If you’re here to learn about what is Cloud Computing, then you are at the right place!
Cloud computing is based on the concept of virtualization. Virtualization is simply creating a virtual version of a server, desktop, operating system, etc.
Cloud computing delivers various data storage, networking, software, analytics, and intelligence services.
Cloud computing is a way of offering data storage on public servers accessible from anywhere via the internet.
For decades now, companies have been spending millions and billions of dollars on data storage in private server farms that take up a lot of electricity, labour and maintenance.
Some examples of companies that offer cloud storage and other services are Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform and IBM Cloud Storage.
Let’s break this down and look into how these services are offered and why corporations move towards cloud computing.
Key Takeaways
- Explore and understand the different types of cloud computing services
- Gain knowledge about why companies are moving over to cloud-based storage
- Educate yourself on the uses and advantages of cloud computing.
- Get to know the roles and responsibilities of working in the cloud computing field.
Now let’s look at the different types of clouds, i.e. private clouds, public clouds and hybrid clouds.
Types of Clouds in Cloud Computing
Private Cloud
As the name suggests, a private cloud can be used by a single organization and is protected by a dedicated firewall. The information present in the cloud cannot be accessed by any outsider until authorized by the user administrator.
Public Cloud
Public clouds are mainly made from IT infrastructure and cannot be owned by the end-user. Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud, IBM Cloud and Microsoft are some examples of public cloud providers.
The public cloud servers were previously situated away from the organization’s premise. Nowadays, they have made it possible to have the servers on the premise of the client’s data centres.
Hybrid Cloud
These are the most secure of the three cloud types as it consists of a combination of private and public clouds.
Although the combinations are restricted to only specific types like two or more private clouds, two or more public clouds and at least one private and one public cloud.
Also Read: Top 11 Cloud Computing Project Ideas For Beginners
Types of Cloud Computing Service Models
There are three main types of service models that these cloud service providers offer:
- Software as a Service (SaaS)
- Platform as a Service (PaaS)
- Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
Now let’s dive into them one by one and see how they benefit their clients.
Software as a Service (SaaS)
SaaS is basically like a rental agreement where the client can access the software present on the cloud and avail of its features. The host will have complete ownership of the software and will maintain it for a small fee.
Why SaaS?
- The users can access sophisticated software with all its features for a comparatively small subscription fee.
- The software is accessible from anywhere and all the time for the users.
- As part of the subscription plan, the user can choose and decide the usage level according to their needs.
- Users can efficiently run most SaaS applications from the web browsers themselves without downloading or installing them.
Some examples of SaaS applications are Gmail, Mailchimp, Salesforce, Slack etc.
Platform as a Service (PaaS)
Let’s suppose I rent out the bricks and concrete and the rest of the raw materials required to build a house rather than buy all the materials at a lower price. Isn’t that something you would prefer than purchasing every single item?
Platform as a Service provides essential tools like infrastructure, development tools and operating systems to users via the internet.
Examples of PaaS vendors include Microsoft Azure, Heroku and OpenShift.
Why PaaS?
- The PaaS vendor provides the entire development framework required to create cloud-based apps. Cloud features such as increased scalability and availability help reduce the coding time.
- PaaS vendors provide analytical and other sophisticated intelligence tools at an affordable price.
- A separate development team will be geographically assigned by the vendor so that the clients do need not to hire staff to manage and maintain the tools.
- Overall, PaaS is an integrated environment that takes care of building, testing, deploying, managing and updating.
- Some examples of PaaS vendors are Amazon Web Services, Oracle Cloud Platform, Microsoft Azure etc.
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
IaaS, also called Hardware as a Service, as the name suggests, is a service that provides storage and other network resources over the internet.
Why IaaS?
- Software migration to the cloud becomes more accessible and faster, improving scalability, ensuring security, and reducing the workload.
- Opting for an IaaS will eliminate the capital expenditure of buying and maintaining servers.
- With IaaS, there is no need to min software, hardware and stability. Once the client signs the onboarding agreement, the provider will maintain the services offered.
- A cloud service provider can offer better security for the software and data compared to the client.
- In IaaS, once you have decided to begin using the services, the software and infrastructure required for the particular project will be ready in minutes.
- Some examples of IaaS vendors are DigitalOcean, Linode, Rackspace etc.
