Cloud computing discussion of an entrepreneur & an absolute cloud genius on all cloud terms

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Makes up for a cloud dictionary, one of its kind!

There is a big chunk of startup entrepreneurs who have great and unique app ideas to become cloud-ready in the near future and want to curiously delve into ‘what is a cloud?

But they literally bang their head on the wall out of annoyance when they search and get hard-to-understand expert cloud computing discussion, which is like

‘Cloud technology is an IT environment that relies on the sharable tank of configurable computer resources with a much higher degree of online services provisioned with less managing efforts’.

Well! This is what happened with Eden. He become the victim of such a complex cloud computing discussion.

Eden is a head honcho who is about to start up a retail business and want to develop an application with a perfect IT environment for his company.

Hearing such an irritating answer from one of the IT experts, the annoyance made Eden feel like he was going to have kittens right away.

But fortunately,

He got a reference of John from one of the generous smarty pants from his business group.

John is an experienced IT expert who can help Eden to easily understand through an interesting discussion on cloud computing terms to develop a cloud app and get all cloud computing solutions that he needs.

He is kind of a freak who probes inside out about the IT technologies with never-ending interest to explore the reasons behind the technology.

John starts by expressing the business comfort of having a cloud app as:

It is just how a mother feels after delivering a baby and posting it on Facebook –
 Bingo! I lost 8 pounds in 27 hours!!! 

Listening to this, Eden was full of amazed and said

Wow! this is how I want to understand the cloud computing terms. Can you explain to me all the basic concepts of cloud computing?

I would love to explain you all the terms, but it might take a slightly longer session to understand all the basic concept of the cloud, so if you don’t have time, take my book which has all the basic terms related to the cloud or you can ask me any particular term you want to know.

 

I would like to…

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Learn Specific Term

We can have a discussion on any of the following cloud computing terms

  • Cloud
  • Cloud Application
  • Cloud Computing
  • Benefits of Clouds
  • Data Center
  • Server Farm
  • Cloud Storage
  • Cloudware
  • Load Balancing
  • Remote Access
  • Cloud Portability
  • Vendor Lock-In
  • Cloud Architecture
  • Layers of Back-end
    • Application
    • Data
    • Runtime
    • Middleware
    • Cloud OS
    • Virtualization
    • Server
    • Networking
  • Service Level Agreement
  • Cloud Services
    • IaaS
    • PaaS
    • SaaS
    • BPaaS
    • MBaaS
    • FaaS
  • Cloud Deployment
  • Virtual Private Cloud
  • Cloud Firewall
  • Cloud Burst
  • Cloud Migeration
  • Cloud Storming
  • Big Data
  • Serverless Computing
  • Multi Cloud
  • Benefits of Cloud Infrastructure
  • Cloud Providers
  • Amazon Web Services
    • Amazon EC2
    • Amazon S3
  • Content Delivery Network
  • Google Cloud Services
    • Google Cloud Platforms
    • Google App Engine
    • Google Compute Engine
    • Google Big Query
    • G-Suite
    • Drive
  • Microsoft
    • Azure
    • Office 365
  • Sales Force
  • Heroku
  • Rackspace
  • Cisco Metapod
  • Pricing Model
    • Pay per Use
    • Subscription-based Model
    • Ad-based Pricing
  • On-Demand Service
  • Elastic Computing
  • Distributed Cloud
  • MashUp
  • TRooTech

Now John rolled up his sleeves to clear this mystery in a layman language.

He gave a cute smile saying ‘‘this is just a trailer of the discussion on the cloud computing terms. Get ready for the interesting examples!.’’

Taking Eden to the next level of exploring! John started to clear the most important basics of cloud technology.

What is Cloud?

The term Cloud itself seems very cloudy!

But essentially,

The term cloud is used to describe the computing techniques in which a large data center is shared among different users, who can access the computer resources like memory, storage, bandwidth, software, and other components virtually over the internet.

The user can upscale, downscale or stop the use of these resources as per their requirement.

Hey Eden, John continued the discussion on cloud computing terms.
 

Cloud technologies not only ease out managing or storing data but these servers are capable to even deliver contents, run applications or run services like webmail, video streaming, work productivity software or the social media solutions and many more.

John gave a pause by taking a deep breath.

He looked at the 60-millimeter smile of Eden and knew that Eden caught the exact meaning of Cloud.

Without Eden even asking anything, smart John knew the next question. He is creatively clearing all the doubts of Eden through this discussion on cloud computing terms

‘‘And here you go’’…continues John

What are Cloud apps?

The cloud app behaves like a standard website but the computing and data processing is managed on the Cloud through the APIs.

The user can easily interact with the app through a web browser or through the mobile app. Also, the data processing is completely managed by both — 1. Cloud computing solutions and 2. The local device.

In short, a cloud app is an internet-based program in which all the processing logic and database storage is processed in the cloud.’’

