Cloud Computing Fundamentals: Services, Models, and Benefits

Posted on Sep 1, 2025 in Communications Electronic Engineering

What is Cloud Computing?

Cloud computing is the delivery of computing services—including servers, storage, databases, networking, software, and more—over the internet (the cloud). It offers faster innovation, flexible resources, and economies of scale. Users access these resources on-demand, paying only for what they use. This eliminates the need for maintaining physical infrastructure, reduces costs, and enhances scalability and security.

Types of Cloud Computing

There are three main types of cloud computing:

  • Public Cloud: Shared and managed by third-party providers (e.g., AWS, Google Cloud).
  • Private Cloud: Used exclusively by one organization, offering more security and control.
  • Hybrid Cloud: Combines both public and private clouds, allowing data and applications to be shared between them for flexibility.

Cloud Computing Models

Cloud computing is categorized into three models:

  • IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service): Provides virtualized hardware over the internet (e.g., AWS EC2).
  • PaaS (Platform as a Service): Offers a platform with tools and services to develop applications without managing underlying infrastructure (e.g., Google App Engine).
  • SaaS (Software as a Service): Delivers fully managed software applications over the internet (e.g., Gmail, Dropbox).

Advantages and Disadvantages of Cloud Computing

Advantages: Cost-efficient, scalable, flexible, disaster recovery, accessibility from anywhere, and automatic updates.

Disadvantages: Security risks, downtime, internet dependency, limited control over infrastructure, and potential vendor lock-in.

SaaS vs. PaaS

SaaS (Software as a Service) provides fully managed applications over the cloud (e.g., Gmail, Zoom). It is designed for end-users.

PaaS (Platform as a Service) offers a development environment with tools and services to build applications without managing the underlying infrastructure (e.g., Heroku, Google App Engine). It is designed for developers.

Hybrid Cloud vs. Private Cloud

Hybrid Cloud combines both public and private clouds, allowing businesses to use both for better flexibility and scalability.

Private Cloud is dedicated to a single organization, providing enhanced security and control, making it ideal for sensitive data and compliance requirements.

Types of Virtualization

Virtualization enables multiple virtual instances on a single physical machine. Key types include:

  • Server Virtualization (e.g., VMware, Hyper-V)
  • Storage Virtualization (e.g., SAN storage)
  • Network Virtualization (e.g., SDN)
  • Desktop Virtualization (e.g., VDI)
  • Application Virtualization (e.g., Citrix)

Cloud Computing Architecture

Cloud computing architecture comprises:

  • Front-end: User interface and web browsers.
  • Back-end: Servers, storage, and databases.
  • Cloud-based Delivery Model: IaaS, PaaS, SaaS.

It integrates virtualization, automation, and security layers to deliver efficient, scalable, and secure cloud services.