Introduction to Cloud Computing

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) defines cloud computing as a model for providing on-demand network access to computing resources that can be rapidly provisioned and released. At its core, cloud computing delivers various services over the internet, from storage and processing power to software applications and development platforms.

Core concepts

Here’s a breakdown of some key components and concepts in cloud computing:

• On-demand access: Users can provision and utilize resources like virtual machines, storage, and applications as needed, typically paying only for what they use.

• Resource pooling: Cloud providers maintain pools of computing resources, such as servers, storage, and networking equipment, shared among multiple users. This pooling enables efficient resource utilization and scalability.

• Elasticity: Cloud services are designed to scale up or down dynamically in response to changing demands. This elasticity allows users to easily accommodate fluctuations in workload without the need for manual intervention. ...