highly sensitive data on a private cloud and less sensitive data on a public cloud. Also, organisations that typically store data on-premises can provision resources from the public cloud if the workload escalates.

Needless to say, a hybrid cloud combines the flexibility of a public cloud with the security of a private cloud. The only downside is its complexity-you need to combine different cloud architectures.