Professional Diploma in Coding and Technology

Module 1

Summary Notes

Lesson 6: Cloud Computing

Contents
Overview of cloud computing
Cloud computing architectures
Applications of cloud computing
References
Lesson outcomes
In this lesson, we will learn all about cloud computing and what it is, we will explore cloud
computing versus traditional systems as well as the advantages and disadvantages of cloud
computing. You will also learn about cloud computing architecture and the applications of cloud
computing for business use, personal use and identify popular cloud service providers.

Overview of cloud computing

What is cloud computing?
Cloud computing is the distribution of computing resources—including hardware and software—
over the Internet (“the cloud”).
(Microsoft)
Traditional computing
 On-site storage and computing
 Expensive to maintain
 No guarantee of uptime
 Security issues
(Medium, 2019)

Cloud Computing
 Storage and computing takes place on the cloud
 Inexpensive to maintain
 Modular and flexible design
 Less downtime
 Automated
 Better security

Advantages of cloud computing

 Scalability
 Business continuity
 Collaboration efficiency
  Reduce costs

Disadvantages of cloud computing

 Network dependency
 Pay to scale
 Loss of control
 Security

Cloud computing architectures

Types of architectures
Cloud computing generally consists of three different architecture implementations
 Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
 Software as a Service (SaaS)
 Platform as a Service (PaaS)
 (Source: Dominguez, 2020)

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)

IaaS is the most common type of cloud computing services that allows users to rent IT
infrastructure from a cloud provider.

Software as a Service (SaaS)

SaaS is an approach used for delivering software applications over the Internet.

PaaS (Platform as a Service)

PaaS refers to the supply an on-demand environment for developing, testing, delivering and
managing software applications.
(ESDS, 2018)
Architecture features

(Source: Watts and Raza, 2019)

Applications of cloud computing

Cloud computing for business use
Cloud computing for business use can vary significantly depending on an organisations
business processes and existing infrastructure.
 Business intelligence
 Data warehousing
  Data backup

Cloud computing for personal use

Usually implementing cloud computing systems at home is a very simple process given that cloud
solutions for personal use does not involve complex business processes.
 G Suite
 OneDrive
 Stadia

Cloud service providers

A cloud service provider is an external company which offers a cloud-based platform. This could
include IaaS, PaaS and SaaS.
 Microsoft Azure
 Amazon Web Services (AWS)
 IBM Cloud
References
Dominguez, R. (2020) Cloud Computing - What and How - Folk Fest. Available at:
https://folkfests.org/cloud-computing-what-and-how/
ESDS (2018) Cloud Computing – Types of Cloud. Available at:
https://www.esds.co.in/blog/cloud-computing-types-cloud/#sthash.sAc6voJP.BAyOP3sv.dpbs
Medium (2019) Cloud Computing vs Traditional IT Infrastructure | by Sorable | Medium.
Available at: https://medium.com/@sorable/cloud-computing-vs-traditional-it-infrastructure-
84f0d08bae13
Microsoft (no date) What Is Cloud Computing? A Beginner’s Guide | Microsoft Azure. Available
at: https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/overview/what-is-cloud-computing/
Watts, S. and Raza, M. (2019) SaaS vs PaaS vs IaaS: What’s The Difference and How To
Choose – BMC Blogs. Available at: https://www.bmc.com/blogs/saas-vs-paas-vs-iaas-whats-
the-difference-and-how-to-choose/