Cloud computing definition

Cloud computing is the possibility of using computing services (servers, storage, databases, etc.) that are stored on the cloud, so there’s no need for physical resources such as local servers or personal computers. 

Rather than using more physical hardware, the computing services offer the means of renting only what you can use. This way the management of their physical resources is reduced, and the workload is optimized. 

What is cloud computing commonly used for?

The use cases for cloud computing have constantly grown, and it is expected to grow even more in the following years to come. 

Here are a few notable examples:

• Storing files: One of the most sought after by both individuals and companies alike. Some advantages are accessing their files from any location, sharing files, and backing up/restoring. 
• Data backups and archiving: Best for recovery in case something happens. They’re important for security and compliance reasons.
• App testing and development: Helpful for both testers and developers.
• Social networking: Many apps use cloud computing so they can facilitate the communication between their users.
• Web hosting: Websites can be stored on cloud platforms to eliminate the need for physical resources. 

Benefits of using cloud computing services

There are many attractive benefits, and among them are:

1. You only pay what you use: Pay-as-you-go model.
2. Low costs: There’s no need for intensive maintenance of hardware resources, as the cloud providers will directly deal with their own maintenance.
3. Faster deployment of applications.
4. They are reliable since they can be simply upgraded and downgraded at any time.
5. Preventing data loss: Cloud computing services provide functionalities such as data backup and recovery.

Types of cloud computing

There are two main categories for cloud computing applications: one that is based on deployment and the other one that is based on services. 

First category is based on cloud deployment models:

1. Public cloud: Many clients share resources such as servers and storage. They are readily available, cost-effective, and expandable, allowing you to effortlessly upgrade or downsize your plan.
2. Private cloud: As the name suggests, this is a means for many organizations to use their own cloud computing environment. It can be hosted locally or offered by a third-party provider, and they provide more security benefits.
3. Hybrid cloud: It is a mixture of a private cloud and one or more public cloud services. It provides ease of access, scalability, and control over their own private data.
4. Multi-cloud: There are two or more public cloud services integrated, mainly for independence, diversity, and economical reasons.

Second category refers to the services:

1. IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service): Here you can rent the infrastructure that you need to use, such as servers, storage, and networks. You can then start building the apps and systems on it. 
2. SaaS (Software as a Service): This kind of service refers to apps that are hosted online and accessed over the internet, such as Google services (Gmail, Docs, Sheets). Some of them ask for a subscription, such as streaming services (Netflix, Hulu, etc.). 
3. PaaS (Platform as a Service): You can deploy, develop, and run applications easily on those. It’s usually a mix between IaaS and SaaS. Think of Docker and Kubernetes, who are the most known PaaS providers.

Cloud computing architecture

The architecture of cloud computing is separated into four parts: the frontend, the backend, the network, and the cloud delivery (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS).

The frontend part of cloud computing refers to the client infrastructure, which is then connected to the backend part over the internet. It usually means the user interfaces and the apps that the clients use to access the cloud services and platforms. 

The backend keeps tabs on the management and the security side of the cloud computing. The other components of the backend parts are:

• Application: The software or platform that the client accesses.
• Cloud computing service: Manages the access to the cloud-based services.
• Cloud runtime: Execution and Runtime platform to Virtual Machines.
• Storage: Data storage.
• Infrastructure: Backend resources, the software, and the hardware used to manage these services. 

Why is cloud security so important? 

Cloud service providers are mainly responsible for the security of their own tools, which makes them attractive to those clients who are looking to reduce their workload. 

Things like human errors, DDoS attacks, and phishing are a few examples of potential issues. You can stop some threats by using the right tools to keep your data safe, such as data encryption, the correct setup of those tools, and basic security tips like strong passwords, permission management, antivirus software, and many more.