Cloud Computing –

Comprehensive Notes
Cloud computing refers to the delivery of computing services over the
internet, including storage, servers, databases, networking,
software, and more. Instead of investing in expensive physical
infrastructure, organizations and individuals can rent or subscribe to these
services from cloud providers like Amazon Web Services (AWS),
Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud.

✅ Key Characteristics of Cloud Computing:

 On-Demand Access: Resources can be used as needed.
 Scalability: Resources can be scaled up or down as required.
 Remote Accessibility: Accessible from any internet-connected
device.
 Cost Efficiency: Users only pay for what they use, reducing upfront
costs.
Types of Cloud Computing
Private Cloud
o Owned and used by a single organization.
o Higher security and control over data.
o Example: A bank setting up its own data center to handle
financial transactions.
2. Public Cloud
o Owned and managed by third-party providers, accessible via the
internet.
o Cost-effective but has privacy concerns.
o Example: Google Drive, Dropbox, Microsoft OneDrive are
public cloud storage services.
3. Hybrid Cloud…
Service
Cloud services are categorized into three main types:
Service Model Description Example
Infrastructure Provides virtualized computing resources
AWS EC2, Google
as a Service (servers, storage, networking). Users
Compute Engine
(IaaS) manage software and applications.
Google App
Platform as a Provides a development environment Engine,
Service (PaaS) with tools for building applications. Microsoft Azure
App Service
Gmail, Google
Software as a Provides ready-to-use software
Docs, Microsoft
Service (SaaS) applications over the internet.
365
✅ Example Scenario:
A company developing an AI application could:
1. Use IaaS for setting up virtual machines and data storage.
2. Use PaaS for coding, testing, and deploying the application.
3. Offer the final product as a SaaS for customers to use via a web
browser.

Advantages of Cloud Computing

(A) Cost Savings
 No need to invest in expensive physical hardware (e.g., servers).
 Pay-as-you-go pricing minimizes unnecessary expenses.
(B) Scalability and Flexibility
 Can scale up or down based on demand.
 Businesses can handle traffic spikes efficiently.
 Example: E-commerce websites scaling their cloud resources during
holiday sales.
(C) Remote Access and Collaboration
 Employees can work from anywhere.
 Example: Companies using Google Workspace or Microsoft 365 for
remote work.
(D) High Performance & Reliability
 Cloud providers have data centers with backup and redundancy.
 Ensures high uptime and fast processing speeds.
(E) Security and Disaster Recovery
 Cloud providers implement encryption, firewalls, and multi-factor
authentication.
 Example: Businesses use cloud-based backup services for disaster
recovery.

Disadvantages and Challenges of Cloud

Computing
(A) Data Security & Privacy Issues
 Public cloud providers have access to stored data, leading to privacy
concerns.
 Risk of data breaches and unauthorized access.
 Example: In 2019, Capital One faced a massive cloud data breach,
exposing 100 million customer records.
(B) Internet Dependency
 Cloud services require a stable internet connection.
 Example: A company relying on cloud-based email services (e.g.,
Gmail) may face downtime if the internet is disrupted.
(C) Limited Control
  Users rely on third-party providers for system updates, security, and
maintenance.
 Example: Businesses using Salesforce (SaaS) have no direct control
over software changes.
(D) Compliance and Legal Concerns
 Different countries have different data protection laws (e.g., GDPR
in Europe, CCPA in the U.S.).
 Organizations handling sensitive data (e.g., healthcare, finance)
must comply with strict regulations.

Real-World Applications of Cloud Computing

Industry Application Cloud Example
Healthcar Storing & managing electronic Google Cloud
e medical records Healthcare API
AWS for banking
Finance Fraud detection, risk management
solutions
Google Classroom,
Education Online learning platforms
Zoom
Entertain Netflix using AWS
Streaming services
ment Cloud
Governme Smart cities, public data Microsoft Azure for
nt management Government

✅ Case Study – Netflix:

Netflix streams videos to millions of users using AWS Cloud Services.
Instead of investing in physical servers, Netflix uses cloud computing to
handle fluctuating demand.

Summary Table of Key Differences

Feature Private Cloud Public Cloud
Owners Owned by an Owned by third-party
hip organization providers
Securit
High Moderate
y
Scalabil
Limited High
ity
Cost High setup cost Low initial cost
Exampl
Bank data center Google Drive
e
Conclusion
Cloud computing has revolutionized the way businesses, individuals, and
governments manage data and services. While it offers benefits like cost
savings, scalability, and accessibility, security and privacy concerns
remain major challenges. As technology advances, edge computing, AI-
driven cloud services, and serverless architectures will shape the
future of cloud computing.