DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER APPLICATIONS

III Semester
CLOUD COMPUTING
Unit-01

INTRODUCTION TO CLOUD COMPUTING:

• Definition,
• Characteristics,
• History & Evolution of Cloud Computing,
• Cloud Computing Architecture,
• Benefits & Challenges of Cloud Computing.

DEFINITION

Gartner:
“a style of computing in which scalable and elastic IT-enabled
capabilities are delivered as a service to external customers using
Internet technologies.”
Forrester Research
“a standardized IT capability (services, software, or infrastructure)
delivered via Internet technologies in a pay-per-use, self-service
way.”
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
“Cloud computing is a model for enabling ubiquitous(common),
convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of
configurable computing resources that can be rapidly provisioned
and released with minimal management effort or service provider
interaction.”

“Cloud computing is a specialized form of distributed

computing that introduces utilization models for remotely
provisioning scalable and measured resources.”
CHARACTERISTICS:
• On-demand self-services: The Cloud computing services does not
require any human administrators, user themselves are able to
provision, monitor and manage computing resources as needed.

• Broad network access: The Computing services are generally

provided over standard networks and heterogeneous devices.

• Rapid elasticity: The Computing services should have IT resources

that are able to scale out and in quickly and on a need basis. Whenever
the user require services it is provided to him and it is scale out as soon
as its requirement gets over.

• Measured service: The resource utilization is tracked for each

application and occupant, it will provide both the user and the resource
provider with an account of what has been used. This is done for
various reasons like monitoring billing and effective use of resource.

• Multi-tenancy: Cloud computing providers can support multiple

tenants (users or organizations) on a single set of shared resources.

• Flexible pricing models: Cloud providers offer a variety of pricing

models, including pay-per-use, subscription-based, and spot pricing,
allowing users to choose the option that best suits their needs.

• Resilient computing: Cloud computing services are typically designed

with redundancy and fault tolerance in mind, which ensures high
availability and reliability.

• Virtualization: loud providers use virtualization to turn physical

machines into virtual ones, so users can use them like separate
computers.
• Security: Cloud providers invest heavily in security measures to
protect their user’s data and ensure the privacy of sensitive
information.
HISTORY AND EVOLUTION OF CLOUD COMPUTING
• A long time ago, in the 1960s, computers were big and very
expensive. People couldn’t afford one each, so many users shared
one large computer using simple machines called terminals. It was
like using a library computer everyone took turns.
• Then in the 1970s, something amazing happened virtualization.
This meant one computer could pretend to be many smaller
computers. Imagine a teacher giving each student their own
workbook from one big book that's what virtualization did.
• As time passed, the internet came in the 1990s and changed
everything. Suddenly, you could send emails, browse websites, and
even use some software online. Companies started putting their
services on the web so people could access them from anywhere.
• In 1999, something big happened a company called Salesforce let
people use software through the internet without installing it. This
was the beginning of cloud applications. You just needed a browser,
and the software was ready to use like ordering food instead of
cooking.
• Then in 2006, Amazon came up with Amazon Web Services (AWS).
They said, “Why buy your own servers when you can rent ours?”
This made it super easy for businesses to build apps, websites, or
services without worrying about hardware.
• Soon after, big names like Google and Microsoft joined the game
with Google Cloud and Microsoft Azure. Now, cloud wasn’t just a
trend it became the backbone of the internet.
• By the 2010s, cloud computing was everywhere schools, banks,
hospitals, games, shopping all started using it. And now, in
the 2020s, cloud is smarter than ever. It works with AI, machine
learning, big data, and even smart devices like Alexa or smart
cars.
CLOUD COMPUTING ARCHITECTURE
Architecture of cloud computing is the combination of both SOA (Service
Oriented Architecture) and EDA (Event Driven Architecture). Client
infrastructure, application, service, runtime cloud, storage, infrastructure,
management and security all these are the components of cloud
computing architecture.
The cloud architecture is divided into 2 parts,
1) Frontend
2) Backend

Cloud

Computing architecture provides a structural framework for designing,

implementing and managing cloud-based solutions. Cloud Computing
Architecture provides benefits like scalability, flexibility, and cost-
effectiveness. It also solve related to security, reliability, and performance.

1) Frontend:

Frontend of the cloud architecture refers to the client side of cloud

computing system. Means it contains all the user interfaces and
applications which are used by the client to access the cloud computing
services/resources. For example, use of a web browser to access the cloud
platform.

2) Backend

Backend refers to the cloud itself which is used by the service provider. It
contains the resources as well as manages the resources and provides
security mechanisms. Along with this, it includes huge storage, virtual
applications, virtual machines, traffic control mechanisms, deployment
models, etc.

