Cloud Computing: The Future of IT385

Cloud computing is a model for enabling ubiquitous, on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g., networks, servers, storage, applications, and services) that can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort or service provider interaction. This cloud model promotes availability and is composed of five essential characteristics, three service models, and four deployment models.## Essential Characteristics

On-demand self-service: A consumer can unilaterally provision computing capabilities, such as server time and network storage, as needed automatically without requiring human interaction with each service provider.
Broad network access: Capabilities are available over the network and accessed through standard mechanisms that promote use by heterogeneous thin or thick client platforms (e.g., mobile phones, tablets, laptops, and workstations).
Resource pooling: The provider's computing resources are pooled to serve multiple consumers using a multi-tenant model, with different physical and virtual resources dynamically assigned and reassigned according to consumer demand. There is a sense of location independence in that the customer generally has no control or knowledge over the exact location of the provided resources but may be able to specify location at a higher level of abstraction (e.g., country, state, or datacenter). Examples of resources include storage, processing, memory, and network bandwidth.
Rapid elasticity: Capabilities can be rapidly and elastically provisioned, in some cases automatically, to quickly scale out and rapidly released to quickly scale in. To the consumer, the capabilities available for provisioning often appear to be unlimited and can be purchased in any quantity at any time.
Measured service: Cloud systems automatically control and optimize resource use by leveraging a metering capability at some level of abstraction appropriate to the type of service (e.g., storage, processing, bandwidth, and active user accounts). Resource usage can be monitored, controlled, and reported, providing transparency for both the provider and consumer of the utilized service.

## Service Models

Software as a Service (SaaS): The capability provided to the consumer is to use the provider's applications running on a cloud infrastructure. The applications are accessible from various client devices through either a thin client interface, such as a web browser, or a program interface. The consumer does not manage or control the underlying cloud infrastructure, including network, servers, operating systems, storage, or even individual application capabilities, with the possible exception of limited user-specific application configuration settings.
Platform as a Service (PaaS): The capability provided to the consumer is to deploy onto the cloud infrastructure consumer-created or acquired applications created using programming languages, libraries, services, and tools supported by the provider. The consumer does not manage or control the underlying cloud infrastructure, including network, servers, operating systems, or storage, but has control over the deployed applications and possibly configuration settings for the application-hosting environment.
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): The capability provided to the consumer is to provision processing, storage, networks, and other fundamental computing resources where the consumer is able to deploy and run arbitrary software, which can include operating systems and applications. The consumer does not manage or control the underlying cloud infrastructure but has control over operating systems, storage, deployed applications, and possibly limited control of select networking components (e.g., firewalls).

## Deployment Models

Private cloud: The cloud infrastructure is operated solely for an organization. It may be managed by the organization or a third party and may exist on premises or off premises.
Community cloud: The cloud infrastructure is shared by several organizations and supports a specific community that has shared concerns (e.g., mission, security requirements, policy, and compliance considerations). It may be managed by the organizations or a third party and may exist on premises or off premises.
Public cloud: The cloud infrastructure is made available to the general public or a large industry group and is owned by a commercial cloud service provider. It exists off premises.
Hybrid cloud: The cloud infrastructure is a composition of two or more distinct cloud infrastructures (private, community, or public) that remain unique entities but are bound together by standardized or proprietary technology that enables data and application portability (e.g., cloud bursting for load-balancing between clouds).

## Advantages of Cloud Computing
Cloud computing offers several advantages over traditional IT infrastructure, including:
* Cost savings: Cloud computing can help businesses save money by eliminating the need for expensive hardware and software purchases. It also allows businesses to pay for only the resources they use, which can help reduce operating costs.
* Scalability: Cloud computing is scalable, which means that businesses can easily add or remove resources as needed. This can help businesses meet changing demands without having to invest in new infrastructure.
* Flexibility: Cloud computing is flexible, which means that businesses can use it to support a variety of applications and workloads. This can help businesses respond to changing business needs without having to make major changes to their IT infrastructure.
* Reliability: Cloud computing is reliable, which means that businesses can count on it to be available when they need it. This is important for businesses that rely on their IT infrastructure to support critical business operations.
* Security: Cloud computing can be secure, which means that businesses can protect their data and applications from unauthorized access. Cloud providers use a variety of security measures to protect customer data, including encryption, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems.
## Conclusion
Cloud computing is a powerful technology that can help businesses improve their IT infrastructure. It offers a number of advantages over traditional IT infrastructure, including cost savings, scalability, flexibility, reliability, and security. Businesses that are considering moving to the cloud should carefully evaluate their needs and choose a cloud provider that can meet their specific requirements.