TL;DR
Cloud computing delivers hardware, software, and data storage over the internet rather than on local machines — offering organizations and consumers benefits like cost savings, scalability, and built-in security. It spans four deployment models (public, private, hybrid, and multi-cloud) and four service tiers (Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), Software as a Service (SaaS) and serverless). Cloud adoption continues to accelerate across industries, driven by demand for flexible, always-on infrastructure.
What is cloud computing?
Cloud computing holds data and services on the internet as opposed to directly on the hard drive of a computer. In short, cloud computing is another term for the internet. The concept has been around for several decades, but more and more data is being stored "on the cloud" instead of directly on servers and mainframes. Cloud computing can provide cost-effective solutions rather than purchasing and running hardware and software. It also allows more room on the physical computer hard drive, which can mean faster processing times and better performance. There are various types of cloud computing models, types, and services to choose from. And cloud computing has a multitude of uses, ranging from email, data, and picture storage to eCommerce and streaming services. There is a set of procedures, policies, controls, and technologies that work to keep cloud computing secure, and to protect against internal and external cybersecurity threats.
The cloud computing market is growing exponentially with the global market projected to be worth over $832 billion by 2025.
With cloud computing, hardware and software services run through a provider on the internet instead of locally on your physical hard drive. Still, the question remains "what is the cloud?" The image of a puffy cloud was previously used in flowcharts, depicting the internet as floating around while accepting connections and meting out information. Today, cloud computing is defined as anything that is stored or accessed over the internet. Personal and company computers no longer house this information locally, or directly on the physical hard drive of a computer. Cloud computing can be extremely flexible. It can be done anytime from anywhere with an internet connection.
What are the benefits of cloud computing?
Cloud computing can offer several benefits to both consumers and organizations alike.
- Cost effectiveness: Cloud computing can save money on physical software and hardware as well as the expense of running and maintaining large data centers.
- Productivity: Cloud computing can leave room for IT personnel to work on more pressing matters than the management of physical software and hardware.
- Speed: Services are regularly on-demand and self-service. They can often be accessed in a matter of seconds or minutes.
- Performance: Most cloud computing services are continually being upgraded to ensure the most efficient and fast hardware. Using cloud computing frees up space on personal hard drives and networks, which can allow them to run faster and more efficiently as well.
- Reliability: Data is often mirrored at multiple locations, making data backup, continuity, and recovery easier and faster with cloud services.
- Global scale: The cloud can be accessed from anywhere and at any time, as long as there is internet service. This allows for a more global presence.
- Security: Cloud service providers use technology, policies, and controls to protect against potential cybersecurity threats from both the inside and the outside.
How do consumers use cloud computing in everyday life?
Cloud computing is used for many things today, including storing pictures and data from your smartphone somewhere else, like with Apple's iCloud. This allows you more storage space and computing power in your hand to easily share files through services such as Google Drive or Dropbox. Cloud computing also employs hybrid strategies where users have local software on the computer directly but also have web-based apps, such as Microsoft Office and Microsoft OneDrive. Ecommerce is another large user of cloud computing, with companies such as Amazon doing the majority of their business online. Streaming services like Netflix also rely on cloud computing technology.
Types of cloud technology
There are several different services, models, and types of cloud computing to choose from. There are four main types of cloud computing:
| Type | Ownership | Network | Key Characteristic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public cloud | Third-party cloud service provider; IT infrastructure not owned by the end user | Shared (multiple tenants using partitions) | Typically off site and owned by a third-party; can house multiple tenants using partitions |
| Private cloud | Exclusive to one organization or business; can be managed by a third-party vendor | Private network for enhanced security | Can be housed on site; maintained with a private network |
| Hybrid cloud | Combines private and public clouds | Wide Area Networks (WANs), Local Area Networks (LANs), Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) | IT systems can move between differing and separate environments that are still connected |
| Multi cloud | More than one cloud service and more than one vendor | Can be connected (making them hybrid clouds) | Can offer enhanced security and performance features |
How does cloud computing architecture work?
The architecture of cloud computing has two main components: the front end and the back end.
What are the front end and back end of cloud architecture?
The front end of the architecture is what the client uses and sees. This will include web services and client-side interfaces and applications. The back end is what is used by the service provider, which manages the necessary resources for cloud computing services, from data storage to security, traffic control mechanisms, servers, deploying models, and virtual machines. Cloud computing architecture contains both the hardware and software needed to support the cloud model.
Cloud computing services
The cloud computing "stack" builds. The majority of cloud computing services or models fit into one of four main categories:
| Service model | What it provides | Billing/delivery model |
|---|---|---|
| Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) | Renting IT infrastructure — either virtual or physical servers, operating systems, networking, and storage — from a cloud provider | Generally on a pay-as-you-go basis |
| Platform as a Service (PaaS) | On-demand environment, software, and tools to develop, test, deliver, and manage applications and software on top of the underlying infrastructure | On-demand |
| Software as a Service (SaaS) | Cloud providers manage and host the infrastructure, software, and hardware; software application delivered over the internet | On demand, often on a subscription basis |
| Serverless computing | Cloud provider manages the servers, setup, capacity planning, and maintenance; clients focus on building app functionality | Event-driven; resources only used when triggered by a specific action |
What security measures protect cloud computing?
