Cloud computing (references 1, 2, 3, 4) is related to the use of computing resources over the internet, rather than relying on local servers or personal devices. In cloud computing, a
third-party provider hosts and manages computing infrastructure and services and makes them available to users over the internet. These includes servers, storage devices, databases, software,
and networking.
Figure 1: Cloud Computing
Cloud computing is based on several key technologies, including virtualization, which allows multiple virtual machines to run in parallel on a single physical machine, and automation, which allows for
the efficient and consistent management of computing resources.
Overall, cloud computing provides a powerful, flexible and cost effective way for institutions, businesses and individuals to access and use computing power on a pay-as-you-go basis, without the need for local
infrastructure or expensive investments.
Cloud computing can be used for a wide range of applications, including data storage, data analysis, communication and software development.
Access to Cloud Computing
Cloud computing can be accessed using the usual devices such as computers, smartphones, and tablets.
There are many cloud computing service providers, including Google cloud platform. Each provider offers different
services, pricing plans, and features, and it is very important to choose one that meets your specific needs within your budget.
Once you've chosen a provider, you'll need to sign up for an account. This typically involves providing your contact information and setting up a payment method.
Cloud service providers offer a wide range of services, choose the services that you need based on your specific requirements.
Once you have chosen your services, you then need to configure the services chosen which may involve setting up virtual machines, storage options, and networking.
Once configured, you can access your services over the internet using a web-based management console, a command-line interface, or an application.
Cloud service providers typically charge for their services on a pay-as-you-go basis, based on usage. You'll be billed for the resources that you use.
Google Cloud Platform
Google Cloud platform (GCP) is a suite of cloud computing services offered by Google that allows businesses and individuals to access
powerful computing resources on a flexible and scalable basis. Some of the services offered by Google in cloud computing include:
Compute: Google Compute Engine allows users to create and manage virtual machines in the cloud. It provides scalable computing resources, including CPU, memory, and storage, and supports a
wide range of operating systems and software.
Storage: Google Cloud Storage provides scalable and durable object storage in the cloud. It supports a wide range of data types, including multimedia content, and provides advanced data management
features such as lifecycle policies and data encryption.
Networking: Google Cloud Networking provides a range of networking services, including virtual private clouds ( private cloud-like computing environment), and firewalls. It allows users to create secure and scalable
network architectures in the cloud.
Databases: Google Cloud offers a range of databases services, including Cloud SQL (a fully managed relational database service), Cloud Spanner (a distributed SQL database management), and
Cloud Bigtable (a NoSQL database service).
Machine Learning: Google Cloud Machine Learning provides a range of machine learning services, including pre-trained models and APIs, as well as tools for building and training custom machine
learning models.
Analytics: Google Cloud Analytics provides a range of analytics services, including BigQuery (a fully-managed data warehouse), Dataflow (a managed data processing service), and Dataproc
(a managed Spark and Hadoop service).
Management Tools: Google Cloud offers a range of management tools, including Stackdriver (a monitoring and logging service), Cloud Deployment Manager (a tool for managing cloud infrastructure),
and Cloud Identity and Access Management (a tool for managing access to cloud resources).
Overall, Google Cloud Platform offers a wide range of cloud computing services, providing businesses and individuals with the flexibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness they need to build and
run their applications in the cloud.
Cloud Computing Providers
There are several cloud computing providers that offer a range of cloud services to businesses and individuals. Some of the major cloud computing providers include:
Google Cloud Platform (GCP): GCP is Google's cloud computing platform that offers a range of services, including compute, storage, databases, networking, and machine learning.
Amazon Web Services (AWS): AWS offers a wide range of services, including compute, storage, databases, analytics, and machine learning.
Microsoft Azure: Azure provides institustions and individuals with a wide range of cloud services, including compute, storage, databases, analytics, and AI.
IBM Cloud: IBM Cloud offers institutions, businesses and individuals with a range of cloud services, including compute, storage, databases, analytics, and AI.
Oracle Cloud: Oracle Cloud provides businesses, institutions and individuals with a range of cloud services, including compute, storage, databases, analytics, and machine learning.
Alibaba Cloud: Alibaba Cloud provides businesses, institutions and individuals with a range of cloud services, including compute, storage, databases, analytics, and machine learning.
More References and Links
Cloud Computing: Concepts, Technology & Architecture" by Thomas Erl, Zaigham Mahmood, and Ricardo Puttini - May 10 2013.
Cloud Computing: From Beginning to End – by Mr. Ray J Rafaels (Author) - April 2015
Cloud Computing Explained: Enterprise Implementation – by by John Rhoton - May 2011