Cloud Computing Fundamentals
Cloud computing is a technology that provides on-demand access to computing resources
like servers, storage, databases, networking, and software over the internet. It
eliminates the need for physical hardware and enables scalability, flexibility, and cost-
efficiency.
1. Characteristics of Cloud Computing
1. On-Demand Self-Service – Users can provision resources automatically without
human intervention.
2. Broad Network Access – Resources are accessible over the internet from any
device.
3. Resource Pooling – Computing resources are shared among multiple users
efficiently.
4. Rapid Elasticity – Resources can scale up or down as needed.
5. Measured Service – Users pay only for what they use, optimizing costs.
2. Types of Cloud Computing
1. Public Cloud – Services are available to anyone over the internet (e.g., AWS,
Google Cloud, Azure).
2. Private Cloud – Used by a single organization for exclusive access.
3. Hybrid Cloud – A mix of public and private clouds for flexibility.
4. Multi-Cloud – Using multiple cloud service providers for redundancy and
performance.
3. Cloud Service Models
1. IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service) – Provides virtualized computing resources like
servers, networking, and storage (e.g., AWS EC2, Google Compute Engine).
2. PaaS (Platform as a Service) – Offers development platforms for building
applications without managing infrastructure (e.g., Google App Engine, Heroku).
3. SaaS (Software as a Service) – Delivers software applications over the internet
(e.g., Gmail, Dropbox, Microsoft 365).
4. FaaS (Function as a Service) – Also called Serverless Computing, where code
runs on demand without managing servers (e.g., AWS Lambda, Azure Functions).
4. Cloud Deployment Models
1. Private Cloud – Used within an organization for security and control.
2. Public Cloud – Services provided by third-party providers over the internet.
3. Hybrid Cloud – A combination of private and public cloud.
4. Community Cloud – Shared by multiple organizations with similar needs.
5. Benefits of Cloud Computing
✔️Cost Savings – No need to invest in expensive hardware.
✔️Scalability – Scale resources as needed.
✔️Flexibility – Access resources from anywhere.
✔️Security – Cloud providers offer built-in security features.
✔️Automatic Updates – Cloud providers manage updates and maintenance.
6. Security in Cloud Computing
Data Encryption – Protects data in transit and at rest.
Access Control – Restricts unauthorized access.
Compliance Standards – Ensures adherence to regulations like GDPR and
HIPAA.
Backup & Disaster Recovery – Ensures data protection and business continuity.
7. Cloud Computing Providers
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Microsoft Azure
Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
IBM Cloud
Oracle Cloud
8. Key Components of NIST Cloud Computing Architecture
NIST defines five key actors in cloud computing, each playing a distinct role:
A. Cloud Consumer (User)
Individuals or organizations that use cloud services.
Selects cloud service models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS) based on requirements.
Examples: A company using Google Drive (SaaS) or AWS EC2 (IaaS).
B. Cloud Provider (Service Provider)
The entity that delivers cloud services such as computing, storage, and networking.
Manages cloud infrastructure, ensuring security, scalability, and availability.
Examples: AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, IBM Cloud.
C. Cloud Auditor
Evaluates the security, privacy, and compliance of cloud services.
Ensures the cloud provider meets industry standards (e.g., ISO 27001, NIST SP 800-53).
Example: Third-party security audits of AWS or Azure data centers.
D. Cloud Broker
Acts as an intermediary between cloud providers and consumers.
Helps businesses find the best cloud services and optimize costs.
Example: Cloud management platforms (CMPs) like RightScale help manage multi-cloud
environments.
E. Cloud Carrier
Provides the network infrastructure for cloud service delivery.
Ensures secure and efficient data transmission between consumers and providers.
Examples: Internet Service Providers (ISPs), telecom companies (AT&T, Verizon).
