Cloud Computing Guide
Explore the world of cloud platforms, services, and deployment models that power modern digital infrastructure.
Introduction to Cloud Computing
Cloud computing is the delivery of computing services—including servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics, and intelligence—over the Internet ("the cloud") to offer faster innovation, flexible resources, and economies of scale.
What is Cloud Computing?
Cloud computing enables organizations to consume computing resources as a utility - just like electricity - rather than having to build and maintain computing infrastructures in-house.
This model offers ways to increase capacity or add capabilities on the fly without investing in new infrastructure, training new personnel, or licensing new software.
Key Characteristics
- On-demand self-service provisioning
- Broad network access from anywhere
- Resource pooling across multiple customers
- Rapid elasticity to scale with demand
- Measured service with pay-as-you-go pricing
Cloud Service Models
The three main service models that define how cloud resources are provided to users
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
Virtual computing resources over the internet
Provides virtualized computing resources like virtual machines, storage, and networks. You manage the operating systems and applications.
Examples:
- AWS EC2
- Azure Virtual Machines
- Google Compute Engine
Platform as a Service (PaaS)
Development and deployment environment in the cloud
Provides platforms for developing, running, and managing applications without the complexity of building and maintaining infrastructure.
Examples:
- Heroku
- Google App Engine
- AWS Elastic Beanstalk
Software as a Service (SaaS)
Complete applications delivered over the web
Delivers software applications over the internet, on a subscription basis. The provider manages everything, you just use the software.
Examples:
- Salesforce
- Microsoft 365
- Google Workspace
Benefits of Cloud Computing
Key advantages that make cloud computing a compelling choice for modern businesses
Cost Efficiency
Pay only for what you use with reduced capital expenses
Scalability
Easily scale resources up or down based on demand
Reliability
Redundant systems across multiple availability zones
Global Reach
Deploy applications close to users around the world
Security
Enterprise-grade security and compliance capabilities
Innovation
Access to latest technologies without major investment
Major Cloud Providers
Comparing the leading cloud platforms in the industry
Common Cloud Services
Essential service categories available across major cloud providers
Compute
Common Examples
Provider Services
- EC2 (AWS)
- Virtual Machines (Azure)
- Compute Engine (GCP)
Storage
Common Examples
Provider Services
- S3 (AWS)
- Blob Storage (Azure)
- Cloud Storage (GCP)
Networking
Common Examples
Provider Services
- VPC (AWS)
- Virtual Network (Azure)
- VPC (GCP)
Databases
Common Examples
Provider Services
- RDS (AWS)
- Azure SQL
- Cloud SQL (GCP)
Security
Common Examples
Provider Services
- IAM (AWS)
- Azure Active Directory
- Cloud IAM (GCP)
Analytics
Common Examples
Provider Services
- Redshift (AWS)
- Synapse Analytics (Azure)
- BigQuery (GCP)
Key Cloud Concepts
Important concepts and principles to understand in cloud computing
Ready to Start Your Cloud Journey?
Explore our learning paths and resources to build your cloud computing skills