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The term cloud computing spans a range of classifications, types, and architecture models. This networked computing model has transformed how we work—you’re likely already using the cloud. But the cloud isn’t one thing—cloud computing can be categorized into three general types:
This article looks at cloud computing at the highest level by:
What is cloud computing?Cloud computing is storing or accessing programs, apps, and data via the internet—instead of directly on your computer hard drive. The most popular examples of cloud computing are Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS) and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)—most of which you can choose whether to set up in a public or private option. Cloud computing is giving rise to more as-a-service offerings including:
Any cloud service consists of client-side systems or devices (PC, tablets, etc.) that are connected to the backend data center components. The components that constitute cloud infrastructure include: The underlying infrastructure architecture can take various forms and features, including:
Individuals and companies alike both value the benefits of cloud computing, including:
Examples and use cases of cloud computingThere are some very obvious examples of cloud computing, many of you which you might already use in your personal or professional life:
What is the public cloud?The public cloud refers to the cloud computing model in which IT services are delivered via the internet. As the most popular model of cloud computing services, the public cloud offers vast choices in terms of solutions and computing resources to address the growing needs of organizations of all sizes and verticals. The defining features of a public cloud solution include:
Services on the public cloud may be free, freemium, or subscription-based, wherein you’re charged based on the computing resources you consume. The computing functionality may range from common services—email, apps, and storage—to the enterprise-grade OS platform or infrastructure environments used for software development and testing. The cloud vendor is responsible for developing, managing, and maintaining the pool of computing resources shared between multiple tenants from across the network. When to use the public cloudThe public cloud is most suitable for these types of environments:
Advantages of public cloudPeople appreciate these public cloud benefits:
Drawbacks of public cloudThe public cloud does come with limitations:
Learn more about securing your public cloud. What is the private cloud?The private cloud refers to any cloud solution dedicated for use by a single organization. In the private cloud, you’re not sharing cloud computing resources with any other organization. The data center resources may be located on-premise or operated by a third-party vendor off-site. The computing resources are isolated and delivered via a secure private network, and not shared with other customers. Private cloud is customizable to meet the unique business and security needs of the organization. With greater visibility and control into the infrastructure, organizations can operate compliance-sensitive IT workloads without compromising on the security and performance previously only achieved with dedicated on-premise data centers. When to use the private cloudThe private cloud is best suited for:
Advantages of private cloudThe most popular benefits of private cloud include:
Drawbacks of private cloudThe private cloud has drawbacks that might limit use cases:
What is hybrid cloud?The hybrid cloud is any cloud infrastructure environment that combines both public and private cloud solutions. The resources are typically orchestrated as an integrated infrastructure environment. Apps and data workloads can share the resources between public and private cloud deployment based on organizational business and technical policies around aspects like:
This is a common example of hybrid cloud: Organizations can use private cloud environments for their IT workloads and complement the infrastructure with public cloud resources to accommodate occasional spikes in network traffic. Or, perhaps you use the public cloud for workloads and data that aren’t sensitive, saving cost, but opt for the private cloud for sensitive data. As a result, access to additional computing capacity does not require the high CapEx of a private cloud environment but is delivered as a short-term IT service via a public cloud solution. The environment itself is seamlessly integrated to ensure optimum performance and scalability to changing business needs. When you do pursue a hybrid cloud, you may have another decision to make: whether to be homogeneous or heterogenous with your cloud. That is—are you using cloud services from a single vendor or from several vendors? When to use the hybrid cloudHere’s who the hybrid cloud might suit best:
Advantages of hybrid cloud
Learn more about hybrid cloud security and best practices. Drawbacks of hybrid cloudCommon drawbacks of the hybrid cloud include:
Cloud responsibility: A shared modelAs a final note, It is important to know that no matter which cloud environment you work in, your problems don’t go away. Though you’re purchasing services from third-party vendors, you still have to do your due diligence to reduce risk. This is known as shared model of cloud responsibility. Though vendors operate the IT infrastructure and control things like flexibility and agility, your organization maintains responsibility for:
Which cloud to choose?The choice between public, private, and hybrid cloud solutions depends on a variety of factors, use cases, and limitations. In the real world, this is rarely an either/or situation, especially since organizations tend to leverage all three types of cloud solutions for each’s inherent value propositions. Though you’re likely already using the cloud, it is worth developing an intentional cloud strategy in order to optimize your use of each cloud environment. Start with defining the needs of your various workloads, then prioritize them based on the pros and cons of each model. Additional resourcesFor more on cloud computing, explore the BMC Multi-Cloud Blog and these resources:
Use the BMC Helix Cloud Migration SimulatorReduce the time, complexity, and costs of cloud migrations and improve the accuracy of your planning with the BMC Helix Cloud Migration Simulator, which lets you compare the costs and resource requirements of leading service providers to evaluate and right-size workload migrations. These postings are my own and do not necessarily represent BMC's position, strategies, or opinion. See an error or have a suggestion? Please let us know by emailing . BMC Brings the A-GameBMC works with 86% of the Forbes Global 50 and customers and partners around the world to create their future. With our history of innovation, industry-leading automation, operations, and service management
solutions, combined with unmatched flexibility, we help organizations free up time and space to become an Autonomous Digital Enterprise that conquers the opportunities ahead. You may also likeAbout the author
Muhammad RazaMuhammad Raza is a Stockholm-based technology consultant working with leading startups and Fortune 500 firms on thought leadership branding projects across DevOps, Cloud, Security and IoT. Which cloud characteristics refer to ability of a subscriber to increase or decrease computing?Lock-in means which of the following? Refers to the ability of a customer To increase the computing resources in peak times without having to worry about overloading a system or having to buy additional hardware.
What are the characteristics of cloud?There are basically 5 essential characteristics of Cloud Computing.. On-demand self-services: ... . Broad network access: ... . Rapid elasticity: ... . Resource pooling: ... . Measured service:. Which cloud development model is managed by a cloud provider has an infrastructure that is off side and is accessible to the general public?Hybrid cloud In a hybrid cloud, an organization makes use of interconnected private and public cloud infrastructure. Many organizations make use of this model when they need to scale up their IT infrastructure rapidly, such as when leveraging public clouds to supplement the capacity available within a private cloud.
Which of the following characteristics of cloud computing enable its rapid elasticity to the maximum extent?Scalability and rapid elasticity
Resource pooling enables scalability for cloud providers and users because compute, storage, networking and other assets can be added or removed as needed. This helps enterprise IT teams optimize their cloud-hosted workloads and avoid end-user bottlenecks.
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