Google Cloud Platform (GCP) Compute Engine

Definition

Google Cloud Platform (GCP) Compute Engine is an Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) offering that allows users to run virtual machines (VMs) on Google's infrastructure. It provides flexible computing resources that can be easily scaled up or down based on demand, making it ideal for both small-scale applications and large enterprise workloads. With features like custom machine types, preemptible VMs, and integration with other GCP services, Compute Engine supports diverse use cases, from hosting websites to running complex data processing tasks.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. GCP Compute Engine supports custom machine types, allowing users to configure VMs with specific amounts of CPU and memory tailored to their needs.
2. Preemptible VMs are cost-effective options in Compute Engine that provide temporary compute resources at a lower price but can be shut down by Google at any time if resources are needed elsewhere.
3. Compute Engine integrates seamlessly with other GCP services, such as Google Cloud Storage and Google Kubernetes Engine, enabling powerful workflows and data processing capabilities.
4. Users can take advantage of sustained use discounts, which automatically lower the price of VM usage as they run for a longer duration within a billing month.
5. Compute Engine offers built-in security features such as identity and access management, firewall rules, and encryption for data at rest and in transit.

Review Questions

• How does Google Cloud Platform Compute Engine exemplify the characteristics of Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)?
  • Google Cloud Platform Compute Engine exemplifies IaaS by providing users with virtualized computing resources that they can provision and manage over the internet. Users have full control over their virtual machines, including the ability to choose operating systems, configurations, and software installations. Additionally, it operates on a pay-as-you-go model, allowing customers to scale resources according to their needs without the requirement of physical hardware management.
• What are some advantages of using preemptible VMs in GCP Compute Engine compared to regular VMs?
  • Preemptible VMs in GCP Compute Engine offer significant cost savings compared to regular VMs as they are priced lower while still providing similar performance. However, they come with the trade-off of being more volatile since they can be terminated by Google if resources are required for higher-priority tasks. This makes them suitable for batch processing or fault-tolerant workloads where temporary compute power is needed without long-term commitments.
• Evaluate how the integration of GCP Compute Engine with other Google Cloud services enhances its functionality for enterprise-level applications.
  • The integration of GCP Compute Engine with other Google Cloud services significantly enhances its functionality for enterprise-level applications by creating a cohesive ecosystem that streamlines workflows. For instance, when combined with Google Kubernetes Engine, users can efficiently manage containerized applications alongside VMs. Similarly, integrating with Google Cloud Storage allows for easy data storage and retrieval while ensuring high availability. This interconnectedness supports complex architectures and facilitates scalability, security, and performance optimization across various enterprise applications.

Related terms

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS):

A cloud service model that provides virtualized computing resources over the internet, allowing users to rent IT infrastructure on a pay-as-you-go basis.

Virtual Machine (VM): A software emulation of a physical computer that runs an operating system and applications just like a physical machine.

Load Balancing:

A method used to distribute network traffic across multiple servers or resources to ensure optimal performance and availability.