Cloud computing:
Show understanding of cloud computing
Cloud computing refers to the delivery of computing services through the internet.
It allows users to access software, storage and other computing resources on demand on a
remote server/machine without having to invest in expensive hardware and software
infrastructure.
CIE Question:
Accessing a service/files/software on a remote server
Including the use of public and private clouds
There are 2 types of cloud computing:
1. Public cloud
Diagram
Public cloud are owned and operated by 3rd party cloud service providers over the
internet.
Public cloud is available to anyone with appropriate equipment/software/credentials
The computing functionality may range from common services such as email,
application (zoom) and storage (google drive)
The cloud provider is responsible for developing, managing and maintaining the pool
of computer resources shared by multiple tenants across the network.
These cloud providers provide on demand scalability and allow organisations to pay
for what they use.
Public clouds are ideal for small organisation that do not have large amount of data
or do not want to invest in expensive IT infrastructure.
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2. Private cloud
Diagram
Private cloud are cloud computing resources that are operated solely for a single
organisation//they are dedicated for use by a single organisation.
It refers to computing services offered either over the internet or a private internal
network
The computing resources are isolated and delivered via a secure private network and
not shared with other customers.
They offer greater security and more control over data and infrastructure.
Organisation can ensure that their data and applications are safeguarded and
accessible to only authorised personal.
They are ideal for organisation that handle sensitive data.
CIE Question:
Public
Computing services offered by 3rd party provider over the public Internet
Public is open/available to anyone with the appropriate equipment/software/credentials
Private
Computing services offered either over the Internet or a private internal network
Only available to select users not the general public
Private is a dedicated/bespoke system only accessible for/from the organisation
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Benefits and drawbacks of cloud computing
Benefits of cloud computing Drawbacks of cloud computing
Most cloud data services will have in-built or Access to the cloud can only be done with internet
automatic back-up/diaster recovery; If data is in the access.
cloud, a computer crash should not affect any of Security may not be strong because there is no
the data. control over 3rd party security.
Device independence; a user is not limited to There may not be any back-up.
working on a document stored in a single It can take a long time to upload or download the
computer/network. A user can change his data.
computer or even his mobile device and the The cloud services cannot be access if server goes
document can still be accessed. down.
Reduce software/hardware cost; users do not need It can be more expensive in the long run.
to buy specific software/hardware because he can There could be a limit to the amount of storage
get most of what he needs online or at much lower unless paid for.
cost or even free.
Instant software update; cloud based software is
always up to date.
Security could be better; there is no need to install
security.
Ther is no need for separate high capacity storage
devices. This saves storage on existing devices
because cloud computing can easily increase
capacity.
It can have multiple people workinf on the same
document so it can easily share document.
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CIE Question:
Benefits:
Can be accessed anywhere with Internet access
Do not need to install security // security might be better
Do not need to perform backups
Do not need to buy specific software/hardware
Can easily share documents
Can have multiple people working on the same document
Drawback
You cannot access it if no internet access
Reliant on someone else to backup
Reliant on someone else for security // can have poorer security
Cannot access if server goes down
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Benefits:
• Cloud storage can be free (for small quantities )
• No need for separate (high capacity) storage devices // saves storage on existing devices
• Can access data from any computer with internet access
• Most cloud data services will have in-built backup/disaster recovery
• Security could be better
• Can easily increase capacity
• Data can be easily shared
Drawbacks:
• Can only access (the cloud) with internet access
• Security may not be strong // no control over security
• There may not be any backups // no control over backups
• It can take a long time to upload/download the data
• It can be more expensive in the long term
• There could be a limit to the amount of storage unless paid for
• There could be compatibility/access issues
• There could be issues with the company offering cloud services
