Introduction:
Cloud computing can be defined as a delivery of service where you can provide software, shared resources and information to other directly or indirectly associated devices rather than in from of product or device.
The architecture of cloud computing can be described as three basic entities namely: Application, Platform and Infrastructure with number of constraints residing in it, which can be accessed by each and every computing device by making use of internet. Cloud computing provides an environment where user can perform computing work without any prior knowledge of physical location and configuration of system for accessing the deliverable services by servers.
Cloud Computing is a delivery model of IT services which is based on Internet protocols that helps user to get access over the shared resources using pre-installed browsers on their computers or mobile devices. It also includes business areas in which the data gets stored on servers and users are authenticated for remote access, depending on the business type.
Cloud computing shares its characteristics with following computing environments:
– Mainframe Computer
– Gird computing
– Autonomic computing
– Peer-to peer
– Client-server Model
– Utility Computing
Layers of Cloud Computing:
Client -> Application -> Platform -> Infrastructure -> Server
Client: a client can be considered as an end-user; using a computer hardware or software to access the computing environment cloud for application delivery.
Application: It makes “Software as a Service (SaaS)” to be delivered to the customer’s for utilizing it directly from the internet eradicating the prior installation for running an application.
Platform: It provides an online platform or a solution stack also known as “Platform as a Service (PaaS)” which facilitates the deployment of service without cost and complexity consequently improving feasibility in workflow.
Infrastructure: Also known as “Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)” provides a virtual infrastructure to get full access over application on internet utilizing data space and network access without purchasing all this assets and outsourcing it directly.
Server: Servers are great speed software or hardware for delivering effective services. It has multi-core processors for super fast delivery services and also has specifically designed operating system.
Practical application areas of cloud computing:
The first and best application of cloud computing is Backup and Recovery. There is no use of investing more and more bucks on duplicating backups as cloud computing is capable for more ease of use.
The second use is in SaaS where it delivers an application eradicating the application installation procedure, which is widely used for payroll or Customer Relationship Management services.
Third thing is that each and every IT company is not capable of having their own servers or other similar resources. Cloud Computing makes it possible to share resources online.
Possible issues with Cloud Computing:
Since it is matter of sharing resources and storing data on the host system, there exist privacy issues. The host company needs to be faithful and a lawful protocol should be defined between host and Client Company to prevent security issues which can avoid future conflicts.