Best Cloud Computing Courses - Training and Certification

Cloud is a broad term referring to the Internet or a Network. It is something existing in a remote location. Cloud can deliver services over private networks (like LAN, WAN, VPN) and public cloud computing. Applications like web conferencing, e-mail, CRM, etc., operate on Cloud.

With this overview of the Cloud, the next step involves defining cloud computing. Cloud computing refers to offering computing services that encompass databases, networking, servers, software, storage, analytics, and intelligence on the Internet. The cloud computing overview states that it provides flexible resources, speeds up innovations, and enhances economies of scale. The fundamentals of cloud computing conclude that you only need to pay for the Cloud services you use. So, it operates your infrastructure more proficiently, reduces your operating costs, and scales according to changes in your business needs.

If you have decided to learn cloud computing, understanding only its overview will not suffice. Learning basic cloud computing is incomplete without understanding how it works. Whether you aspire to become a Cloud engineer or want to explore more knowledge on Cloud, you should know the working of Cloud.

Let’s understand the functioning of basic cloud computing:

The cloud is categorised into various layers like front-end and back-end layers. In the front-end layer, users can interact. This layer comprises the computer network of the client and the application for accessing the cloud system. Keep in mind that all Cloud systems do not have identical user interfaces.

Here is an example that lets you learn cloud computing. Suppose, you log in to a Gmail account, you notice the UI wherein everything operates in the front-end layer of the cloud. Contrarily, the back-end layer contains hardware and software that conveys the back-end data from the database to the front-end layer. Factors like data storage systems, servers, and computers constitute the Cloud.

With the help of a network layer, Cloud connects various devices to provide access to resources existing in the central data centre of the cloud. Cloud technology users can use the data centre via the company's Internet or network facilities.

The ability to access Cloud anytime, anywhere is one of its key benefits. Note that the network bandwidth must be more. Not only a laptop and desktop users but mobile users too can access their business systems as per their demand.

Another method exists for shifting the workload in the cloud computing system's architecture. Local machines need not work on enormous lifting operations for running the applications. Cloud technology can quickly and efficiently deal with such tasks. So, this reduces the software and hardware needs. The user must focus on the system's cloud computing interface. This software behaves like a web browser at the user's front end. The cloud's network handles the backend side of things.

The front end embraces the cloud computing network for accessing the cloud computing system. Note that the interface of cloud computing systems is unique in each cloud.

An Internet or virtual network connects the back-end. Service providers equipped with various computers, servers, data storage facilities, and virtual machines use the back end to set up the cloud technology. The dedicated server deals with every application in the system.

In addition to front-end and back-end, cloud computing architecture includes other components like cloud resources, middleware, etc. Middleware is specific software that can process and connect networked computers.

A central server manages the whole cloud system architecture. The server is accountable for ensuring flawless traffic flow without interruption. The cloud service provider provides storage based on the user’s demand.

i. Easy maintenance:

It is hassle-free to install and set up the Cloud servers. These servers are also easy to manage. Usually, they feature extremely low downtime and deliver constant service to customers.

ii. Resource pooling:

All Cloud companies use computing resources and subsequently provide Cloud services to various customers. These resources are either classified into physical or virtual resources. They can be used and assigned to users as per their demands.

iii. Access to a huge network:

The users can access the huge Cloud network and use the services and resources offered by the cloud provider. They can use the Cloud network for data access and data upload from remote locations. Also, they can use Cloud services from any device. The only requirement is the Internet connection for connecting to the cloud network.

iv. Cost-effective:

Large organisations can offer a tiny portion of the Cloud to single or multiple small organisations. Doing this increases the affordability of the service, and everybody can benefit from the cloud services.

v. Availability:

Cloud services are available 24x7 to users. They can use a cloud network for storage or purchase more space as required. The user can access the data from the network whenever they want.

vi. Pay-as-you-use

Cloud services are such that the user needs to pay for only those services they use. No extra cost or hidden charges are involved.

vii. Broad Network access:

Cloud computing resources are accessible from a broad range of devices like smartphones, desktops, laptops, etc.

Cloud computing has been prevalent since the 1960s. In that era, J C R Licklider envisioned the idea of building computation as a global network. In the same era, John McCarthy assumed that computation was accessible as a public utility, identical to water or electricity.

The two principles that motivated the evolution of Cloud Computing are a global network and utility computing in a cloud computing model. However, its execution demanded a high level of technological advancement, but the technology had not developed to that level at that time. Hence, for the subsequent few years, the idea stayed as it is without implementation.

In the mid-twentieth century, the Internet began to evolve and the same instilled several key evolutions in technology. In the late 1990s, the Internet reached its maturity with several providers appearing with fast-speed Internet proposals. It was the ideal time to introduce cloud computing to the world.

Therefore, the history of cloud computing is directly proportional to the development of the Internet. From then onwards, the Cloud form is being used to signify the Internet.