John is killing it with another cool example that literally made Eden enjoy this discussion around cloud computing terms

Eden! If you have a cloud app for managing your retail POS, it not only makes the payments, and inventory operations smooth and secured in the cloud.

But you can also simply scale and streamline operations, manage traffic spikes, keep an eye on all the things while simply sitting at the office or while sitting at a beach in a park or sitting at your home.

And yes! This cloud POS system can manage the distribution channel, employees at multiple stores, the customer loyalty programs, barcoding and labeling, and other POS process with great ease.

After hearing this cloud computing discussion, Eden is now sure on deciding the cloud solution and developing a cloud app for his retail business but he needs a deeper understanding of important cloud computing terms.

Looking at the rising interest of Eden, John was ready to clear out other cloud computing terms.

Rubbing both his palms, John continues…

What is Cloud Computing?

The ability to provide computing over the internet on the basis of pay as you use model is cloud computing.These computing services have an ecosystem across the servers, database, storage, software, networks, analytics and other IT resources over the Cloud.

You only have to pay for what and how much of the Cloud services and resources you use.

Something clicks in the mind of John and he questions Eden all of a sudden in the middle of their cloud computing discussion.

Hy Eden! You want to know how cloud computing will help your retail business?

Why not? I would love too. In fact, I want to know. Actually John! You are reading my mind now.

Smiling John requested for a glass of water and continues..

Cloud computing makes it much more manageable to work, map and grow your retail business geographically, demographically and technologically along with the expansion of business services.

Cloud computing will help the retail business to efficiently run the IT infrastructure, decrease the operating cost, and also enjoy the scalability as per the changing business needs.

Eden interrupts John with another question. But this one is asked much eagerly with a little bit more than a medium pitched tone. He is enjoying this discussion around the cloud computing terms

‘‘How being Cloud-ready or having a Cloud App can benefit my business apart from going global?’’

Now, this is interesting to read what John says.

Mind it, Eden! You won’t be able to count on your fingers as there are a hell lot many benefits of having a cloud app for your retail business.

But I will give you a few pointers in this cloud computing discussion which will help you get the crux of all the benefits of Cloud technology.

Speed

Most of the Cloud solutions are On-Demand and Self Service based, so huge volume of resources can be made available in a few minutes with a few mouse taps that also help the retail business to flexibly scale the resource capacities very easily.

Cost-effective

No expense of purchasing hardware, the setup cost, the cost for the long racks of servers, cost to run data centers, cost of experts to manage these resources, and finally the electricity cost for cooling and continuous power supply. Your retail business will enjoy cost savings.

Performance

Cloud apps make it possible to achieve high scalability in major business spectrums. It also provides secured data management, decreased network latency, economies of scale, and other essential IT solutions which you can rely on.

Business Productivity

As the majority of the tedious and costly retail tasks are eliminated or not necessary to be performed, the business can concentrate more on advancing with the mission.

Secured solutions

The Cloud Providers offer a complete package that also includes an essential set of technologies, policies, and controls which keeps the retail IT infrastructure, data, and apps far away from the potential threats.

Deliver the right IT resources and in the right amount

With a high capability to scale the resources, Cloud apps have an elasticity of using the right IT resources optimally. Be it increasing or decreasing the bandwidth, computing power or storage.

 

Eden appreciated John on being a sweet good buddy to guide him and help him to understand so very easily.

He requested to also explain him some more cloud computing terms that roll over his head like a flying sparrow.

Readily, John speaks out a lengthy tone of ‘’Oh! of course. Let’s continue this discussion’

Filling a glass of wine and sipping it, John started explaining all the cloud computing terms one after the other.

John continues…

What is the data center?

A data center is an umbrella term.

It’s a warehouse with rows and rows of refrigerator-sized towers of the computer. Mind it, Eden they are much more powerful 💪 than the computers you use at your office or at your home.

Data centers are a pool of IT resources like the processors, memory, RAM, disk, and servers for designing a highly scalable and flexible cloud environment in a much cost-effective manner.

This IT resources can be allocated with dynamic accessibility and with a different configuration for each service. Say services like website development, CRM, mobile applications or the database to name a few.

After hearing the meaning of the Datacenter Eden asked John the meaning of one word he heard when someone was talking about the cloud

Hey John, I have heard this weird word Data Farm, is it related to datacenter?

What is the Server Farms?

Man! That is a very good question,

See many a time Data Center and Server Farms are used interchangeably, but the actual difference between the two terms is the term Datacenter is used for the facility or a physical place which houses all the computing resources like memory, storage, communication, and even servers.

Whereas, The term server farm is used for the cluster (collection) of servers which are interconnected with each other.

Data farm is a physical and real place where the company data files are actually stored and farmed on multiple hard drives.

The companies have hundreds and a lot many servers which they call ‘Server Farms’.

