Cloud computing

Definition

Cloud computing is a technology that allows users to access and store data and applications over the internet instead of on local servers or personal computers. It enables on-demand availability of computing resources, like servers and storage, which can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort. This flexibility supports various distributed system architectures and requires effective coordination and synchronization among distributed resources to ensure seamless performance.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cloud computing can be classified into three main service models: Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS).
2. It supports distributed architectures by enabling remote access to data and applications from any location with internet connectivity.
3. Security is a major concern in cloud computing, as sensitive data is stored off-site, requiring robust encryption and access control measures.
4. Cloud service providers utilize advanced load balancing techniques to ensure optimal distribution of workloads across their resources, improving efficiency.
5. Synchronization mechanisms are essential in cloud computing to maintain data consistency across multiple users and devices accessing shared resources.

Review Questions

• How does cloud computing enhance the flexibility and accessibility of distributed systems?
  • Cloud computing enhances flexibility and accessibility by allowing users to access data and applications from anywhere with an internet connection. This on-demand access enables organizations to quickly scale their resources up or down based on current needs, promoting agility in operations. Additionally, cloud infrastructure supports various distributed architectures by integrating resources that can be managed remotely, leading to improved collaboration and productivity among teams.
• Discuss the importance of synchronization in cloud computing for maintaining data consistency across distributed systems.
  • Synchronization is crucial in cloud computing to ensure that all users have consistent access to data regardless of their location. It helps prevent conflicts when multiple users modify shared data simultaneously. Various synchronization techniques, such as locking mechanisms or version control, are employed to manage updates effectively, allowing for smooth collaboration among users while maintaining the integrity of the data stored across distributed systems.
• Evaluate the impact of cloud computing on traditional IT infrastructure and how it has transformed the way organizations manage their resources.
  • Cloud computing has significantly impacted traditional IT infrastructure by reducing the need for physical hardware and on-premises management. Organizations can now leverage scalable resources from cloud providers, allowing them to focus more on innovation rather than maintenance. This transformation leads to cost savings, as companies only pay for what they use, while also enhancing agility in deploying new applications and services. Consequently, businesses can adapt more quickly to changing market demands and improve overall efficiency.

Related terms

Virtualization: The process of creating a virtual version of something, such as a server, storage device, or network resource, allowing for better utilization of physical hardware.

Scalability:

The capability of a system to increase its capacity and performance by adding resources as needed without disrupting the existing operations.

Multi-tenancy: An architecture in which a single instance of a software application serves multiple customers, allowing for efficient resource sharing and cost reduction.