Cloud Computing
Cloud computing is now joining the league of tech innovations of this century. Although it has been around since the mid-2000s, it is only now that, aside from Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure, and Amazon Web Services, the Big 3 of cloud computing, we have seen the emergence of other competitors in the global market. Even though you may never have heard of this nomenclature, it is possible that you use cloud computing services on a daily basis. It is an ideal online solution valid for multiple personal as well as commercial purposes.
What is cloud computing?
Cloud computing is the delivery of multiple services offered by servers on the internet. The services can include storage, sharing, infrastructure, analysis, development, etc. In simple terms, it is an online IT infrastructure that is available to conduct many services online with ease, convenience, and speed that were otherwise conducted online using a lot of manual labour, physical infrastructure, and days-long time or even more.
Cloud computing is used by all business and industrial sectors in the world. With cloud computing, you can carry your work, data, and information along with you at all times. You just need a web browser or cloud computing software to access it using your unique credentials. By using cloud computing, you can ditch investing in multiple hard drives or sharing one at your workspace.All the backend functions of cloud computing are carried out by the central server that functions on the given protocols. They maintain seamless connectivity between the devices linked to cloud computing.
What are the types of cloud computing?
● Public Cloud
Public clouds are run by third-party providers who offer computing services on the internet via a browser or app. This type of cloud can be used by the government to give access to citizens to online government portals or services. One of the most recent examples of public cloud computing in India happens to be the Arogya Setu app which gives access to citizens to update their COVID-19 information and upload it on the cloud. Some other examples also include CoWin, Aarogya Setu, MyGov Saathi, Curfew ePass and COVID-19 Data Repository.
● Private Cloud
As the name suggests, private clouds are operated by single business organizations. They use them to carry out their commercial services with the clients as well as the employees. This can include facilities like online storage, sharing, calling services, software, hardware, etc. There is no third-party ownership in this private cloud.
● Hybrid Cloud
A hybrid cloud lets you merge both public and private clouds. This lets you share your data across both types of clouds. This lets organisations use multiple public clouds along with their on-premises data center.
What are the types of cloud services or models?
1. IaaS (Infrastructure as a service (IaaS)
This model of cloud computing offers an online infrastructure. In simple terms, you can rent an IT space online that offers you networks, servers, virtual machines, etc.
2. PaaS (Platform as a service (PaaS)
PaaS is a cloud computing model that makes the end-to-end process of developing, testing, and managing software or applications possible without having to lay down a fundamental infrastructure of servers, networks, or data. It is a platform that lets you create and share software in the most convenient way.
3. Serverless computing
Using serverless computing, you can build software by renting fixed units of server space. This makes it possible to develop software or apps without using physical hardware to operate a server. In fact, you can purchase a fixed number of servers as per your bandwidth requirement.
4. Software as a service (SaaS)
This model of cloud computing delivers software that you can download onto your system or provides access to applications through web portals. The backend maintenance, including solving bugs and updating software, is all taken care of by the cloud provider.
What is the future of cloud computing in India?
Cloud computing growth in India has been tremendous in terms of service as well as technical skills. Yet, one can say that this is just the beginning. The national market is rooting to employ more tech-skilled candidates to pace up the usage of cloud computing. It is a highly economical, agile, and convenient online solution that offers a platform for businesses to not just carry out their operations, store their data, or analyse their development. But it also gives them an opportunity to excel at a multifold rate.
As of 2021, SaaS has globally acquired the market segment with a 39% share. In the coming years, Paas and Iaas are expected to grow exponentially too. The future of cloud computing in India is going to peak in the coming years along with the growing demand for skilful technologists in this sector.
Cloud computing is going to play a major role in technological advancement. It’s best to start adapting now so you can reap the benefits in the future.
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