Data farming is the process to foster and grow the data that can be well analyzed through the visualization and/or the statistical techniques to simplify and optimize the complex systems.

These server farms extend across a lot of locations. In case one gets hit by fire or an asteroid, there is no data loss as it will be backed up from another data location.

What is Cloud Storage?

Eden interrupts the cloud computing discussion with a question

What is this cloud storage? Where do all my files or the app data get stored in the cloud?

Say suppose on a cloud app, the database keeps on generating and expanding as the use of app increases along with the increase in the number of app users.

Like, 
The user data such as the login details, the account and e-wallet details, the app activity details, client requests, payment details, and much more data.
All these app data is stored virtually in the cloud storage.

‘Eden now stop giving such expressions I am making it easy-to-understand cloud computing terms for you.

I am giving you one easy example,

Google Drive is a cloud app.
As an application, when it is used by the customers, a lot of files and data gets generated which also keeps on increasing with greater use of this app. 
This data is stored and managed in Google’s cloud.

Listening to this, Eden says

Hey, John I completely understood all that you explained. I have a few more terms which I am not sure what they mean.

John whispers with his closed eyes. ‘Bring it on then. I’ll make it more simple cloud computing discussion for you’

Bring it on then. I’ll try to make this cloud computing discussion even more simpler to understand.

What is Cloudware?

Although it is a bit more technical terminology, John clears out Eden’s doubt in his own style. He explains…

Cloudware is basically freedom to use cloud services through any kind of ware or devices.Cloudware can be any of the services delivered from the cloud to any devices with internet availability.

People can use the smartphone, desktop, internet enabled TV or a tablet to access the cloud services.

Ummmm…. it can be an email application, accounting app, online meeting services, social networking software or security software.

Cloudware is software developed, deployed, accessed and delivered from the cloud or a remote web server.

Okay, Now I understand it

John appreciates Eden’s sincerity and explains him some more important terms.

He leads the cloud computing discussion.

What is Load Balancing?

Eden, Load Balancer is a very simple term. 
It is a mediator between the users i.e traffic on your site and your web servers. The load balancer will distribute your site to different servers.

Let’s take a non-technical example to understand the situation, you open a retail garment showroom and hire 3 sales person to attend your customer. Here imagine yourself as a load balancer. Whenever the customer comes in, you direct them to the salesperson who is least busy at that moment.

Take a look at this image on my phone.

Load-Balancing.png

After Eden understood the chart on John’s phone, John continued explaining Load Balancing

Load balancing becomes important when you have huge traffic on your site and multiple servers to manage.

When there is a sudden spike in your site traffic, and your one server is overloaded, the load balancer will automatically direct the traffic to another server.

Now Eden clearly understood the meaning of Load Balancer however, he had one more doubt in his mind and asked John a very interesting question.

Hey John what is the difference between Load balancing in Traditional system and Cloud?

Well, let’s take a hypothetical scenario to understand the concept, assume you have two servers each has a capacity of holding 100 site visitors simultaneously.

Now assume that the traffic on your site increased to 240 users, so you have to add an additional server.

In traditional setup your first and second server will have 100 users and the remaining 40 users will be sent to the third server.

Whereas in a cloud setup, the total traffic of 240 users will be divided among the three servers i.e 80 users each, so none of the servers are running over ideal capacity.

Now John proceeds the cloud computing discussion with some of the easier cloud terminologies.

Eden, they were some of the heavier terms, let me explain you few of the simpler ones.

What is Remote Access?

Suppose, you have to manage the retail stores at multiple locations.

You are sitting at the store in California and you have got a technical issue to be solved in another retail store in New Jersey.

There is no need to panic Eden.

If you know how to solve this technical problem or you have a tech guy who knows how to fix this problem, you can take remote access of the device system set up at the store in New Jersey.

This will help you to operate that system and fix the issues simply while sitting at the store in California.

With remote access, you can make no work to obstruct the functioning of the business operations at your multiple retail stores.

And because of Cloud nowadays many service companies are able to create a complete virtual workplace by managing effectively managing a remote team.

Eden, Isn’t that convenient?’

‘‘Oh! Yes of course.’’

What is Cloud Portability?

Porting (shifting or transferring) the cloud app from one cloud computing environment to the other is Cloud Portability.

This is one of the simplest terms in our cloud computing discussion.

It can either be porting from private cloud to public cloud or shifting from one cloud provider to another.

Cloud portability is just like telecom portability where the customer can either shift your telecom plan from prepaid to postpaid, or they can shift from Verizon to At&t.

What is a Cloud Vendor Lock-in?

Cloud Vendor Lock-in simply means that your cloud app has to use services offered by only one CSR (cloud service provider). You cannot shift or transfer to other cloud service providers.

Ya. It’s so easy and I was panicking about these terms will be difficult to understand.

Okay, So should we move to a little difficult term?