Cloud computing hosts data online or on outside servers, so security is essential. Cloud computing security uses a variety of techniques to keep information safe and secure. This is often more secure than housing data on site, as cloud computing service providers employ security experts and use the latest security measures. Examples of some of the resources and technologies used to protect cloud computing include:
- Employees who undergo rigorous background checks and hold high security clearances
- Use of security tokens
- Employing two-factor authentication (2FA)
- Advanced firewall services
- High level of data encryption
- Use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)
How did cloud computing develop over time?
Non-local computing has been around since the 1950s when military mainframes were developed to connect computer terminals.
How did cloud computing evolve over the decades?
The late 1960s saw the advent to what was to become the precursor to the internet. In the following decades, VPNs entered the marketplace. Actual "cloud" computing as a term was first used in the mid-1990s. The end of the 20th century saw the first SaaS and applications being offered over the internet. By the early 2000s, people were able to "rent" virtual computers. Cloud services and cloud computing really began to take off.
What does the future of cloud computing look like?
Cloud technology and computing are constantly evolving and growing. The use of cloud computing services has skyrocketed in recent years, and even more so as a result of the pandemic. This growth will probably continue. The future of cloud computing is likely vertical, according to Forbes. This means that specialized cloud technologies will continue to be stacked on top of one another to provide focused solutions and advantages to a variety of companies and industries. This is likely to include the following:
- Improved data and user experiences
- Enhanced reliability and security features
- Provision of enhanced business insights
- Critical compliance operations
While there is no way to predict exactly how cloud computing will evolve, there are some noticeable trends to follow that indicate cloud computing will continue to change and become more integrated and useful.
Uses for cloud computing
There are various uses for cloud computing, both for organizations and consumers. Cloud computing can increase productivity and allow companies to focus on things other than managing IT infrastructure, which can be a big job. Cloud service providers often offer the highest level of security. They are regularly upgrading hardware and software to provide the most efficient experience. Uses for cloud computing can include the following:
- Storing, backing up, and recovering data
- Streaming video and audio
- Data analyzation
- Embedding intelligence to provide insights from captured data
- Reducing the cost of app development, allowing time for testing and building
- Building, deploying, and scaling operations that are cloud-native
- Delivering the latest software versions and updates on demand
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between public, private, and hybrid cloud?
A public cloud is operated by a third-party provider and can serve multiple tenants using partitions. A private cloud is exclusive to a single organization and uses a private network for enhanced security. A hybrid cloud combines both, connecting them via wide area networks (WANs), local area networks (LANs), or application programming interfaces (APIs) to allow IT systems to move between environments.
What are the four main cloud computing service models?
The four primary service models are Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), which provides rented virtual or physical servers; Platform as a Service (PaaS), which adds development tools on top of that infrastructure; Software as a Service (SaaS), which delivers hosted applications over the internet; and serverless computing, where the provider manages all server operations and resources are only consumed when triggered by a specific action.
Is cloud computing more secure than storing data on-site?
According to the article, cloud computing is often considered more secure than on-site storage because cloud service providers employ dedicated security experts and use the latest security measures, including data encryption, advanced firewalls, two-factor authentication (2FA), security tokens, and rigorous employee background checks.
What are the two main components of cloud computing architecture?
Cloud computing architecture consists of a front end and a back end. The front end is what the client interacts with, including web services and client-side interfaces. The back end is managed by the service provider and handles resources such as data storage, security, traffic control, servers, and virtual machines.
How did cloud computing originate?
Non-local computing dates back to the 1950s, when military mainframes were used to connect computer terminals. The internet's precursor emerged in the late 1960s, virtual private networks (VPNs) followed in subsequent decades, and the term 'cloud computing' was first used in the mid-1990s. By the early 2000s, users could rent virtual computers and cloud services began to expand rapidly.
What are the most common everyday uses of cloud computing?
Consumers use cloud computing for photo and data storage (such as Apple's iCloud), file sharing (such as Google Drive or Dropbox), hybrid productivity tools (such as Microsoft Office and OneDrive), ecommerce platforms (such as Amazon), and streaming services (such as Netflix). Organizations use it for data backup, analytics, app development, and delivering software updates on demand.
References
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iCloud. (2021). Apple, Inc.
Google Drive. Google.
DropBox. Dropbox.
Microsoft 365. (2021). Microsoft.
One Drive Personal Cloud Storage. (2021). Microsoft.
Amazon. (2021). Amazon.com, Inc.
Netflix. Netflix.
Types of Cloud Computing. (March 2018). Red Hat.
Cloud Security. (August 2021). Investopedia.
The History of Cloud Computing. (2020). Solved Magazine.
The Future of the Cloud Is Vertical. (March 2021). Forbes.
