Cloud Computing Lecture Notes Unit I

Fundamentals of Cloud Computing

1. Definition of Cloud Computing
Cloud Computing is a technology that delivers computing services like storage, servers, databases, networking,
software, and applications over the internet (the cloud) on a pay-per-use basis.
In simple words:
Instead of keeping everything on your own computer or server, you use resources provided on the internet by cloud
providers (like Google, Microsoft, Amazon).

2. Characteristics of Cloud Computing

The main characteristics are:
1. On-demand self-service
o Users can access computing resources (like storage, applications, servers) whenever they need,
without human interaction with service providers.
2. Broad network access
o Services are available over the internet and can be accessed from anywhere using a PC, laptop, or
mobile.
3. Resource pooling
o Cloud providers use a shared pool of resources to serve multiple customers at the same time.
4. Rapid elasticity
o Resources can be increased or decreased quickly according to demand.
5. Measured service (Pay-per-use)
o Customers pay only for the resources they use, like electricity or mobile data.
3. Advantages of Cloud Computing
1. Cost saving – No need to buy expensive hardware or software, pay only for what you use.

2. Scalability – Can increase or decrease resources as per requirement.

3. Accessibility – Access from anywhere and anytime using the internet.

4. Automatic updates – Cloud providers update software and security automatically.

5. Data backup and recovery – Cloud services provide data storage and backup solutions.

6. Collaboration – Multiple users can work on the same project or file in real time.

4. Disadvantages of Cloud Computing

1. Internet dependency – Services stop if internet connection is poor or unavailable.
2. Security issues – Data is stored on third-party servers, so risk of hacking or data theft.

3. Limited control – Users have less control over infrastructure and services.

4. Downtime – Cloud servers may face outages or downtime.

5. Hidden costs – Unexpected charges if usage is high.

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Cloud Computing Lecture Notes Unit I

Cloud Deployment Models

Deployment models describe how the cloud is set up and who can use it. There are four main models:
1. Public Cloud
• Introduction:
Services are available to the general public over the internet. Resources are owned and managed by third-
party providers like Amazon AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud.

Advantages:
1. Low cost (pay-per-use).

2. Easy to scale (resources can grow as needed).

3. No maintenance (provider manages everything).

Disadvantages:
4. Less security, as resources are shared.
5. Internet-dependent.

6. Limited control over data and infrastructure.

2. Private Cloud
• Introduction:
Cloud infrastructure is used exclusively by one organization. It can be managed internally or by a third
party.

Advantages:
1. High security and privacy.

2. Full control over data and resources.

3. Reliable performance.

Disadvantages:
4. Expensive (requires investment in hardware and staff).

5. Difficult to scale quickly.

6. Maintenance responsibility lies with the organization.

3. Community Cloud
• Introduction:
Shared cloud infrastructure used by a group of organizations with common goals (e.g., banks,
universities, government agencies).

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Cloud Computing Lecture Notes Unit I

Advantages:
1. Cost is shared among organizations.

2. Supports collaboration between organizations.

3. Better security than public cloud.

Disadvantages:
4. Higher cost than public cloud.

5. Limited storage and bandwidth.

6. Requires proper cooperation among members.

4. Hybrid Cloud
• Introduction:
A combination of two or more cloud models (e.g., Public + Private). It allows data and applications to
move between them.

Advantages:
1. Flexible – best of both public and private.

2. Better security for sensitive data.

3. Scalable and cost-effective.

Disadvantages:
4. Complex to manage.
5. Security challenges in integration.

6. Higher cost compared to a single model.

Technology Before Cloud Computing

1. Traditional Computing (On-Premise IT)
• Before cloud, organizations used on-premise infrastructure.

• Companies bought their own servers, storage devices, networking equipment, and software.

• Everything was managed and maintained locally inside the company.

• Example: A college had its own server room to host websites, applications, and databases.

Limitations:
• High cost (buying hardware and software).

• Maintenance burden (IT staff required).

• Less flexibility (hard to increase or decrease resources quickly).

• Not accessible remotely (mostly limited to local networks).

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Cloud Computing Lecture Notes Unit I

2. Grid Computing (Introduced in 1990s)

• Grid computing allowed many computers to work together on a single problem (like a virtual
supercomputer).

• It was mostly used for scientific research and large calculations.

• Limitation: Not user-friendly, complex to manage, not suitable for small organizations.

3. Utility Computing (Introduced in early 2000s)

• Idea: Computing resources should be provided like a utility service (like electricity, water, or telephone).

• Customers pay only for what they use.

• This concept directly inspired Cloud Computing.

When was Cloud Computing introduced?

• The term “Cloud Computing” became popular around 2006, when Amazon Web Services (AWS)
launched its first cloud service (Elastic Compute Cloud - EC2).

• Other companies like Google and Microsoft also entered soon after.
Since then, cloud computing has grown rapidly and is now widely used in education, business, healthcare,
banking, etc.