Yeah, Sure I am really enjoying this cloud computing discussion, it is unlike any other I have ever attended.

What is Cloud Architecture?

You have to give little attention to this cloud term because it is one of the most difficult terms that we will cover in our cloud computing discussion and it would be a little difficult to understand.

Cloud Architecture is how all the component of the computing infrastructure are engineered to communicate with each other.

Did you understand it?

Yes you were absolutely right, It is slightly difficult to understand, I didn’t understand a single word of it

This was the first time our calm John felt a hint of the pressure during this entire cloud computing discussion.

Okay… I will explain to you the components of Cloud Application architecture which will help you in understanding the concept

An Application Architecture includes two components. One is Front -End i.e also know as Client Side and other is Backend.

The front end is the function that happens in the browser itself and what the user can see, whereas backend is the set of components or layers and their communication.

The backend determines each and every function of an application.

If back-end is where the cloud is implemented, then what is the role of the front end?

Front - end is all about the visual element and user experience, it is how your customers will associate you if you are willing to learn more about it, I would recommend you to check out this page.

UI/UX Designing Experts

I have one more question. What are these layers of Backend, and how does cloud affect them?

I am impressed Eden, you are asking the right questions at the right time

Layers of the Back-end

Application

It is a computer software package or a group of programs that operates and performs particular functions which are specially designed for the end-users or for other apps. They use the system software and operating systems to function.

Data

Data is the information, facts or figures that are used or stored in the computer or in the cloud.

Runtime

It is the time between the program begins to run within the memory until the program is closed by the operating system or by the end-user.

Middleware

It is a software that becomes a bridge between a database or an operating system and the applications on the network.

Cloud OS

It is a kind of a virtual operating machine. The main role of the Cloud OS is to manage the operation, processes, execution of the virtual infrastructure, virtual servers, and virtual machines. Basically, the Cloud Operating System is a lightweight OS for the Tablet, PC or Netbooks that can access the web apps and store data from remote servers.

Virtualization

It is a software used to operate two or more OS (Operating Systems) in one PC. It is a single computer hosting multiple OS. There are three types of virtualization. It involves server virtualization, storage virtualization, and desktop or client virtualization.

Server 

It is a computer program that manages the accessibility of the service in a network or to a centralized resource. A server can be a computer program, a computer or a device completely dedicated to managing the network resources. The client computer can connect to the server through the internet.

Networking

A network is a group of computers, peripherals, servers, network devices, mainframes, and other devices interconnected to each other for sharing of data. It is the process to link the computers allowing them to function interactively.

These layers of back-end will help us in defining different cloud service model.

So, now we are going to discuss the cloud service model Right?

Definitely, but before that take a look at this image on my phone which will make it easier for you to understand. It is the most important concept in our cloud computing discussion.

Which are the Cloud Service Models?

 

Cloud-Service-Modle.png

Nice Image, But I will need a little more explanation...

Sure, SaaS, PaaS, & IaaS are three of the most popular Cloud Service Model out there

What is Iaas ( Infrastructure as a Service)?

Infrastructure as a service (IaaS) offers a foundation or a base or a space for the computing resources.

IaaS is a basic IT infrastructure  like memory storage and networking mechanism.

Or if you want to understand it in simple words it is like a CPU on the cloud, you get all the capability of computer hardware that you can use any way you want.

Flexible scaling of the computing resources as per the need of the clients is very much possible and easily manageable with IaaS.

What is PaaS (Platform as a Service)?

Platform as a Service is a Layer above IaaS, it provides an inbuilt Operating system and all the tools required by a developer for developing an Application.

With PaaS, the developer only needs to run the machine and start coding, that is why I like to call PaaS as ''SaaS for the developers"

So does it mean that PaaS is better than SaaS?

Well, not exactly both the services have their own benefits,  like with PaaS the developers get a complete readymade coding environment, it lacks the flexibility.

The PaaS is tailor-made to do some specific functions and one can not use it beyond its predetermined capabilities, whereas with IaaS you are getting raw computing resources which can be used any way you want.

What is SaaS (Software as a Service)?

It’s very simple Eden! Software as a Service is ready to use cloud application or software for the end-users. Some of the examples of SaaS are Gmail, Dropbox, or Google Drive.

Did you find this Topic Interesting

It seems to be the most important topic of cloud computing, can you tell me more about it?

It is a very deep subject, I would recommend you to check out this article, which is explaining the topic just like me

Cloud Application Service (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS): Easy explanation for business people

Now, Eden could not contain his curiosity and asked

Are there any other services models apart from these three?

John politely replied

With the increasing use of Cloud Technologies, different players are coming up with some more service models to increase there market share, let me give you a brief overview of those service.

What is BPaaS (Business Process as a Service)?

It consists of the cloud-specific functionalities in the business process of the company. Like the supply chain management, sales process and others.

