Key Characteristics of Cloud Computing - Comprehensive Guide

The Evolution of Cloud Computing

The evolution of cloud computing from distributed systems spans 50+ years. This idea was introduced in the 1950s. The cloud computing that we know today began with distributed systems and involves the below-mentioned technologies: 

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1. Distributed Systems:

A network of independent systems connected through a network to exchange messages, such as LAN technologies like Ethernet, telecommunication networks, and parallel processing.

• Functions: Resource sharing (data, hardware, software), open-to-all software sharing, and fault detection.
• Disadvantage: All systems need to be in the same location, overcome by Mainframe, Cluster, and Grid Computing.

2. Mainframe Computing:

Emerged in 1951, mainframe computing offered robust data handling capabilities. It was well-suited for organizations dealing with vast data sets capable of high-speed and extensive computations.

•    Services: Bulk data processing and managing large-scale hardware
•    Limitation: Cost-intensive

3. Cluster Computing:

It involves connecting multiple computers to function as a single unit. It helped with concurrent execution across interconnected nodes, enhancing performance, transparency, and speed. Cluster computing offers the flexibility to resize by adding or removing nodes to manage costs.

4. Grid Computing:

Introduced in the 1990s, it utilizes nodes in different geographical locations connected via the internet. Its unique aspect included nodes that spread across different organizations, overcoming some limitations of cluster computing but introducing challenges due to distance.

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5. Web 2.0:

It enables user-generated content sharing and collaboration through social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, etc. It brought along a blend of second-generation WWW technology with web services commonly used today.

6. Virtualization:

It originated four decades ago; it is now a prevalent IT technique. It utilizes a software layer atop hardware to offer cloud-based services to users.

7. Utility Computing:

It offers data storage services based on user, company, or business needs, allowing users to rent and utilize storage as required.

Cloud computing, emerging from this evolutionary path, incorporates various technological advancements, enabling efficient and scalable solutions for diverse businesses and industries.

Key Characteristics of Cloud Computing

Let us acknowledge what are the characteristics of Cloud Computing:

1. On-demand self-service:

Cloud providers like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud offer instant access to resources via self-service portals, revolutionizing the traditional procurement process. It enables automatic provisioning of computing services, like server time and network storage, without direct interaction with the service provider.

Developers enjoy the freedom to select necessary resources and tools, swiftly building applications within set policies.

2. Resource pooling:

Multi-tenant architectures enable cloud providers to accommodate numerous users simultaneously, abstracting workloads from the underlying hardware. 

Customers share applications or infrastructure while maintaining privacy and security, though they might not know the exact location of their resources. Custom hardware and abstraction layers enhance security and resource accessibility.

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3. Scalability and rapid elasticity:

Clouds facilitate easy addition or removal of compute, storage, and networking assets, optimizing workload performance and preventing bottlenecks.

Traditional on-premises architectures lack this flexibility, leading to idle resources during low-activity periods. Enables swift provisioning and release of cloud services, offering practically unlimited capabilities to scale based on demand. Users can engage with these resources anytime and scale usage, capacity, and costs without additional contracts or fees.

4. Pay-per-use pricing:

This characteristic shifts IT spending from capital expenses (Capex) to operational expenses (Opex) with per-second billing, emphasizing economies of scale. Careful resource management is crucial to avoid overspending, as dynamic usage demands optimization of virtual machines (VMs).

5. Measured service:

Cloud computing monitors resource utilization (e.g., VMs, storage, processing) to calculate usage, aligning with the pay-per-use model for billing transparency and efficiency.

6. Resiliency and availability:

Cloud providers employ redundancy techniques and availability zones to minimize downtime and single points of failure.

Enterprises can extend workloads across zones for added resilience, though contingency plans remain necessary.

7. Security:

Cloud vendors prioritize security, leveraging expert teams and advanced measures. However, the shared responsibility model necessitates users to manage application-level security.

Understanding the delineation between provider and user responsibilities is crucial to avoid data exposure.

8. Broad network access:

Cloud's pervasive accessibility allows data upload and retrieval from anywhere with internet access, appealing to enterprises with diverse operating systems and devices. Cloud providers monitor access metrics to ensure quality of service and adherence to service-level agreements.

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Why are Cloud Computing Characteristics Important for Professionals?

Reviewing and understanding the characteristics of cloud computing gives professionals an in-depth idea of its fundamentals. They can easily comprehend how it works as a whole. Additionally, a professional who will benefit from the perks of cloud computing will get a ‘behind-the-scenes’ by exploring the characteristics of cloud computing.

For instance, the importance of the key 5 characteristics of cloud computing for professionals is as follows:

• On-demand self-service enables professionals to manage computing resources as needed. They do not require human intervention from service providers. This characteristic allows for quick adaptation to changing business and workload requirements.
• With broad network access, professionals can access cloud services and applications from a variety of devices and locations. This again promotes remote work and collaboration. 
• Resource Pooling enables multiple customers to share physical resources using a multi-tenant model, allowing flexible assignment and reassignment based on demand.
• Rapid Elasticity enables swift provisioning and release of cloud services, offering practically unlimited capabilities to scale based on demand. Users can engage with these resources anytime and scale usage, capacity, and costs without additional contracts or fees.
• With measured service features, professionals can measure capabilities to optimize resource usage for services like storage, processing, bandwidth, and users.

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Conclusion

Cloud computing's fundamental characteristics foster agility, cost efficiency, and scalability, transforming traditional IT operations across various industries. It empowers professionals to efficiently manage and leverage advanced technology, meeting contemporary business demands. The Post Graduate Program in Cloud Computing certification by Simplilearn, developed in collaboration with CalTech CTME, will help you become an AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud expert.

FAQs about Cloud Computing

1. How does cloud computing differ from traditional computing? 

Cloud computing brings along additional perks such as cost-effectiveness, scalability, and flexibility. On the other hand, traditional computing offers more security and control.

2. What are the main benefits of cloud computing for businesses? 

Cloud computing offers several benefits, including improved performance, enhanced security, cost reduction, and better scalability. 

3. How does cloud computing contribute to environmental sustainability? 

When the cloud is located in source renewable power areas, cloud computing reduces carbon emissions by millions of metric tons and saves billions of dollars in energy costs.

4. Can cloud computing be considered secure? 

Yes, cloud computing is usually more secure than on-premise computing. Typically, cloud providers have access to greater resources for storing data securely.

5. What should I consider when selecting a cloud service provider? 

While choosing a cloud service provider, be sure to consider points such as cloud migration, scalability, API Integration, speed, and cloud data security.

6. How is cloud computing likely to evolve in the next decade?

As businesses are highly preferring cloud-based computing these days, you will acknowledge a continuous rise in hybrid and multi-cloud strategies.