Cloud computing is a term that permeates numerous discussions related to computers, yet its true essence remains elusive for many users. In this article, our aim is to demystify cloud computing by providing a comprehensive understanding of its nature and highlighting why it is a topic worth delving into.
When we mention “the cloud,” it conjures the idea of something existing remotely, yet accessible to us (ironically contrary to the nature of clouds themselves). Within this cloud, we encounter familiar services such as Netflix, Prime Video, Google Drive, and Dropbox. What unites these services is the notion that the “something” we refer to is essentially digital in nature. But what exactly does cloud computing entail?
What is cloud computing?
As mentioned earlier, popular video streaming services like Netflix and remote storage services such as OneDrive operate within the cloud. This means that the data associated with these services is stored on servers located in a different physical location, and you access this information over the internet. Whether it’s the vacation photos stored in Dropbox or the latest series you’re watching on Disney+, the data is hosted on remote servers. Cloud computing also plays a crucial role in streamline government operations by providing scalable, cost-effective, and secure solutions for data storage, application deployment, and information sharing, enabling efficient and flexible service delivery to citizens.
When you stream a series on Netflix, for instance, the content is actually hosted on physical servers, possibly hundreds or thousands of them. The key concept to understand in cloud computing is that these servers are located far away from your physical location, and you access the data through the internet.
Cloud computing encompasses a service delivery model where data processing, or computing, is performed remotely over the internet. This is what enables services like NVIDIA‘s GeForce Now or Sony‘s upcoming handheld console, Project Q, where the heavy computing workload is carried out on servers distant from your location, and you receive the end result.
This capability allows you, for example, to play high-quality, graphics-intensive games on a low-power, relatively old laptop. GeForce Now and Project Q are examples of services that harness cloud computing to deliver this functionality.
Public, private and even hybrid
Building upon our previous discussion, it is worth noting that cloud computing extends beyond the examples we have mentioned so far. In fact, it can be categorized into three main types: public, private, and hybrid clouds.
Public Cloud: This is the most common model where a service provider offers its infrastructure to users, usually for a monthly fee. These services are accessible over the internet. Prominent examples of public cloud providers include Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform.
Private Cloud: Private cloud computing primarily caters to the needs of businesses. In this model, a company establishes its own server infrastructure with customized configurations and optimizations, protected behind its firewall. This ensures that the cloud resources are exclusively accessible to the organization. For instance, you could set up a Content Management System (CMS) or an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system on a server at your home, enabling cloud computing capabilities accessible only by you.
Hybrid Cloud: The hybrid cloud model combines elements of both public and private clouds. It is often employed by businesses seeking a blend of flexibility and control. In this scenario, a company contracts a third-party cloud computing service, such as AWS, but configures it to their specific requirements and limits accessibility to their organization.
Understanding these different cloud computing models allows businesses and individuals to choose the most suitable approach based on their needs, balancing factors like accessibility, security, and customization.