I’ll give you one example Eden, 
The BPaaS cloud functionalities which are designed specifically for the retail sales process will include the product listings, demos, request for proposals, stock management, order confirmations, product labeling, distribution channel, order delivery, order returns, customer support service, and after-sales services.

What is MBaaS (Mobile Backend as a Service)?

It provides the mobile and web app developers with the way to integrate the app with cloud storage, cloud computing services, custom software development kits, and APIs.

The mobile backend as a service includes push notifications, user management, and integration of social networking tools at large.

What is FaaS (Function as a Service)?

It provides the services to customize, run and manage the app functionalities.

With FaaS, there is no hassle of having the typical infrastructure which involves the app development and app launching.

It is a kind of serverless computing to deploy individual app functions in the cloud.

Some of the examples are the Google Cloud Functions, AWS Lambda, Microsoft Azure Functions or the Oracle Cloud Fn.

Hey! Eden are you ready to continue with another very important topic about Cloud?

Eden bends down a bit, opens the drawer of the table to get the pen and a notepad. ‘‘Ready to note down another highlight of our discussion on the cloud computing terms!’’ says Eden.

What is Cloud Deployment Model?

Most of the people generally get confused between cloud deployment and cloud service model.

The cloud service model is how an application is built, and deployment model suggests how it is set up.

Now I get it why people get confused, It is confusing... Can you give me an example?

Okay let me give you a very simple example,

There are two options for you to reach a destination.

  • Number one is your own car
  • Number two is the public bus

Private Cloud is like your own private car which you can drive at any destination without having other passengers sitting in your car without your permission.

Well, the Public Cloud is like a public bus for which you need to wait at the bus stop to follow the bus schedules and there will be many bus passengers from the public.

But the Hybrid Cloud is a perfect combination of the two. Let me give you one more example,
Imagine Eden you are throwing a big party for your marriage.

And you have to make guest computing arrangements.

You arrange the taxi cab for the VIP guests and manage to use public transport for the remaining guests. Same way Hybrid Cloud is a right blend of the private cloud and public cloud

John senses the heavy expressions of Eden to understand other cloud computing terms,

If you like, you can have this eBook about the Most Cost Efficient Cloud Deployment Strategies.

I’ll explain you important cloud computing terms, Ready?

Ready.

Virtual Private Cloud (VPD)

Emulating a private cloud within a public cloud is called a Virtual Private Cloud. It is a public cloud environment integrating a pile of shared computing resources that are easy to configure. VPC is best to provide a certain degree of isolation among different tenants or organizations.

Cloud Firewall

It is a new way to deliver network security capabilities in the cloud or as a cloud service. It is specifically for mitigating or stopping of unwanted private network access. It is software-based cloud deployed network devices to stow a Firewall in the cloud.

Cloud Burst

Organizations use a private cloud for root-level processing. But at the very moment of a sudden spike in demand or exceeding 100% of the resource capacity which cannot be dealt with the existing private cloud, the overflow or surplus traffic is directed to the public cloud that will be available especially for this situation.

This is called cloud bursting. Organizations highly use cloud bursting to increase uptime in business operations. 

Moreover, the best part is that they can pay for the IT resources only and only when there is an actual rise in demand for resources. Yes!

Similarly,
For meeting the peak level of demands in your retail store, the app which is deployed in the private cloud is smartly burst to a public cloud.

It is exactly freeing up the private IT resources for the much business-critical cloud app services.

Cloud Migration

Cloud migration is to make it easy and simplified for the old app versions to converse with the new cloud app.

You know Eden!

There exist many organizations that still run the old-versioned apps that are built a decade ago. This becomes much riskier and complicated to be cloud-ready and move to cloud technologies. It really seemed impossible to adopt cloud-driven flexibility, speed, and innovation on such type of apps.

But today,

The process of shifting to cloud technologies is much simplified. It is called Cloud Migration. It is now possible to systematically and progressively shift the load with reduced risks.

John John, can you detail me something more on this, please.

At your service sir ;)

Now what I am telling you isn't entirely technical, unlike previous terms.We are going to see Cloud Migration Strategy, or more commonly known as the 6 R's of Cloud Migration.

Shall we continue?

Yes, Of course.

Rehost

Lifting the application from the present hosting environment and shifting them to the environment in the public cloud. It is more commonly referred to as the lift and shift. It is one of the most important activities in the whole app migration process.

Replatforming

It is modifying the rehosting or the ‘lift and shift’. It is making modifications in the application during the migration stage. Replatforming is the stage of realizing the ways for optimization in the cloud.

Repurchase

It is referred to as ‘drop and shop’ which repurchases the upgradation or procurement of cloud technologies on the existing IT environment. Repurchasing powers the decision to move to another product and end the existing technology licensing to rebuild the app service on a new platform.

