Unit 3: Cloud Computing Management - Detailed Notes
1. Cloud Applications
- Definition:
Software and services that run on the cloud platform instead of a local
server or device.
- Benefits:
- Cost Efficiency: Eliminates upfront hardware costs and provides
pay-as-you-go pricing models.
- Accessibility: Accessible from anywhere with an internet connection,
fostering remote work and collaboration.
- Scalability: Easily scales resources up or down based on demand,
preventing over-provisioning or underutilization.
- Performance: High-performance infrastructure ensures optimal
application functionality.
- Drawbacks:
- Security Concerns: Increased risk of data breaches and unauthorized
access.
- Dependency on Connectivity: Requires a reliable internet connection for
uninterrupted service.
- Potential Downtime: Vulnerable to service outages and latency due to
network issues.
2. Managing the Cloud
- Cloud Infrastructure Management:
- Definition: The process of managing physical and virtual resources
(servers, storage, networks) used in the cloud.
- Key Activities:
- Resource provisioning and scaling.
- Monitoring hardware utilization.
- Ensuring fault tolerance and disaster recovery readiness.
- Cloud Application Management:
- Definition: Maintaining and optimizing cloud-hosted applications.
- Key Activities:
- Monitoring application performance and usage.
- Ensuring data security and compliance with standards.
- Upgrading and patching software as required.
- Application Migration to the Cloud:
- Steps:
1. Assessment: Analyze current infrastructure, applications, and
workloads.
2. Planning: Develop a migration strategy, addressing compatibility and
dependencies.
3. Execution: Move applications to the cloud while minimizing
disruptions.
4. Optimization: Test performance, integrate seamlessly, and make
improvements post-migration.
3. Cloud Deployment Models
- Private Cloud:
- Exclusive to a single organization, offering full control and security.
- Ideal for industries with strict data privacy requirements, such as finance
and healthcare.
- Outsourced Private Cloud:
- Managed and hosted by a third party but dedicated to one organization.
- Reduces in-house IT maintenance while maintaining exclusivity.
- Community Cloud:
- Shared among multiple organizations with similar objectives or regulatory
needs.
- Examples: Research institutions, government agencies.
- On-Premise Community Cloud:
- Hosted within an organization's infrastructure but shared with a specific
community.
- Provides localized control with shared benefits.
- Hybrid Cloud:
- Combines public, private, and community clouds for flexibility and
optimized cost.
- Example: Storing sensitive data in a private cloud while leveraging public
cloud for scalable workloads.
4. Cloud Service Models
- Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS):
- Definition: Delivers essential computing infrastructure like virtual servers,
storage, and networks.
- Examples: Amazon EC2, Microsoft Azure Virtual Machines.
- Advantages:
- Complete control over resources.
- Ideal for dynamic workloads.
- Platform as a Service (PaaS):
- Definition: Offers platforms and tools for developers to build, test, and
deploy applications.
- Examples: Google App Engine, Microsoft Azure App Services.
- Advantages:
- Reduces development complexity.
- Automates infrastructure management.
- Software as a Service (SaaS):
- Definition: Delivers fully functional software applications over the internet.
- Examples: Google Workspace, Dropbox, Salesforce.
- Advantages:
- No need for installation or maintenance.
- Pay-per-use pricing and immediate updates.
5. Open-Source Tools for Cloud Service Models
- IaaS Tools:
- Apache CloudStack: Simplifies deploying and managing large networks of
virtual machines.
- OpenStack: Provides scalable IaaS solutions with diverse plugins and
modules.
- PaaS Tools:
- Apache Stratos: Offers a platform for managing cloud applications with
auto-scaling and multi-tenancy features.
- SaaS Tools:
- Nextcloud: An open-source alternative for file sharing and collaboration.
- Zimbra: Cloud-hosted email and collaboration software.
