Introduction to Cloud Computing:

What is the cloud: "The cloud" refers to servers that are accessed over the Internet, and the
software and databases that run on those servers. Cloud servers are in data centres all over the
world. By using cloud computing, users and companies do not have to manage physical
servers themselves or run software applications on their own machines. The cloud enables
users to access the same files and applications from almost any device, because the
computing and storage takes place on servers in a data centre, instead of locally on the user
device.
Definition of Cloud Computing: The term “Cloud Computing” refers to services provided
by the cloud that is responsible for delivering of computing services such as servers, storage,
databases, networking, software, analytics, intelligence, and more, over the Cloud (Internet).
Cloud computing applies a virtualized platform with elastic resources on demand by
provisioning hardware, software, and data sets dynamically.
Characteristics of Cloud Computing 1. Agility for organizations
2. Cost reductions, Centralization of infrastructure in locations with lower costs.
3. Device and location independence, which means no maintenance, required.
4. Pay-per-use means utilization and efficiency improvements for systems that are often only
10–20% utilized.
5. Performances are being monitored by IT experts i.e., from the service provider end
. 6. Productivity increases which results in multiple users who can work on the same data
simultaneously.
7. Time may be saved as information does not need to be re-entered when fields are matched
8. Availability improves with the use of multiple redundant sites
9. Scalability and elasticity via dynamic ("on-demand") provisioning of resources on a fine-
grained, self-service basis in near real-time without users having to engineer for peak loads.
10. Self-service interface.
11. Resources that are abstracted or virtualized
. 12. Security can improve due to centralization of data
LAYERS AND TYPES OF CLOUDS
Cloud computing services are divided into three classes, according to the abstraction level of
the capability provided and the service model of providers, namely:
1. Infrastructure as a Service,
2. Platform as a Service, and
3. Software as a Service.
Infrastructure as a Service A cloud infrastructure enables on-demand provisioning of
servers running several choices of operating systems and a customized software stack.
Infrastructure services are considered as the bottom layer of cloud computing systems.
Offering virtualized resources (computation, storage, and communication) on demand is
known as Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS). One of the best examples is Amazon Web
Services mainly offers IaaS, which in the case of its EC2 service means offering VMs with a
software stack that can be customized similar to how an ordinary physical server would be
customized.

Platform as a Service A cloud platform offers an environment on which developers create

and deploy applications and do not necessarily need to know how many processors or how
much memory that applications will be using. In addition, multiple program- ming models
and specialized services (e.g., data access, authentication, and payments) are offered as
building blocks to new applications. Google AppEngine, an example of Platform as a Service,
offers a scalable environment for developing and hosting Web applications, which should be
written in specific programming languages such as Python or Java, and use the services’ own
proprietary structured object data store.
Software as a Service Traditional desktop applications such as word processing and
spreadsheet can now be accessed as a service in the Web. This model of delivering
applications, known as Software as a Service (SaaS), alleviates the burden of software
maintenance for customers and simplifies development and testing for providers.
Salesforce.com, which relies on the SaaS model, offers business productivity applications
(CRM) that reside completely on their servers, allowing customers to customize and access
applications on demand.
Public clouds are the most common type of cloud computing deployment. The cloud
resources (like servers and storage) are owned and operated by a third-party cloud service
provider and delivered over the internet. With a public cloud, all hardware, software, and
other supporting infrastructure are owned and managed by the cloud provider. Microsoft
Azure is an example of a public cloud.

In a public cloud, you share the same hardware, storage, and network devices with other
organizations or cloud “tenants,” and you access services and manage your account using a
web browser. Public cloud deployments are frequently used to provide web-based email,
online office applications, storage, and testing and development environments.

Advantages of public clouds:

 Lower costs—no need to purchase hardware or software, and you pay only for the
service you use.
 No maintenance—your service provider provides the maintenance.
 Near-unlimited scalability—on-demand resources are available to meet your
business needs.
 High reliability—a vast network of servers ensures against failure.

A private cloud consists of cloud computing resources used exclusively by one business or
organization. The private cloud can be physically located at your organization’s on-site
datacenter, or it can be hosted by a third-party service provider. But in a private cloud, the
services and infrastructure are always maintained on a private network and the hardware and
software are dedicated solely to your organization.