Refactor

It is also referred to as re-architecting. It is based strongly on the desire to improve and better the existing services. Re-architect the programs, projects, capabilities, and business processes are what it includes. It highly depends on the nature and attribute of the service to be refactored. It can be performed at the later stages of cloud migration if it is not a mission-critical service refactoring.

Retain

As for some of the portions of IT resources or services, the business owner may not be ready or comfortable to migrate it to the cloud from on-premise or in specific regions. Retaining the particular portion of the IT portfolio is easier nowadays. A hybrid path migration involves a particular potion to be retained in the current IT environment.

Retire

It is a process to identify the unwanted services and assets that can be turned off. This will help the business to zoom in their focus on high valued and on-demand services for the end-users.

John if I want to migrate my existing app to cloud, which strategy would you suggest?

If you like to know more about it, I would suggest you contact the experts in cloud migration. They will help you figure out the right strategy for app migration.

Contact Now

 

Eden, are you sure, you want to continue further?

Of course, I can take a lot more than this.

Fair enough, so let's proceed!

What is Cloud Storming?

For the technical purpose, Cloud Storming is used as a process of assembling multiple cloud environments that deliver particular data for a specific task.

On the other hand, Cloud Storming is also used as a term meant for brainstorming the strategies or resources for the cloud-based systems. It requires researching, finding, thinking and analyzing the cloud to creatively solve the business problems.

What is Big Data?

It is a very easy term. 
Big data is a huge volume of unstructured, semi-structured and structured data that is used and has a high capability to mine-out important information and support in revealing the trends, patterns, and associations to analyze the human interaction and human behavior for the advanced analytical applications.

When this high voluminous sets of data are managed in a cloud it is called big data cloud. With the big data cloud, the scalability, the capacity of data storage and business analytics can be a huge benefit for your retail organizations.

What is Serverless Computing?

Eden, it is one of the cost-effective cloud computing solutions.In Serverless Computing the developers just require to write the application code and rest of the things are not at all needed to control and manage the servers.

It allows focusing on the application logic without worrying about any type of servers.

There are no operating systems to manage, no server maintenance or no upgrading the hardware.

Serverless Computing has a faster time to market.

So it is like a PaaS right,

Yes, in some ways cloud itself is a server less computing, where the cloud provider dynamically adjusts and maintains the server capacity.

What is Multi-Cloud Computing

When one application is using multiple cloud service is called Multi-Cloud deployment, it can either be two public clouds or a combination of public and private cloud.

Or a single application can be using services from multiple cloud providers like an application is using AWS and Google Cloud platform for leveraging the features of both the platforms 

Multi-Cloud.png

Hey John, we have talked about so many cloud terminology, but I still don't have the answer to the most basic question.

What is it, Eden?

What are the actual benefits of the Cloud?

Ha.Haa..Haaa... Of course, that is the reason why we are doing this cloud computing discussion.

What are the benefits of using Cloud Infrastructure?

Scalability and Rapid Elasticity

Scale as per the needs of the market and the needs of the business. 

Control

To ensure what IT infrastructure is being used, by whom and for what purpose.

Measurable Services

Cloud deployments are adopted with pay as you use model.

A broader scope of the network access

The cloud apps can be accessed from anywhere across the globe.

Resource Pooling

It is flexible to pool the resources for multiple tenants.

 

Wow! Those benefits are enough for me to continue hearing about cloud.

While explaining previous terms, you have mentioned Cloud Providers quite a few times. So who are these Cloud providers?

Who is the Cloud Service Provider?

The Cloud Service Provider (CSP) is the organization or business that offer cloud computing services, cloud-based platform, data storage services, IT infrastructure, network services, and the enterprise application in the cloud.

These CSP offer provider-managed or rented virtual hardware, infrastructure, software, and other cloud services.

I believe there are many cloud providers? Now you are an expert, so if you have to pick which Cloud Provider would you pick?

Yes you are right there is n number of cloud service provider out there. But picking up the best company is not that simple. Most of the popular companies have multiple services under its hood.

And besides, the whole point of this session is that you make your own independent decision, isn't it?

Yeah, you are right. You diplomatic piece of wisdom.

The List of Top Cloud Service Providers

Amazon Web Service

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is a subsidiary of Amazon with high profitability business in offering cloud computing services.

Initially, these cloud computing services were developed from the roots for the startups and enterprises outside of Amazon.

And now, it is one of the kingpins in the cloud computing market with providing cloud services to the industry giants like Netflix, Yelp or Airbnb.

The people, companies or communities can purchase data storage services through AWS. They can use Amazon’s data centers to host websites or deliver contents.

Some of the AWS services are registering a domain, starting a development project, hosting a static website, connecting on IoT device, build a web/mobile app, launch a virtual machine, data backup and data recovery to name a few.

Do you want to know the popular services provided by AWS?

Yes for Sure

Ok Then Stay with me.

What is Amazon (EC2)?