Now let’s move ahead and look at the main uses and advantages of cloud computing.
Uses and Advantages of Cloud Computing
The main reason why companies opt for cloud computing services is to avoid the storage costs of buying servers and maintaining them, so here are some of the uses and advantages of cloud computing.
Cloud Storage
This storage space allows the client to store, access and retrieve files from any location with an internet connection. It is important to note that the client will only pay for the used storage space.
Depending on their requirements, they can choose to have the storage on or off-premises.
Data Backup
One of the biggest hassles that companies face is data backup. This includes transferring the data to drives or tapes and sending them to different locations.
Automatic data backup is available for the client by opting for cloud storage. The data is stored in different locations on the server and can be accessed anytime.
Big Data Analytics
You should also play around with it if you’re paying a particular service provider to store your data, right?
Big Data Analytics has become a crucial part of every business today.
Advertising companies that store their data in clouds use this feature as a marketing tool to focus better on their target audience and provide streamlined content.
Disaster Recovery
Disaster Recovery as a Solution (DRaaS) is a service model in cloud computing where the client can backup the data and IT infrastructure model into a third-party cloud.
After the crisis, the organisation can regain access to the data through a SaaS solution model and infrastructure.
The time has come to look at the various positions, and opportunities cloud computing offers.
Is Cloud Computing a Good Career Option?
For those looking to make a career out of cloud computing, I will take you through the roles and responsibilities of working in this field.
Cloud Engineer
A cloud engineer is responsible for managing the technical aspects of a cloud-based system. The significant tasks of a cloud engineer are maintenance, designing, planning and monitoring the infrastructure of the cloud.
The candidate would require to know programming languages like Python, PHP, .NET, and SQL and a deeper understanding of virtual networks.
Average Salary Of A Cloud Engineer:
Cloud Architect
A cloud architect is a professional responsible for creating strategic cloud computing plans for clients, including design, estimated costs and action plans. The current recruitment for this particular role is in high demand.
The candidate would require a good understanding of networks, DNS(Domain Name Systems), TCP/IP and fluency in programming languages like Javascript, Java, and Python, which would be an added advantage.
Add Payscale Image in Rupees.
Average Salary Of A Cloud Architect:
Cloud Network Engineer
This role in cloud computing is all about planning, designing, and upgrading networks in the cloud-based system. A cloud network engineer works closely with the IT team regarding troubleshooting networks and suggesting system enhancements.
The candidate would require a good understanding of network security and coding in Python and Java. Technical problem solving is also an essential skill needed for this role.
Average Salary Of A Cloud Network Engineer:
Cloud Security Analyst
A cloud security analyst would be responsible for the overall security of the cloud-based platform. They would have to identify potential flaws while a client’s data is transferred to a public cloud.
This role would require the candidate to be an expert in the latest security protocols, authentication, and analytics.
Average Salary Of A Cloud Security Analyst:
Cloud Database Administrator
As a cloud database administrator, the candidate will have to handle the client databases on the cloud. They will be in direct contact with various professionals from the client’s organization, including their business leaders.
The role also includes responsibilities like providing business solutions to the clients and resolving queries related to the cloud’s database.
Some of the skills required to be a cloud database administrator are Azure, JSON, DevOps and analytics.
Average Salary Of A Cloud Database Administrator:
I’m hoping this has been an informative read for most of you, and just like all good things come to an end at some point, so has this blog.
Conclusion
The surging demand for professionals in cloud computing has increased every year, with many companies switching to cloud-based storage and services.
It is also important to note that upskilling in this field is an essential criterion because companies today only prefer to recruit the cream of the cake or the best of the lot.
Verzeo offers professional courses in mastering Microsoft Azure cloud computing and Amazon Web Services (AWS) for students interested in taking up cloud computing as a career.
I hope you found what you were looking for, and best of luck with your future!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between traditional data centres and the cloud?
Cloud storage is more cost-effective than traditional data centres when purchasing servers and maintaining them.
What are the different data types in cloud computing?
Data types like images, videos, blogs, contracts and emails can be stored.
Is the cloud safe to store personal information?
Although cyber security attacks are rising, cloud computing providers have multiple security parameters. Your data will be safe and can be restored in an attack.