Components of Cloud Computing Architecture

1. Client Infrastructure: Client Infrastructure is a part of the frontend
component. It contains the applications and user interfaces which are
required to access the cloud platform. In other words, it provides a
GUI( Graphical User Interface ) to interact with the cloud.
2. Application : Application is a part of backend component that refers
to a software or platform to which client accesses. Means it provides
the service in backend as per the client requirement.
3. Service: Service in backend refers to the major three types of cloud
based services like SaaS, PaaS and IaaS. Also manages which type of
service the user accesses.
4. Runtime Cloud: Runtime cloud in backend provides the execution
and Runtime platform/environment to the Virtual machine.
5. Storage: Storage in backend provides flexible and scalable storage
service and management of stored data.
6. Infrastructure: Cloud Infrastructure in backend refers to the
hardware and software components of cloud like it includes servers,
storage, network devices, virtualization software etc.
7. Management: Management in backend refers to management of
backend components like application, service, runtime cloud, storage,
infrastructure, and other security mechanisms etc.
 8. Security: Security in backend refers to implementation of different
security mechanisms in the backend for secure cloud resources,
systems, files, and infrastructure to end-users.
9. Internet: Internet connection acts as the medium or a bridge between
frontend and backend and establishes the interaction and
communication between frontend and backend.
10. Database: Database in backend refers to provide database for
storing structured data, such as SQL and NOSQL databases. Example
of Databases services include Amazon RDS, Microsoft Azure SQL
database and Google CLoud SQL.
11. Networking: Networking in backend services that provide
networking infrastructure for application in the cloud, such as load
balancing, DNS and virtual private networks.
12. Analytics: Analytics in backend service that provides analytics
capabilities for data in the cloud, such as warehousing, business
intelligence and machine learning.

CLOUD COMPUTING ARCHITECTURE EXAMPLE

Online Store (E-Commerce Website): Everyone is using online websites

like Amazon or Flipkart for online shopping. It uses cloud computing to
run its website and manage orders. When you browse and buy products,
you’re using the front end. In the background, cloud services keep track of
what’s in your cart, handle payments, and update stock. Developers use
platforms like AWS Elastic Beanstalk to run the website easily. The product
photos are saved in cloud storage like Amazon S3, and customer details are
stored in databases. Cloud tools also watch over the site to keep it secure
and running fast.
Mobile App Backend (Food Delivery App): Think of a food delivery app
like Zomato or Swiggy. You use the app to order food, and everything
works smoothly just because of cloud computing. The app you see on your
phone is the front layer. When you order something, cloud services handle
the process in the background like telling the restaurant, tracking your
order, and handling payments. Platforms like Firebase help with storing
user info and sending notifications. The servers that run the app live in
cloud data centers like Google Cloud or AWS, and all your data is kept safe
using secure login systems.

BENEFITS OF CLOUD COMPUTING

• Cost-Effective: No need to buy expensive hardware or maintain data
centers. Pay only for what you use.
• Scalability: Easily increase or decrease computing resources based on
demand.
• Accessibility: Access services and data from anywhere using any
device with internet.
• Automatic Updates: Cloud providers handle updates and
maintenance automatically.
• Disaster Recovery: Data is backed up regularly; quick recovery in
case of data loss.
• Collaboration: Multiple users can work on the same file or
application in real-time.
• Security: Advanced security features like encryption, identity
management, etc., are offered by most providers.
• Environmentally Friendly: Reduces energy consumption by sharing
resources efficiently.
• Improves data processing requirements:
Enhances the speed and efficiency of handling large volumes of data.
• Makes it more modularized: Breaks systems into
smaller, manageable components for easier development and
maintenance.
• Reduces IT operating costs: Minimizes expenses
through scalable resources and pay-as-you-use models.
• Provides high level reliability: Ensures consistent
uptime and data availability through redundant systems.
CHALLENGES OF CLOUD COMPUTING
• Internet Dependency: Requires a stable internet connection. No
access if the internet is down.
• Limited Control: Users have limited control over infrastructure and
backend systems.
• Security Concerns: Data is stored on third-party servers, which may
raise privacy concerns.
• Downtime: Cloud services can face outages and downtime due to
technical issues or maintenance.
• Hidden Costs: Although cheaper initially, costs can add up with
data transfer, storage, and additional features.
• Vendor Lock-in: Switching from one provider to another can be
difficult and costly.
• Performance Issues: Maintaining consistent speed and
responsiveness under varying loads.

• Interoperability and Flexibility: Ensuring different

systems and platforms work seamlessly together.

• Multi-Tenancy Security Issues: Risk of data

leakage or breaches when multiple users share the same
infrastructure.

• Lack of Knowledge and Expertise: Shortage of

skilled professionals to manage and optimize cloud systems.

• Multi-Cloud Environments: Managing services across

different cloud providers adds complexity.

QUESTIONS:
1. Define Cloud Computing.
2. List
and explain the characteristics of Cloud
Computing.
3. Write
a note on history and evolution of Cloud
Computing.
4. Explain the Cloud Computing architecture with
a neat labelled diagram.
5. List
and explain the benefits of Cloud
Computing.
6. List the challenges of Cloud Computing.