In this way, a private cloud can make it easier for an organization to customize its resources
to meet specific IT requirements. Private clouds are often used by government agencies,
financial institutions, any other mid- to large-size organizations with business-critical
operations seeking enhanced control over their environment.

Advantages of a private cloud:

 More flexibility—your organization can customize its cloud environment to meet

specific business needs.
 More control—resources are not shared with others, so higher levels of control and
privacy are possible.
 More scalability—private clouds often offer more scalability compared to on-
premises infrastructure.

A hybrid cloud platform gives organizations many advantages—such as greater flexibility,

more deployment options, security, compliance, and getting more value from their existing
infrastructure. When computing and processing demand fluctuates, hybrid cloud computing
gives businesses the ability to seamlessly scale up their on-premises infrastructure to the
public cloud to handle any overflow—without giving third-party datacenters access to the
entirety of their data.
Advantages of the hybrid cloud:

 Control—your organization can maintain a private infrastructure for sensitive assets

or workloads that require low latency.
 Flexibility—you can take advantage of additional resources in the public cloud when
you need them.
 Cost-effectiveness—with the ability to scale to the public cloud, you pay for extra
computing power only when needed.
 Ease—transitioning to the cloud doesn’t have to be overwhelming because you can
migrate gradually—phasing in workloads over time.
DESIRED FEATURES OF A CLOUD: Certain features of a cloud are essential to enable
services that truly represent the cloud-computing model and satisfy expectations of
consumers, and cloud offerings must be having following features:
1. Self-service
2. Per-usage metered and billed
3. Elastic,
4. Customizable.
The following are the features that are explained in detail. 13 1. Self-Service Consumers of
cloud computing services expect on-demand, nearly instant access to resources. To support
this expectation, clouds must allow self-service access so that customers can request,
customize, pay, and use services without intervention of human operators.
2. Per-Usage Metering and Billing: Cloud computing eliminates up-front commitment by
users, allowing them to request and use only the necessary amount. Services must be priced
on a shortterm basis (e.g., by the hour), allowing users to release (and not pay for) resources
as soon as they are not needed. For these reasons, clouds must implement features to allow
efficient trading of service such as pricing, accounting, and billing. Metering should be done
accordingly for different types of service (e.g., storage, processing, and bandwidth) and usage
promptly reported, thus providing greater transparency.
3. Elasticity Cloud computing gives the illusion of infinite computing resources available
on demand. Therefore, users expect clouds to rapidly provide resources in any quantity at any
time. In particular, it is expected that the additional resources can be (a) provisioned, possibly
automatically, when an application load increases and (b) released when load decreases (scale
up and down).
4. Customization :In a multi-tenant cloud a great disparity between user needs is often the
case. Thus, resources rented from the cloud must be highly customizable. In the case of
infrastructure services, customization means allowing users to deploy specialized virtual
appliances and to be given privileged (root) access to the virtual servers. Other service classes
(PaaS and SaaS) offer less flexibility and are not suitable for general-purpose computing, but
still are expected to provide a certain level of customization.
Benefits of cloud computing

Cost: It lowers the high upfront expenses associated with purchasing software and hardware.

Speed: With just a few clicks, resources can be accessed in a matter of minutes.

Scalability: Depending on the needs of the business, we can adjust the amount of resources
needed.

Productivity: We used less operational effort when we used cloud computing. Patching is
not necessary, and neither is software and hardware maintenance. Thus, the IT team can
concentrate on accomplishing business objectives and be more productive.

Reliability: For business continuity, data backup and recovery are quick and inexpensive.
protection: A wide range of technologies, rules, and controls are provided by numerous
cloud providers, which improve the protection of our data.

Disadvantages of cloud computing

Despite its many advantages, cloud computing is not without its issues. You should be aware
of these if you're considering moving your business into the cloud.

Cloud security and data

Most cloud service providers implement relevant security standards and industry
certifications to ensure that their cloud environment remains safe. However, storing data and
business-critical files in virtual data centres can potentially open you up to risks.

Common risks are:

 data loss or theft

 data leakage
 account or service hijacking
 insecure interfaces and APIs
 denial of service attacks
 technology vulnerabilities, especially in shared environments
Cloud downtime
The cloud, like any other IT set-up, can experience technical problems such as reboots,
network outages and downtime. These events can incapacitate business operations and
processes, and can be damaging to business.

