Class Notes: Introduction to Cloud Computing
Date: May 13, 2025
Instructor: Dr. Rajesh Kumar
1. Overview of Cloud Computing
Cloud computing is the delivery of computing services—including servers,
storage, databases, networking, software, and analytics—over the internet
("the cloud"). It offers faster innovation, flexible resources, and economies
of scale.
2. Key Characteristics of Cloud Computing
On-Demand Self-Service: Users can provision computing capabilities as
needed automatically without requiring human interaction with each
service provider.
Broad Network Access: Services are available over the network and
accessed through standard mechanisms that promote use by
heterogeneous thin or thick client platforms.
Resource Pooling: The provider's computing resources are pooled to serve
multiple consumers using a multi-tenant model, with different physical
and virtual resources dynamically assigned and reassigned according to
consumer demand.
Rapid Elasticity: Capabilities can be elastically provisioned and released,
in some cases automatically, to scale rapidly outward and inward
commensurate with demand.
Measured Service: Cloud systems automatically control and optimize
resource use by leveraging a metering capability at some level of
abstraction appropriate to the type of service.
3. Cloud Service Models
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): Provides virtualized computing
resources over the internet. Examples include Amazon Web Services
(AWS) EC2, Google Compute Engine, and Microsoft Azure.
Platform as a Service (PaaS): Offers hardware and software tools over the
internet, typically for application development. Examples include Google
App Engine, AWS Elastic Beanstalk, and Microsoft Azure App Services.
Software as a Service (SaaS): Delivers software applications over the
internet, on a subscription basis. Examples include Google Workspace,
Microsoft Office 365, and Salesforce.
4. Cloud Deployment Models
Public Cloud: Services are delivered over the public internet and shared
across organizations. Examples include AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google
Cloud Platform.
Private Cloud: Services are maintained on a private network and used
exclusively by a single organization. It offers greater control and security.
Hybrid Cloud: Combines public and private clouds, allowing data and
applications to be shared between them. It provides greater flexibility and
optimization of existing infrastructure, security, and compliance.
5. Benefits of Cloud Computing
Cost Efficiency: Reduces the capital expense of buying hardware and
software and setting up and running on-site datacenters.
Scalability: Easily scale resources up or down to handle varying workloads.
Performance: Major cloud services run on a worldwide network of secure
datacenters, which are upgraded to the latest generation of fast and
efficient computing hardware.
Speed and Agility: Vast amounts of computing resources can be
provisioned in minutes, giving businesses a lot of flexibility and taking the
pressure off capacity planning.
Security: Many cloud providers offer a set of policies, technologies, and
controls that strengthen security posture overall, helping protect data,
apps, and infrastructure