Cloud Service Models

There are 3 main service models in Cloud Computing: IaaS, PaaS, SaaS.

1. IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service)

• Function:
Provides virtualized hardware resources like servers, storage, and networking over the internet. Users
install their own OS, software, and applications.
(Example: Amazon EC2, Google Compute Engine, Microsoft Azure Virtual Machines)

Advantages:
1. Cost saving – no need to buy physical hardware.

2. Scalable – resources can be increased or decreased easily.

3. Flexible – user can choose OS, applications, and configuration.

4. Pay-per-use model.

Disadvantages:
5. Requires technical knowledge to manage OS and apps.
6. Security risks as infrastructure is shared.

7. Downtime may affect services.

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Cloud Computing Lecture Notes Unit I

2. PaaS (Platform as a Service)

• Function:
Provides platforms and tools (like operating system, runtime, development tools, database, and server) to
develop, test, and deploy applications without managing hardware.
(Example: Google App Engine, Microsoft Azure App Services, Heroku)

Advantages:
1. Developers can focus on coding, not infrastructure.

2. Faster application development.

3. Scalable and flexible.

4. Cost-effective for software development teams.

Disadvantages:
5. Less control over the environment.

6. Limited to provider’s tools and technologies.

7. Data security depends on provider.

3. SaaS (Software as a Service)

Function:
Provides ready-to-use software applications over the internet. Users just use the application; they don’t manage
infrastructure or platform.
(Example: Gmail, Google Drive, Microsoft Office 365, Zoom)
Advantages:
1. Easy to use – no installation required.
2. Accessible from anywhere via internet.

3. Automatic updates and maintenance.

4. Cost-effective – subscription or pay-per-use.

Disadvantages:
5. Internet required at all times.

6. Limited customization of software.

7. Data privacy and security risks.

Quick Comparison Table

Model Function Examples Advantages Disadvantages

IaaS Provides hardware resources AWS EC2, Azure Flexible, scalable, cost Needs technical skill,
(servers, storage, network) VM saving security risks

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Cloud Computing Lecture Notes Unit I

PaaS Provides platform & tools for Google App Fast development, Limited control,
app development Engine, Heroku focus on coding dependency on provider

SaaS Provides ready-made software Gmail, Office Easy to use, Needs internet, less
over internet 365 accessible, auto- customization
updates

Cloud Cost Benefits

Cloud Computing helps organizations save money compared to traditional IT. The major cost benefits are:

1. No upfront investment

o No need to buy expensive hardware, servers, or software licenses.

2. Pay-as-you-go model

o You pay only for the resources you actually use (like electricity or mobile recharge).

3. Reduced maintenance cost

o Cloud provider takes care of updates, repairs, and management – less staff required.

4. Scalability without extra cost

o Resources can be increased or decreased instantly, avoiding the expense of unused capacity.

5. Energy cost saving

o No need to run heavy data centers on-site, which saves electricity and cooling costs.

6. Improved productivity

o Teams can collaborate online without investing in costly collaboration software.

7. Faster time to market

o Applications can be deployed quickly, saving time and reducing development costs.

8. Disaster recovery at low cost

o Backup and recovery services are included, avoiding the cost of separate systems.

Architectural and Infrastructural Components of Cloud Computing

1. Architectural Components
The cloud architecture defines how different parts of cloud computing work together.

(a) Front-End
• The client side (user interface).
• Includes: Web browsers, mobile apps, thin clients.

• Function: Allows users to access cloud services.

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Cloud Computing Lecture Notes Unit I

(b) Back-End
• The provider side (cloud infrastructure).

• Includes: Servers, databases, storage, application software, security system.

• Function: Provides resources and services requested by users.

(c) Middleware

• Acts as a bridge between front-end and back-end.

• Manages communication, data exchange, and security.

(d) Network
• Internet or private network that connects front-end and back-end.

• Function: Enables delivery of services over the web.

2. Infrastructural Components
These are the core resources required to build and run a cloud system.

(a) Hardware
• Servers: Physical machines hosting applications and storage.

• Storage Devices: Databases, file systems for user data.

• Networking Devices: Routers, switches, firewalls for connectivity.

(b) Virtualization

• Technology that allows multiple virtual machines to run on one physical server.

• Enables efficient use of hardware.

(c) Storage
• Provides scalable storage (databases, object storage, block storage).
• Examples: Google Drive, Amazon S3.

(d) Applications / Services

• Software provided as services (SaaS, PaaS, IaaS).

(e) Management Tools

• Tools for monitoring, billing, resource allocation, and performance management.

Summary Table
Component Type Examples Function

Front-End Browser, mobile app User access

Back-End Servers, storage, apps Provides resources

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Middleware APIs, software Communication link

Network Internet, LAN Connectivity

Hardware Servers, routers Infrastructure base

Virtualization Hypervisor, VMs Resource sharing

Storage Database, cloud storage Data management

Applications SaaS, PaaS, IaaS Services to users

Management Tools Billing, monitoring Control & optimization

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