Discover the fundamentals of cloud computing, understand NIST essential characteristics, explore deployment models, and learn how cloud transforms modern IT infrastructure.
Crafted with care by Venu Vallepu
After completing this session, you'll be able to:
Cloud computing is like having a powerful computer and all the software you need, but instead of owning it, you access it through the internet, just like streaming movies on Netflix instead of buying DVDs. It's the on-demand delivery of computing services over the internet with pay-for-what-you-use pricing.
You buy all ingredients, cook everything yourself, clean up, and handle maintenance. You own everything but do all the work.
You order what you need, pay for what you consume, and someone else handles cooking, serving, and cleanup.
Just like a restaurant bill - you only pay for what you order and consume, not for the kitchen or equipment.
Buy servers, software, and infrastructure before you use them
Hardware maintenance, security updates, backup, disaster recovery
Takes weeks or months to add capacity
No upfront costs, pay only for what you consume
Provider handles hardware, maintenance, security, updates
Scale up or down within minutes or seconds
Cloud computing is on-demand delivery of computing services (servers, storage, databases, networking, software) over the internet with pay-for-what-you-use pricing.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) defines five essential characteristics that make something truly "cloud computing." Think of these as the checklist that determines if a service qualifies as genuine cloud computing.
Get what you need, when you need it
Users can automatically provision computing capabilities as needed without requiring human interaction with service providers.
Like using an ATM - get money 24/7 without talking to a bank teller. In Azure, create a virtual machine instantly through the portal.
Access from anywhere with internet
Services are available over the network and accessed through standard mechanisms from various devices.
Like accessing Gmail from your phone, tablet, or computer. Azure can be accessed from any device through a web browser.
Shared resources for cost efficiency
Provider's computing resources are pooled and shared among multiple customers with dynamic assignment.
Like Uber - many people share cars and drivers, making it cheaper for everyone. Azure's servers serve thousands of customers.
Scale up and down automatically
Resources can be automatically scaled up or down based on demand, often appearing unlimited.
Like a stadium that adds more seats when needed. E-commerce sites automatically get more servers during Black Friday.
Pay only for what you use
Cloud systems automatically monitor and measure resource usage, providing transparency for both provider and consumer.
Like your electricity bill - you pay based on how many kilowatt-hours you use. Azure bills you for exact consumption.
Get it yourself
Access anywhere
Shared resources
Scale automatically
Pay per use
Cloud deployment models define where your cloud infrastructure is located and who can access it. Think of them as different types of neighborhoods where you can build your digital house.
Shared building, managed by landlord, cost-effective, less privacy
Your own house, complete control and privacy, more expensive
Keep your house but rent vacation homes when needed
Shared with similar people, more exclusive than apartments
Shared infrastructure owned by cloud provider
Cloud infrastructure operated by third-party providers (Microsoft Azure, Amazon AWS) and shared among multiple customers.
Lowest cost, least control - Share resources but get great savings and no maintenance.
Dedicated infrastructure for one organization
Cloud infrastructure operated exclusively for a single organization, managed internally or by a third party.
Highest cost, most control - Complete control and security but premium prices.
Combination of public and private clouds
Combination of public and private clouds that remain distinct but are connected, allowing data sharing.
Balanced cost and control - Keep sensitive data private while using public cloud for savings.
Shared among organizations with common requirements
Cloud infrastructure shared by organizations with similar requirements (security, compliance, mission).
Moderate cost and control - Share costs while meeting common compliance needs.
Choose Public Cloud for lowest costs and no maintenance responsibilities.
Choose Private Cloud for maximum control and security.
Choose Hybrid Cloud to optimize both cost and control.
On-premises means having your IT infrastructure physically located at your organization's facilities - you own, operate, and maintain everything yourself. Let's see how this compares to cloud computing.
You buy the car, handle all maintenance, repairs, insurance, parking. High upfront cost but complete control.
Pay per use, someone else maintains the car, handles repairs, insurance. Lower upfront cost, less control.
| Aspect | On-premises | Cloud Computing |
|---|---|---|
| 💰 Upfront Cost | High (servers, software, facility) | Low (pay-as-you-go) |
| 🔧 Maintenance | Your responsibility | Provider handles it |
| 📈 Scalability | Slow (weeks/months) | Instant (minutes/seconds) |
| 🎛️ Control | Complete control | Limited control |
| 🌍 Access | On-site only | Anywhere with internet |
| 🛡️ Security | You control everything | Shared responsibility |
You probably use cloud computing every day without realizing it! Let's look at familiar examples that demonstrate different cloud deployment models.
Netflix streams to 200+ million subscribers worldwide using Amazon Web Services public cloud.
When Stranger Things releases, Netflix automatically spins up thousands more servers to handle traffic.
Many banks use private clouds for core banking systems due to strict regulatory requirements.
Higher costs but meets compliance and gives complete control over sensitive financial data.
Growing companies use both private servers for sensitive data and public cloud for scaling.
Keep sensitive IP secure while leveraging public cloud's cost benefits and global reach.
Email in the cloud
File storage
Music streaming
Photo sharing
Excellent! You now understand cloud computing fundamentals, NIST characteristics, and deployment models. You're ready to explore cloud benefits and service models.