Introduction to Cloud Computing

Key Characteristics

Cloud computing is characterized by several key features:

On-demand self-service: Users can provision computing resources as needed without requiring human intervention.
Broad network access: Cloud services are accessible over the internet from a variety of devices.
Resource pooling: Computing resources are pooled to serve multiple users, with resources dynamically assigned and reassigned according to demand.
Rapid elasticity: Cloud services can scale up or down rapidly to accommodate changes in demand.
Measured service: Cloud computing resources are metered, enabling users to pay only for the resources they use.

Cloud computing offers various service models to meet different user needs:

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): IaaS provides virtualized computing resources over the internet. Users can rent servers, storage, and networking infrastructure on a pay-as-you-go basis.
Platform as a Service (PaaS): PaaS offers a platform allowing customers to develop, run, and manage applications without the complexity of building and maintaining the underlying infrastructure.
Software as a Service (SaaS): SaaS delivers software applications over the internet on a subscription basis. Users can access software applications hosted by the provider without worrying about installation, maintenance, or updates.

Several major cloud service providers offer a wide range of cloud services: