Cloud Computing for Beginners

[You may also like - Good Reads - Basics Cloud Computing]

This post is based on my learning's on cloud computing after a discussion on the same. I have tried to put things simpler and easier to get started on cloud computing.

In simple terms to define Cloud Computing, I recommend below tweet 

Three Cloud delivery models: Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) and Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS)
One more tweet to explain it

Summarizing Saas, PaaS, Iaas

• SaaS - Consume it
• PaaS - Build on it
• Iaas - Migrate to it

(Source - From Presentation @link)

I would recommend another good read Demystifying The Cloud. Important points summarised from the document and other readings

What is IaaS ? 

• Replaces in house Data Centres / Systems. IaaS provides unlimited number of machines
• You have to manage patching, security in IaaS Environment
• Targeted Audience - IT Pros and Sys Admin
• Example - Rackspace, Amazon Ec2

Good Read - IaaS ≠ Virtualization

What is PaaS ? 

• Developers can leverage scalable platform 
• Targets Developers & Architects
• Windwows Azure, AWS, Google App Engine

 Good Read - A Developer's Perspective on IAAS vs. PAAS

What is SaaS ? 

• Replace Inhouse Applications
• Targets end users
• Typically Available (Accessible) via browser interface
• Google Docs, Salesforce.com, Zoho.com Apps, Microsoft 365, Gmail, hotmail, Google Calendar

Tenets of Cloud

• Elasticity, Pay per use, High Availability, Programmability and Self Service
• Unlimited Storage
• Built in Redundancy
• Scale as per need (Scale up / Scale down)

What Cloud Computing is not? 

• VPN Access
• Data not stored in Company premises
• 3rd party hosting solution

Cloud Deployment models: public, private, hybrid and community

More Reads

• Cloud Computing
• Scale Independently in the Cloud   

Please feel free to add your comments / corrections.

Happy Learning!!!