With Amazon EC2 - refers to as Elastic Cloud Computing, you can actually launch the instances-The so-called virtual servers.

And you can even define the power of these servers and you are free to do what you need on these instances (servers).

You can do anything Eden! You can also install a web server on these instances and host your website. It is just like your personal computer in the cloud and you can consider it as an example of IaaS.

It provides elasticity to choose the server storage capacity, CPU’s, memory, network performance, and other security aspects based on:

  • Who can access this server
  • On which protocols and ports

You can even select to launch more than one server or instance at a go.

What is Amazon (S3)?

Amazon Simple Storage Service (S3) offers the IT teams or developers with the secured and safe data storage along with the access management and data identifying policies.

It has a range of storage classes specially designed for storage of active data, infrequent data (less active data) and for the long-term data storage (inactive data).

It has much easy to use simple web server interface for storing or retrieving any data from anywhere on the web at any time.

All that it needs is to choose the region where you want your precious data to be stored on Amazon S3.

It helps to preserve, restore or retrieve each and every version of data in Amazon S3 bucket.

Google Cloud Services

After Amazon the second giant in the house is Google.

Google Cloud Services is altogether computing, storage, networking, big data, management, and machine learning services offered by Google.

All of which runs on the same infrastructure that it uses for its range of Google end-user products like Google Drive, Gmail, Google Search, Google Photos or YouTube.

Wooh! So does it mean that-- if I take Google Cloud Platform Service, my site will be on the same server as Youtube?

Yes Sure, let's continue with the other cloud service provided by Google

What is Google App Engine?

It is Platform as a Service (PaaS) offering.

Google App Engine is a cloud computing platform that provides the developers and IT experts with the app developing and web hosting services through the data centers managed by Google.

The app developers are not exposed to data centers or web servers.

It is just a simple platform to develop applications and simply write the codes in Python, Java or other languages that are supported by Google App Engine.

Also one can use a direct data storage API without taking tensions about the data centers or the database management

Google Compute Engine (GCE)

It is Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) offering.

Google Compute Engine offers high-performance virtual machines (VM) operating in the data centers of Google along with a global fiber network.

It’s tools and the workflow helps in scaling from a single server to the global level load-balanced cloud servers.

These virtual machines can also be customized and optimized as per the customer specific needs apart from the predefined VM configurations.

What is Google BigQuery?

It is Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) offering.

Google BigQuery is an enterprise data warehouse for querying and storing massive sets of data. It enables high-speed SQL queries using the power of Google Infrastructure for processing.

To have a highly scalable, cost-effective, speedy and completely managed data warehouse for the data analytics that too with an inbuilt machine learning is all about GoogleQuery.

The customers only have to move their big data into Google BigQuery and it will handle the rest.

What is G-suite?

G-suite is a complete package of the cloud-based services which provides an optimum way to collaborate online.

Here, I am not only talking about the chats or emails but also social media, video conferences, and the document collaboration in real time.

It is a brand of collaborating, increasing productivity, and cloud computing tools through the products and software developed by Google. Such as the Google+, Google Drive, Gmail or Hangouts.

What is Google Drive?

Google Drive is a versatile and optimized cloud storage service. File storage, backups, file synchronization, file sorting, document creation, and document maintenance are the highlighted services of Google Drive.’’

Taking an exhaustive long breath John closes his eyes for a couple of seconds to feel refreshed.

Taking an exhaustive long breath John closes his eyes for a couple of seconds to feel refreshed.

John senses that Eden is hesitating to ask some more question.

Don't hesitate, you have been a very good listener and I am really enjoying explaining to you.

Is there any other service provider that I should know?

Yep, there are few more popular Providers that we will discuss now.

What is Microsoft Azure?

Microsoft Azure is an extensive set of cloud services with full freedom to develop, deploy and manage applications on a global and massive network along with using your preferred frameworks and tools.

Here, the cloud services are all controlled through the data centers managed by Microsoft.

It provides SaaS, IaaS, and PaaS and completely supports different tools, programming languages, and frameworks for the third party as well as Microsoft specific systems and software.

What is Office 365?

It is a suite of business apps a service similar to G Suite offered by Microsoft.

You can access and operate the updated app versions of Excel, Word, or Powerpoint and cloud-powered emails to communicate with the co-workers or the customers.

All is stored and saved in a single drive with access to various apps and devices on the go. The teamwork tool proves best to share the files, arrange meetings, and chat smoothly with the internal teams.

What is Salesforce?

Salesforce is an on-demand cloud platform for Customer Relationship Management (CRM).

It offers cloud-based CRM applications for companies of all sizes with a focused productivity on sales and support services.

Salesforce is a suite of tools and apps for lead management, building customer loyalty, easy networking with the customers, anticipating customer preferences, and real-time business monitoring.

What is Heroku?

