Introduction to Cloud Computing

What is Cloud Computing?
 Cloud is just a metaphor for the internet, when we say cloud, we are just referring to the internet.
 In the simplest terms, cloud computing means storing and accessing data and programs over the Internet
instead of our local computer's hard drive.
 The phrase cloud computing means "a type of Internet-based computing" where different services — such
as servers, storage, and applications — are delivered to an organization's computers and devices through
the Internet.
 Cloud Computing refers to a variety of services available over the Internet that deliver computing
functionality on the service provider's infrastructure. One has to just rent it to use the same.
 The computing services offered tend to vary by the cloud provider. However, typically they include:
 Compute power - such as Windows and Linux virtual machines
 Storage - such as object storage
 Applications - such as NoSQL or SQL database applications
 Networking - such as setting up virtual networks for your virtual machines
 Analytics - such as visualizing telemetry, and performance data
 A cloud computing service consists of highly optimized data centers (third-party data centers from the end
user's point of view), that provide various hardware, software, and information resources (when needed).
 Cloud platforms hide the complexity and details of the underlying infrastructure from users and applications
by providing a very simple graphical interface or API (Applications Programming Interface)