This topic delves into the ins and outs of cloud computing, explaining what it is, how it works, and more. Over the past decade, cloud computing has become a mainstay in our lives as numerous consumer-focused cloud solutions help us in our everyday tasks. However, what we see on the surface is only a fraction of what truly lies beneath.



Cloud computing involves delivering computing services on demand through a network from a remote data center. These services can encompass storage, processing power, virtual machines, specialized services, applications, and more. Essentially, it's like renting out portions of an advanced computer to remote users, depending on their needs.

To make this possible, software is needed to create VMs and remotely accessible operating systems for customers who need processing power. For customers who simply require storage, a simple frontend application like Dropbox may suffice to avoid wasting resources on your system. To make this process more efficient, APIs can be created so that each customer doesn't require a separate operating system, which saves costs and improves efficiency. As a cloud provider, you specialize your system to offer very precise parts that can be rented out to customers with various needs.

Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) is a finished product that can be accessed from anywhere and is the most well-known form of cloud computing. YouTube, Google Docs, Dropbox, and Netflix are just a few examples of SaaS.

Cloud computing is incredibly flexible and can be used for a wide range of purposes, which is why there are several deployment models available. The public cloud makes the cloud accessible to everyone, while the private cloud is specialized for a single customer, granting flexibility, control, and security. A hybrid cloud combines at least one public and private cloud, while a multicloud combines multiple cloud services for different purposes. A community cloud targets a specific community and a few organizations.

Cloud computing first emerged in the 1950s for military purposes and the idea of selling computing like water or electricity was introduced in the 1960s. However, it took many years for the technology to catch up, and it wasn't until the late 1990s that websites began servicing their own content directly from their servers. As internet access improved, people and companies wanted to provide storage services, computing services, and software, but traditional server maintenance was too much of a hassle.

Cloud computing is the process of providing computing resources through the internet on demand. The resources available include servers, software, storage systems, data transmission networks, and platform services. Cloud service providers distribute these resources to different customers who receive the required pool of capacities or services, which are scalable if needed.

Financially, cloud computing is convenient for consumers because there are no capital costs for equipment and premises - only operational costs. Consumers pay for only the amount of resources used or the allocated amount of resources for a specific period. Additionally, resources can be increased or decreased as needed.

The global market for public cloud services is growing each year, according to Gartner. In 2021, the market is expected to reach $308.5 billion, a $40 billion increase from 2020 and a $90 billion increase from 2019. Cloud computing has also become a necessary catalyst for innovation for businesses, according to analysts from Gartner. In 2021, more than half of international companies are expected to adopt a comprehensive cloud strategy.

Cloud computing is used in various industries, including software development, IoT projects, and big data analysis, among others. The advantages of cloud computing include reduced burden on IT specialists, quick deployment of infrastructure and services, and the ability to scale resources quickly.

Experts believe that the future of cloud computing lies in a multi-cloud or hybrid cloud model. With the growing popularity of public clouds and containerized applications, companies are expected to use multiple clouds from different vendors at the same time.

Cloud computing deployment models include public cloud, private cloud, hybrid cloud, and community cloud.
Public cloud services are provided over the internet and are available to anyone who wants to use or purchase them. This model offers scalability and cost-effectiveness, making it suitable for small to medium-sized businesses with fluctuating workloads.

Private cloud services are dedicated to a single organization and are maintained on a private network. This model provides greater control and security, making it ideal for industries with strict data privacy and compliance requirements, such as finance and healthcare.

Hybrid cloud deployment combines public and private cloud services, allowing data and applications to be shared between them. It offers flexibility and the ability to scale resources based on demand, making it attractive for organizations with varying workloads.

Community cloud involves shared infrastructure that is designed for exclusive use by a specific community of consumers from organizations that have shared concerns, such as mission, security requirements, policy, and compliance considerations.

Each deployment model has its advantages and considerations, and as a cloud computing engineer, it's essential to understand these distinctions in order to design, implement, and maintain cloud solutions that best meet the needs of different organizations.