For enquiries call:

Phone

+1-469-442-0620

April flash sale-mobile

HomeBlogCloud ComputingCharacteristics of Cloud Computing: 10 Essential Features

Characteristics of Cloud Computing: 10 Essential Features

Published
12th Sep, 2023
Views
view count loader
Read it in
16 Mins
In this article
    Characteristics of Cloud Computing: 10 Essential Features

    Cloud computing is gaining more traction with each passing day. Continuous company growth and progress need vast computer power and significant data storage. Enterprise Cloud Computing (ECC) may assist firms in expanding and securely transferring data from physical sites to the "Cloud," which is accessible anywhere. Numerous characteristics of cloud computing contribute to its status as one of the fastest-growing sectors in the world at the current time. 

    The increased flexibility provided by Cloud services, in the form of an ever-expanding collection of tools and approaches, has facilitated their adoption across many businesses. Go for Cloud Computing courses and enhance your knowledge.  

    Cloud Computing: Overview

    Cloud computing delivers computing resources such as storage, databases, applications, networking capabilities, and more by service providers (also known as Cloud Service Providers or CSPs) to their clients through the internet, known as cloud computing. No longer are users confined to the resources of their hardware or software but are instead able to access data, applications, and services housed on distant servers from anywhere in the world. Since you will only pay for the cloud services you use, you may reduce your operating expenses while increasing your network's efficiency.

    Need for Cloud Computing

    Before the advent of cloud computing, businesses were required to keep all essential information and software on their hard disks and servers. The bigger the organization's size, the more storage space was needed. This primitive method of handling data prevented scalability in terms of speed. In addition, the IT staff had much work to do because of the brisk business.  

    Cloud computing has several advantages for individuals as well as corporations. As people, cloud computing has had a significant impact on our lives. Cloud computing services are used by us daily. When we use cloud-based apps to update our statuses on our favorite social media sites while binge-watching or checking out bank accounts, we most likely utilize applications using cloud services. This kind of software is accessible via an internet connection. It does not need to be downloaded on our computers or mobile devices, which is the essential characteristic of Cloud Computing.

    The advent of cloud computing has enabled businesses to expand and acclimate at an unprecedented pace and scale, accelerating innovation, driving business agility, streamlining processes, and lowering costs. This may assist companies in navigating the present economic crisis, but it can also result in enhanced, long-term development. They are experiencing revenue growth that is further than double as fast as that of organizations that are hesitant to deploy and utilize their technology. In reality, 95 percent of business executives have used advanced cloud services.  

    Types of Cloud Computing

    It is possible to install cloud computing in various methods, depending on a company's services. The first item to examine is the arrangement type, which may be divided into four categories: private cloud, public cloud, multi-cloud, and hybrid cloud computing. The next aspect is the service category, which includes IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service), SaaS (Software as a Service), and PaaS (Platform as a Service). When a corporation decides on its cloud migration plan, it must consider both options. Below is a basic overview of how they function and what they signify for your company.  

    Deployment Models

    Cloud Computing in Public Interest

    Using a public cloud entails utilizing an internet connection to access computer resources housed in data centers by a third-party cloud service provider, rather than owning and managing these resources on-premises instead of using a private cloud. A shared public cloud comprises many companies (or tenants) with the same infrastructure.

    Hyperscalers are the most significant cloud service providers with data centers capable of supporting massive scalability. Alibaba (Alicloud), Amazon (Amazon Web Services or AWS), Microsoft (Azure), and Google are the four largest hyperscalers in the world, generally referred to as MAAGs (Google Cloud). IBM and Oracle are two other cloud service providers.

    Cloud Computing in a Private Environment

    This cloud computing approach is ideal for enterprises worried about the allotment of resources in a public cloud environment. It is deployed on servers owned and managed by the organization, and it may be accessible through the internet or a private internal network of the company's employees.

    A private cloud environment provides you with total control over the information and security, satisfying precise regulatory and other compliance needs in a secure environment (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA for healthcare, GxP for Pharma, etc.).

    Cloud Computing in a Hybrid Environment

    Many businesses make use of a mix of different cloud computing infrastructures. A hybrid cloud strategy is what this is referred to as. A hybrid cloud is a mix of public and private cloud services typically used with specific on-premise infrastructure, as described above. To construct a fundamental hybrid cloud architecture, you must establish communication or orchestration across the multiple installations of the cloud.

    Hybrid cloud technology reduces the need to rely on a single cloud provider and provides greater flexibility in security compliance, capabilities, and other factors.