Limited control
The cloud service provider owns, manages and monitors the cloud infrastructure. You, as the
customer, will have minimal control over it. You will be able to manage the applications, data
and services operated on the cloud, but you won't normally have access to key administrative
tasks, such as updating and managing firmware or accessing server shell.

Artificial intelligence, Machine learning, applications in real world:

Machine learning (ML) is defined as a discipline of artificial intelligence (AI) that provides

machines the ability to automatically learn from data and past experiences to identify
patterns and make predictions with minimal human intervention. This article explains the

fundamentals of machine learning, its types, and the top five applications. It also shares the

top 10 machine learning trends

Types of Machine Learning

Machine learning algorithms can be trained in many ways, with each method having its pros
and cons. Based on these methods and ways of learning, machine learning is broadly
categorized into four main types:

Types of Machine Learning

1. Supervised machine learning

This type of ML involves supervision, where machines are trained on labeled datasets and
enabled to predict outputs based on the provided training. The labeled dataset specifies that
some input and output parameters are already mapped. Hence, the machine is trained with the
input and corresponding output. A device is made to predict the outcome using the test
dataset in subsequent phases.
For example, consider an input dataset of parrot and crow images. Initially, the machine is
trained to understand the pictures, including the parrot and crow’s color, eyes, shape, and
size. Post-training, an input picture of a parrot is provided, and the machine is expected to
identify the object and predict the output. The trained machine checks for the various features
of the object, such as color, eyes, shape, etc., in the input picture, to make a final prediction.
This is the process of object identification in supervised machine learning.
The primary objective of the supervised learning technique is to map the input variable (a)
with the output variable (b). Supervised machine learning is further classified into two broad
categories:

 Classification: These refer to algorithms that address classification problems

where the output variable is categorical; for example, yes or no, true or false,

male or female, etc. Real-world applications of this category are evident in

spam detection and email filtering.

Some known classification algorithms include the Random Forest Algorithm, Decision Tree
Algorithm, Logistic Regression Algorithm, and Support Vector Machine Algorithm.

 Regression: Regression algorithms handle regression problems where input and

output variables have a linear relationship. These are known to predict

continuous output variables. Examples include weather prediction, market trend

analysis, etc.
Popular regression algorithms include the Simple Linear Regression Algorithm, Multivariate
Regression Algorithm, Decision Tree Algorithm, and Lasso Regression.

2. Unsupervised machine learning

Unsupervised learning refers to a learning technique that’s devoid of supervision. Here, the
machine is trained using an unlabeled dataset and is enabled to predict the output without any
supervision. An unsupervised learning algorithm aims to group the unsorted dataset based on
the input’s similarities, differences, and patterns.
For example, consider an input dataset of images of a fruit-filled container. Here, the images
are not known to the machine learning model. When we input the dataset into the ML model,
the task of the model is to identify the pattern of objects, such as color, shape, or differences
seen in the input images and categorize them. Upon categorization, the machine then predicts
the output as it gets tested with a test dataset.
Unsupervised machine learning is further classified into two types:
  Clustering: The clustering technique refers to grouping objects into clusters

based on parameters such as similarities or differences between objects. For

example, grouping customers by the products they purchase.

Some known clustering algorithms include the K-Means Clustering Algorithm, Mean-Shift
Algorithm, DBSCAN Algorithm, Principal Component Analysis, and Independent
Component Analysis.

 Association: Association learning refers to identifying typical relations

between the variables of a large dataset. It determines the dependency of

various data items and maps associated variables. Typical applications include

web usage mining and market data analysis.

Popular algorithms obeying association rules include the Apriori Algorithm, Eclat Algorithm,
and FP-Growth Algorithm.

3. Semi-supervised learning
Semi-supervised learning comprises characteristics of both supervised and unsupervised
machine learning. It uses the combination of labeled and unlabeled datasets to train its
algorithms. Using both types of datasets, semi-supervised learning overcomes the drawbacks
of the options mentioned above.
Consider an example of a college student. A student learning a concept under a teacher’s
supervision in college is termed supervised learning. In unsupervised learning, a student self-
learns the same concept at home without a teacher’s guidance. Meanwhile, a student revising
the concept after learning under the direction of a teacher in college is a semi-supervised
form of learning.

