How Cloud Computing works?

Cloud computing is a model for delivering computing resources over the internet. In this model, users can access computing resources, such as servers, storage, databases, and software applications, on a pay-per-use basis, without having to invest in and maintain their own computing infrastructure.

The basic steps of how cloud computing works.

Users access the cloud: Users access cloud computing resources through the internet using a web browser, mobile app, or other client application.

Resource allocation: When a user requests computing resources, the cloud service provider allocates those resources from its pool of available resources. This can include virtual machines, storage, and network resources.

Resource deployment: Once the resources are allocated, the cloud service provider deploys them and configures them according to the user's needs.

User access: The user can now access and use the allocated resources via the internet.

Resource scaling: Cloud computing allows for easy scaling of resources, which means that users can easily increase or decrease the amount of computing resources they need as their requirements change. This can be done automatically, through the use of auto-scaling algorithms, or manually, by the user or administrator.

Resource management: The cloud service provider is responsible for managing the computing resources, including maintenance, upgrades, and security.

Cloud computing provides users with an easy and cost-effective way to access computing resources, without having to invest in and maintain their own infrastructure. 

Cloud computing can be used in many different areas, including:

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): IaaS provides virtualized computing resources, such as servers, storage, and networking, over the internet. This allows organizations to easily scale their infrastructure up or down as needed, without having to invest in their own physical hardware.

Platform as a Service (PaaS): PaaS provides a platform for developers to build, test, and deploy their applications. This allows developers to focus on writing code, without having to worry about the underlying infrastructure.

Software as a Service (SaaS): SaaS provides access to software applications over the internet, without requiring users to install or maintain the software themselves. This can include applications for email, document management, and customer relationship management.

Big data and analytics: Cloud computing can be used to store and process large amounts of data, as well as to perform complex analytics on that data. This can be useful for businesses looking to gain insights into customer behavior, market trends, and more.

Internet of Things (IoT): Cloud computing can be used to store and process data from IoT devices, such as sensors and cameras. This can allow organizations to gain insights into the performance of their devices, as well as to develop new applications and services based on that data.

Features of Cloud Computing

Cloud computing has several key features that make it a popular choice for organizations of all sizes. Here are some of the most important features of cloud computing:

On-demand self-service: Cloud computing allows users to access computing resources on a self-service basis, without having to go through an IT department or service provider. This means that users can easily provision and configure resources as needed, without having to wait for approval or assistance.

Broad network access: Cloud computing resources are accessible over the internet, which means that users can access them from anywhere, using any device with an internet connection.

Resource pooling: Cloud computing resources are pooled together, which means that users can access a shared pool of resources, rather than having to rely on dedicated resources. This allows for more efficient resource utilization and can reduce costs.

Rapid elasticity: Cloud computing resources can be scaled up or down rapidly, depending on the needs of the user. This allows users to easily adjust their resource usage to match changing demand, without having to invest in additional infrastructure.

Measured service: Cloud computing providers typically charge users based on the amount of resources they use, which means that users only pay for what they need. This allows for more efficient resource usage and can reduce costs.

There are several companies that are widely considered to provide some of the best cloud computing services in the world. Some of them are mentioned below.

List of Top Cloud Computing Service Providers

Amazon Web Services (AWS)

 AWS is a subsidiary of Amazon that provides a wide range of cloud computing services, including IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS. AWS is one of the most popular cloud providers in the world, with a market share of around 33%.

Microsoft Azure

Azure is a cloud computing platform offered by Microsoft that provides IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS services. Azure is one of the fastest-growing cloud providers, with a market share of around 20%.

Google Cloud Platform (GCP)

GCP is a suite of cloud computing services offered by Google, including IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS. GCP is known for its strong focus on artificial intelligence and machine learning.

IBM Cloud

IBM Cloud is a cloud computing platform offered by IBM that provides IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS services. IBM Cloud is known for its strong focus on enterprise customers.

Oracle Cloud

Oracle Cloud is a cloud computing platform offered by Oracle that provides IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS services. Oracle Cloud is known for its strong focus on database services and enterprise applications.

These companies are widely regarded as some of the top providers of cloud computing services in the world, and each has its own strengths and areas of expertise.