    In the past, selecting a hyperscaler meant choosing between public and private clouds. This isn't the case anymore, unfortunately. The hyperscalers currently offer private cloud carve-outs in public settings to meet regulatory, performance, and data gravity needs. Azure VMware Services (AVS), VMware on AWS (VMC), Oracle, Google's SAP, and Bare Metal solutions are notable examples of cloud-based computing solutions. 

    Similarly, hyperscalers have been hard at work developing private cloud extensions. This blurring of the lines between private and public cloud services under the banner of hybrid cloud computing is expected to increase. The distinction between "private" and "public" will gradually disappear, and we will instead notice a difference between "dedicated" and "shared.”

    Multi-cloud

    A multi-cloud strategy is a subset of hybrid cloud computing in which an enterprise uses services from several public cloud providers. Service categories are divided into two groups.

    SaaS stands for Software as a Service (SaaS)

    SaaS (Software as a Service) is the most widely utilized cloud application service, and it is quickly becoming the dominant method for enterprises to access software applications in the cloud.

    Through SaaS, an organization may access a particular software program housed on a distant server and maintained by a third-party service provider. You may access the program via your web browser if you subscribe to the service, eliminating the need for on-device software downloads or upgrades. Salesforce, Workday, and Microsoft Office 365 are examples of SaaS programs that are widely used.

    Small and medium-sized businesses might consider using SaaS to rapidly and easily provide cloud system access with little database administration, development, and/or engagement with service providers. In addition, SaaS is appropriate for applications that need online and mobile access, startups that need to rapidly establish eCommerce websites without worrying about server concerns or software development, and short-term projects that demand rapid collaboration.

    PaaS (Platform as a Service)  

    It is a popular solution for firms who wish to develop unique apps without having to make significant financial commitments in the process.

    With PaaS, an organization has access to a pre-defined software development environment that can be used to create, test, and execute applications. As a result, PaaS is becoming more popular. This eliminates the need for developers to start from scratch when developing applications. Instead, PaaS enables the developer to concentrate on the creative aspects of software development rather than on time-consuming duties such as writing large code or administering software upgrades or security patches. PaaS solutions such as web servers, Google App Engine, and SQL servers are examples of what is available.

    IaaS is an acronym that stands for infrastructure as a Service (IaaS). IaaS is the most straightforward alternative for organizations. A company that uses IaaS migrates its hardware to the cloud, renting servers and data storage in the cloud rather than acquiring and maintaining its infrastructure.

    An enterprise may benefit from IaaS by having access to the same technologies and capabilities as a conventional data center, including complete management over server instances. System administrators manage applications, security, databases, runtime, and other business components inside the company. At the same time, the cloud provider maintains the servers, storage, networking, hard drives, and other aspects of the cloud environment.  

    Prepare to clear your AZ-900 exam, earn Microsoft Azure Fundamentals Certification and understand the PaaS offerings of Azure.

    Characteristics of Cloud Computing

    1. Resource Pooling System  

    The ability to pool resources is one of the essential characteristics of cloud computing. Resource pooling in cloud computing refers to the power of a cloud service provider to share resources across several customers. Each receives a unique set of services tailored to their specific needs. Data storage services, processing services, and bandwidth provisioning services are examples of multi-client strategies that may be used in various situations. There is no conflict between the administration process and the client's experience since resources are allocated in real-time.

    Learn to build and implement cloud-based systems on the AWS platform with AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate Training

    2. Self-Service Available On Demand

    It is one of the most central and vital elements of cloud computing that is crucial and necessary. In addition, it allows the client to keep track of the server's uptime, capabilities, and available network storage space. A significant property of cloud computer is that it will enable a customer to manage computing resources according to their requirements.

    3. Easy Care and Maintenance

    This is one of the most desirable characteristics of Cloud Computing. In addition, the servers are easily maintained, and downtime is kept to a bare minimum or even nil in some instances. Frequently, upgrades are made to cloud computing-powered services to improve their capabilities and potential. According to the company, the enhancements are more compatible with the devices and operate faster than the prior versions.

    4. Scalability and Rapid Extensibility

    Cloud computing's capacity to rapidly grow and shrink is a significant benefit and characteristic. This cloud feature facilitates the cost-effective operation of workloads that need many servers but are only required for a short period, such as database servers. As a result of the rapid elasticity in Cloud Computing, many customers have workloads that can be performed cost-effectively at a low cost.

    Enrol in AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner training for in-depth knowledge of core services and solutions provided by AWS Cloud

    5. Economic Considerations

    This aspect of the cloud assists enterprises in lowering their overall IT expenditures. In Cloud Computing, the customer is responsible for compensating the administration for the space they have used while using the service. No further payment or cover-up has to be paid in this instance. As a result, the administration is frugal, and more often than not, some space is made free to the administration.