4. Reinforcement learning
Reinforcement learning is a feedback-based process. Here, the AI component automatically
takes stock of its surroundings by the hit & trial method, takes action, learns from
experiences, and improves performance. The component is rewarded for each good action
and penalized for every wrong move. Thus, the reinforcement learning component aims to
maximize the rewards by performing good actions.
Unlike supervised learning, reinforcement learning lacks labeled data, and the agents learn
via experiences only.

Popular Machine Learning Applications and Examples

1. Social Media Features

Social media platforms use machine learning algorithms and approaches to create some
attractive and excellent features. For instance, Facebook notices and records your activities,
chats, likes, and comments, and the time you spend on specific kinds of posts. Machine
learning learns from your own experience and makes friends and page suggestions for your
profile.
2. Product Recommendations

Product recommendation is one of the most popular and known applications of machine
learning. Product recommendation is one of the stark features of almost every e-commerce
website today, which is an advanced application of machine learning techniques.
Using machine learning and AI, websites track your behavior based on your previous
purchases, searching patterns, and cart history, and then make product recommendations.
3. Image Recognition

Image recognition, which is an approach for cataloging and detecting a feature or an object in
the digital image, is one of the most significant and notable machine learning and AI
techniques. This technique is being adopted for further analysis, such as pattern recognition,
face detection, and face recognition.
4. Sentiment Analysis

Sentiment analysis is one of the most necessary applications of machine learning. Sentiment
analysis is a real-time machine learning application that determines the emotion or opinion of
the speaker or the writer. For instance, if someone has written a review or email (or any form
of a document), a sentiment analyzer will instantly find out the actual thought and tone of the
text. This sentiment analysis application can be used to analyze a review based website,
decision-making applications, etc.
5. Automating Employee Access Control

Organizations are actively implementing machine learning algorithms to determine the level
of access employees would need in various areas, depending on their job profiles. This is one
of the coolest applications of machine learning.

6. Marine Wildlife Preservation

Machine learning algorithms are used to develop behavior models for endangered cetaceans
and other marine species, helping scientists regulate and monitor their populations.

7. Regulating Healthcare Efficiency and Medical Services

Significant healthcare sectors are actively looking at using machine learning algorithms to
manage better. They predict the waiting times of patients in the emergency waiting rooms
across various departments of hospitals. The models use vital factors that help define the
algorithm, details of staff at various times of day, records of patients, and complete logs of
department chats and the layout of emergency rooms. Machine learning algorithms also come
to play when detecting a disease, therapy planning, and prediction of the disease situation.
This is one of the most necessary machine learning applications.
8. Predict Potential Heart Failure

An algorithm designed to scan a doctor’s free-form e-notes and identify patterns in a patient’s
cardiovascular history is making waves in medicine. Instead of a physician digging through
multiple health records to arrive at a sound diagnosis, redundancy is now reduced with
computers making an analysis based on available information.

9. Banking Domain

Banks are now using the latest advanced technology machine learning has to offer to help
prevent fraud and protect accounts from hackers. The algorithms determine what factors to
consider to create a filter to keep harm at bay. Various sites that are unauthentic will be
automatically filtered out and restricted from initiating transactions.

10. Language Translation

One of the most common machine learning applications is language translation. Machine
learning plays a significant role in the translation of one language to another. We are amazed
at how websites can translate from one language to another effortlessly and give contextual
meaning as well. The technology behind the translation tool is called ‘machine translation.’ It
has enabled people to interact with others from all around the world; without it, life would
not be as easy as it is now. It has provided confidence to travelers and business associates to
safely venture into foreign lands with the conviction that language will no longer be a barrier.

What is AI?
Artificial intelligence (AI) is technology that enables computers and machines to simulate
human learning, comprehension, problem solving, decision making, creativity and autonomy.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is the theory and development of computer systems capable of
performing tasks that historically required human intelligence, such as recognizing speech,
making decisions, and identifying patterns. AI is an umbrella term that encompasses a wide
variety of technologies, including machine learning, deep learning, and natural language
processing (NLP).