Now, Heroku is a Platform as a Service solution for the developers and IT experts to develop, scale, and run cloud applications along with supporting many programming languages like Java, PHP, Python, Ruby, and many more.

Heroku services are to develop apps with optimum deployment and productive runtimes. Every Heroku service is hosted in Amazon EC2.

Amazon EC2 creates infrastructure for the customers while Heroku builds the app platform for the customers with an easy to use Heroku mobile and web app services.

The customers only have to come up with a new software concept and the rest will be handled by Heroku to build a high-performance cloud platform for the customers.

What is Rackspace?

Rackspace is a cloud computing company that makes it highly easy to manage the public cloud and private cloud deployments.

This managed cloud provider has all the expertise in leading cloud platforms like AWS, OpenStack or Microsoft Azure.

Rackspace helps the customer to build applications in the cloud in a most elastic, agile and secure way possible.

What is Cisco Metapod?

It offers Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) solution by providing the production and application team with a highly programmable and production-ready IT infrastructure with full-fledged control of the cloud environment.

Cisco Metapod offers the cloud infrastructure for the public, private and hybrid cloud deployments- Whether it is to manage a big data processing, developing or launching apps, managing the cloud computing resources or handle the cloud bursting.

These were all the popular Cloud service Providers you needed to know. If you want an in-depth features of all these Service Providers, I can inbox you.

‘Okay John, can we go a bit quickly for the last few cloud computing terms?’’ asked Eden

Well, Eden! every service and every service provider has a different pricing model. But I will tell you the most common ones.

Which are the Pricing Model for Cloud Services?

Pay per use model

The customers only have to pay for the cloud computing resources and the volume of resource capacities they used.

Subscription-based model

The customers have to pay an upfront price to subscribe for access to the offered cloud services for a specific validity (period of time).

Ad-based pricing

Some cloud service providers charge for advertising based on the Cost Per Click model, many also charge for advertisements based on the Cost Per Impression model.

Okay, so these were the pricing model for cloud, now I got it.

John, is there anything else you can tell me about the cloud?

Ooo Eden, You want everything you can get for free, don't you?

Haa... Ha... I guess there is no harm in getting free knowledge, especially if it is from someone as wise as you.

It is even better if you can share the free knowledge with your friends

So, Eden, this is going to be the last set of terminologies that you need to know in order to understand any topic related to cloud

What is On-Demand Service?

It is a chief feature or a facility of cloud computing services with which the customers can provision the cloud resources during the runtime to use them at the time of spikes in market demand.

What is Elastic Computing?

Elastic Computing is the resizable cloud computing capacity. It makes the scaling of web services much easier for the application team or the developers.

Speedy scaling the computing capacity through both scaling-down and scaling-up as per the computing requirements is Elastic Computing.

What is a Distributed Cloud?

It is sharing the data across multiple cloud computing resources, systems, platforms and applications that may also be at remote places.

Distributed Cloud is the cloud computing technologies applied for interconnecting the applications and data that are served from remote places or multiple locations.

What is a Mashup?

Mashup is a web application or a web page using content from multiple sources to build one online service designed in one graphical interface.

For example, a company can combine the office photos and address with a Google map which can be called as a map mashup.

What is Service Level Agreement (SAL)?

It is a legal agreement between the client and the service provider.

This Service Level Agreement (SAL) consists of all the legal aspects for the service availability, service quality, and service responsibilities which highlight the consent of the service provider to deliver services as agreed upon in the agreement or a contract.

What is Content Delivery Network (CDN) for cloud platform?

CDN for cloud platform is geographically or globally distributed network of servers and data centers to provide high productivity in content delivery for the applications or websites.

Should we end our session here? I hope you liked this cloud computing discussion.

One Last question John.

Shoot

Now I know almost all the basic cloud computing terminologies, but If I want to develop a cloud app for my business, which company will you recommend

If you really know all the basics, you will be able to figure out the best company for your purpose. But if I have to recommend, you can check out the Cloud App Development Services provided by TRooTech.

Who is TRooTech?

They are truly what you actually need Eden -- a strong bridge between the cloud providers and the app owners with the expertise to provide solutions for the IaaS, SaaS, and PaaS.

Their main focus is always to optimally use the tools, people, money and above all your precious time.

TRooTech also provides intricate cloud solutions for database, data storage, elastic cloud computing solutions, flexible scaling of IT resources or for collaborating the virtual.

Get In Touch

More About Author

https://www.trootech.com/backendundefined

Vishal Nakum

Vishal Nakum is a tech enthusiast with a passion for exploring the latest developments in the world of technology. He has a keen interest in emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Blockchain, and enjoys keeping up-to-date with the latest trends and advancements in these fields. Vishal is an avid learner and is always on the lookout for new ways to expand his knowledge and skills. He is also a creative thinker and enjoys experimenting with new ideas and concepts. In his free time, Vishal enjoys playing video games and reading books on technology and science.