    6. Service for Measuring and Reporting

    One of the many essential characteristics of Cloud Computing that make it the ideal option for enterprises is the availability of reporting services. Measured services in Cloud Computing are beneficial to both cloud providers and their customers. It helps both the supplier and the customer keep track of and report on the services that have been utilized and for what purpose they have been used—this aids in monitoring bills and the assurance of the most efficient use of available resources.

    7. Security is an Important Feature

    One of the most advantageous characteristics of Cloud Computing is protecting personal data. Cloud computing services make a backup copy of the saved data to avoid data loss. If one of the servers loses the data by accident, the copied version from the other server is used to recover the data. This capability comes in handy when several people work on a single file in real-time, and the file becomes corrupted simultaneously.

    8. Automated Systems

    Cloud computing is distinguished by the fact that it is entirely automated. In layman's words, it is getting the most out of technology while eliminating physical labor. However, attaining computerization in the cloud network is not without its difficulties. There is a need to install and configure virtual technologies, servers, and enormous amounts of storage. Following a positive placement, these properties will need to be maintained regularly.

    9. Resistance To Change

    Resilience refers to the service's capacity to swiftly pull through from any interruption in cloud computing. The strength of a cloud is assessed by how quickly its databases, servers, and network infrastructure can restart and recover after being subjected to any injury or damage. Another essential property of cloud computing is its high level of availability. Since cloud services may be accessed from anywhere globally, there are no geographical restrictions or limitations to using cloud properties.

    10. Access to a Large Network

    The cloud's widespread availability accounts for an essential characteristic of cloud computing. A device and an internet connection are required for the client to view cloud information or send information to the cloud from anywhere. These capabilities are available across the company and may be accessed via the internet. 

    Cloud providers reduce the need for significant network access by monitoring and assuring a variety of metrics that represent how customers access cloud services and data, such as data throughput, access time, latency, and so on, which cloud providers save.

    Looking to boost your career in IT? Discover top-notch ITIL certification classes near me. Gain valuable skills and knowledge with our unique courses. Don't miss out, enroll today!

    Conclusion

    Various essential characteristics of Cloud Computing are beneficial to both the hosts and the customers. A host has a variety of perks, all of which are beneficial to the customers. At the moment, the firm has a significant requirement for data storage. The characteristics of Cloud Computing outlined above make it a popular option among a wide range of enterprises across a wide range of sectors. To learn more about cloud computing and how your business can benefit from it, check out the KnowledgeHut Cloud Computing course.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    1What are the main key features of cloud computing?

    Resource pooling in cloud computing.

    • On-demand self-service.
    • Simple to keep up with.

    Measured service in cloud computing.

    • A huge network.
    • Availability.
    • An autonomous program.
    • Economical.
    • Security.
    2What is the use of cloud computing?

    Data storage and remote access to any work-related data are only two of the many uses of the cloud. For example, a firm's usage of cloud computing might be for internal operations or for the public release of software and services the company produces.

    3How many types are there in cloud computing?

    There are four primary types of cloud computing: private clouds, public clouds, hybrid clouds, and multi-clouds. There are also three basic categories of cloud computing services: processing, storage, and networking. There are three types of cloud computing services: Infrastructure as a Service (PaaS), Platforms as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS)

    4What are the essential components of cloud computing?

    The primary physical components are networking equipment, servers, and data storage that makeup cloud infrastructure. An additional element of cloud infrastructure is a hardware abstraction layer, which allows for the virtualization of resources while also assisting in the reduction of costs via economies of scale.

    5What are the three layers of cloud computing?

    Cloud Infrastructure as a Service is divided into four levels (IaaS). The infrastructure layer, often known as IaaS (Infrastructure as a service), is the most fundamental cloud layer. Cloud computing is divided into two layers: the platform, which is known as PaaS (Platform as a Service), and the application layer, which is known as APaS (application as a service), and finally, Business Process Outsourcing (BPO).

    Profile

    Kingson Jebaraj

    Multi Cloud Architect

    Kingson Jebaraj is a highly respected technology professional, recognized as both a Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) and an Alibaba Most Valuable Professional. With a wealth of experience in cloud computing, Kingson has collaborated with renowned companies like Microsoft, Reliance Telco, Novartis, Pacific Controls UAE, Alibaba Cloud, and G42 UAE. He specializes in architecting innovative solutions using emerging technologies, including cloud and edge computing, digital transformation, IoT, and programming languages like C, C++, Python, and NLP. 

    Share This Article
    Ready to Master the Skills that Drive Your Career?

    Avail your free 1:1 mentorship session.

    Select
    Your Message (Optional)

    Upcoming Cloud Computing Batches & Dates

    NameDateFeeKnow more
    Course advisor icon
    Course Advisor
    Whatsapp/Chat icon