A simple way to think about AI is as a series of nested or derivative concepts that have
emerged over more than 70 years:
Benefits of AI

AI offers numerous benefits across various industries and applications. Some of the most
commonly cited benefits include:

 Automation of repetitive tasks.

 More and faster insight from data.
 Enhanced decision-making.
 Fewer human errors.
 24x7 availability.
 Reduced physical risks.

Artificial Intelligence Applications

Here is the list of the top 24 applications of AI:

1. E-Commerce

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has revolutionized the e-commerce industry by enhancing

customers' shopping experiences and optimizing businesses' operations. AI-powered
recommendation engines analyze customer behavior and preferences to suggest products,
leading to increased sales and customer satisfaction. Additionally, AI-driven chatbots provide
instant customer support, resolving queries and guiding shoppers through their purchasing
journey.

Example

Amazon uses AI to recommend products to its users based on their browsing history, past
purchases, and preferences. This personalization boosts engagement and sales by showing
customers items they are more likely to buy.

2. Education

The next AI application is it's use in the betterment of education! AI in education is

transforming how students learn and how educators teach. Adaptive learning platforms use
AI to customize educational content based on each student’s strengths and weaknesses,
ensuring a personalized learning experience. AI can also automate administrative tasks,
allowing educators to focus more on teaching and less on paperwork.

Example

Platforms like Simplilearn use AI algorithms to offer course recommendations and provide
personalized feedback to students, enhancing their learning experience and outcomes.

3. Lifestyle

The next AI application is a common one, i.e., AI in lifestyle. AI is integrated into various
lifestyle applications, from personal assistants like Siri and Alexa to smart home devices.
These technologies simplify daily tasks, offer entertainment options, manage schedules, and
even control home appliances, making life more convenient and efficient.

Example

Smart thermostats like Nest use AI to learn homeowners' temperature preferences and
schedule patterns and automatically adjust settings for optimal comfort and energy savings.
4. Navigation

AI significantly improves navigation systems, making travel safer and more efficient.
Advanced algorithms process real-time traffic data, weather conditions, and historical
patterns to provide accurate and timely route suggestions. AI also powers autonomous
vehicles, which use sensors and machine learning to navigate roads and avoid obstacles.

Example

Google Maps utilizes AI to analyze traffic conditions and provide the fastest routes, helping
drivers save time and reduce fuel consumption.

5. Robotics

AI enhances robots' capabilities, enabling them to perform complex tasks precisely and
efficiently. In industries like manufacturing, AI-powered robots can work alongside humans,
handling repetitive or dangerous tasks, thus increasing productivity and safety.

Example

In automotive manufacturing, AI-driven robots are used for assembling parts, painting, and
quality control, significantly speeding up production and ensuring high-quality output.

6. Natural Language Processing

Natural Language Processing (NLP) is an AI field focusing on interactions between

computers and humans through natural language. NLP enables machines to understand,
interpret, and generate human language, facilitating applications like translation, sentiment
analysis, and voice-activated assistants.

Example

Grammarly uses NLP to analyze text for grammatical errors, style improvements, and clarity
suggestions, helping users enhance their writing quality.
7. Computer Vision

Computer vision involves using AI to interpret and process visual information from the world
around us. It enables machines to recognize objects, people, and activities in images and
videos, leading to security, healthcare, and autonomous vehicle applications.

Example

Self-driving cars use computer vision to detect and respond to obstacles, traffic signals, and
pedestrians, ensuring safe navigation.

8. Face Recognition

Face recognition technology uses AI to identify and verify individuals based on facial
features. This technology is widely used in security systems, access control, and personal
device authentication, providing a convenient and secure way to confirm identity.

Example

Apple's Face ID technology uses face recognition to unlock iPhones and authorize payments,
offering a secure and user-friendly authentication method.

9. Human Resource

AI in human resources streamlines recruitment by automating resume screening, scheduling

interviews, and conducting initial candidate assessments. AI tools can analyze job
descriptions and match them with candidate profiles to find the best fit.

Example

Companies like IBM use AI-powered platforms to analyze resumes and identify the most
suitable candidates, significantly reducing the time and effort involved in the hiring process.

10. AI in Healthcare
One of the critical AI applications is its integration with the healthcare and medical field. AI
transforms healthcare by improving diagnostics, personalizing treatment plans, and
optimizing patient care. AI algorithms can analyze medical images, predict disease outbreaks,
and assist in drug discovery, enhancing the overall quality of healthcare services.

Example

IBM Watson Health uses AI to analyze vast amounts of medical data, assisting doctors in
diagnosing diseases and recommending personalized treatment plans.

11. Agriculture

AI applications help optimize farming practices, increase crop yields, and ensure sustainable
resource use. AI-powered drones and sensors can monitor crop health, soil conditions, and
weather patterns, providing valuable insights to farmers.

Example

Precision agriculture platforms use AI to analyze data from sensors and drones, helping
farmers make informed irrigation, fertilization, and pest control decisions.

12. Gaming

Another notable AI application is gaming. AI significantly impacts the gaming industry,

creating more realistic and engaging experiences. AI algorithms can generate intelligent
behavior in non-player characters (NPCs), adapt to player actions, and enhance game
environments.

Example

In games like "The Last of Us Part II," AI-driven NPCs exhibit realistic behaviors, making
the gameplay more immersive and challenging for players.

13. Automobiles
AI is at the forefront of the automotive industry, powering advancements in autonomous
driving, predictive maintenance, and in-car personal assistants. AI systems can process data
from sensors and cameras to navigate roads, avoid collisions, and provide real-time traffic
updates.

Example

Tesla's Autopilot uses AI to enable semi-autonomous driving, assisting with tasks such as
lane-keeping, adaptive cruise control, and parking.

14. Social Media

AI enhances social media platforms by personalizing content feeds, detecting fake news, and
improving user engagement. AI algorithms analyze user behavior to recommend relevant
posts, ads, and connections.

Example

Facebook uses AI to curate personalized news feeds, showing users content that aligns with
their interests and engagement patterns.

15. Marketing

AI in marketing helps businesses understand customer behavior, optimize campaigns, and

deliver personalized experiences. AI tools can analyze data to identify trends, segment
audiences, and automate content delivery.

Example

Email marketing platforms like Mailchimp use AI to analyze customer interactions and
optimize email campaigns for better engagement and conversion rates.

16. Chatbots
AI-powered chatbots provide instant customer support, answering queries and assisting with
tasks around the clock. These chatbots can handle various interactions, from simple FAQs to
complex customer service issues.

Example

Many e-commerce websites use chatbots to assist customers with their shopping experience,
answering questions about products, orders, and returns.

17. Finance

AI in the banking and finance industry has helped improve risk management, fraud detection,
and investment strategies. AI algorithms can analyze financial data to identify patterns and
make predictions, helping businesses and individuals make informed decisions.

Example

Robo-advisors like Betterment use AI to provide personalized investment advice and

portfolio management, making financial planning accessible to a wider audience.

18. Astronomy

Next up on the list of AI applications is astronomy. AI aids astronomers in analyzing vast

amounts of data, identifying celestial objects, and discovering new phenomena. AI algorithms
can process data from telescopes and satellites, automating the detection and classification of
astronomical objects.

Example

NASA uses AI to analyze data from the Kepler Space Telescope, helping to discover
exoplanets by identifying subtle changes in star brightness.

19. Data Security

AI enhances data security by detecting and responding to cyber threats in real-time. AI
systems can monitor network traffic, identify suspicious activities, and automatically mitigate
risks.

Example

AI-powered cybersecurity platforms like Darktrace use machine learning to detect and
respond to potential cyber threats, protecting organizations from data breaches and attacks.

20. Travel and Transport

AI optimizes travel and transport by improving route planning, managing traffic flow, and
enhancing passenger experiences. AI-powered systems can analyze data to predict delays,
optimize schedules, and provide real-time updates to travelers.

Example

Airlines use AI to predict flight delays based on various factors such as weather conditions
and air traffic, allowing them to manage schedules and inform passengers proactively.

21. Automotive Industry

AI is revolutionizing the automotive industry with advancements in autonomous vehicles,

predictive maintenance, and in-car assistants. AI systems can process data from sensors and
cameras to navigate roads, avoid collisions, and provide real-time traffic updates.

Example

Tesla's Autopilot uses AI to enable semi-autonomous driving, assisting with tasks such as
lane-keeping, adaptive cruise control, and parking.