Cloud Computing is the delivery of computing services such as servers, storage, databases, networking, software, and analytics over the internet ("the cloud") instead of using a local computer or personal server. Cloud computing allows users to access and store data, run applications, and use computing resources through the internet without owning or managing the physical hardware. Types / Deployment of Cloud Computing: Not all clouds are the same and not one type of cloud computing is right for everyone. There are following four different ways to deploy cloud services: • Private Cloud: Private cloud refers to cloud computing resources used solely by a single business or organization, in which the services and infrastructure are maintained on a private network. A private cloud may be physically located on the network provider's on-site or off-site. Some companies also pay third-party service providers to host their private cloud. It is also called an internal or corporate cloud. E.g.: HP Data Centers, Cisco Cloud Center and Microsoft Azure Stack etc. • Public cloud: Public cloud refers to cloud computing resources like servers and storage, owned and offered by a third- party cloud service provider over the Internet, making them available to general public who wants to use or purchase them. E.g.: Google drive, Netflix and Microsoft Azure Cloud etc. • Community Cloud: Community cloud is similar to private cloud but shared by several organizations having shared mission or interest (like different mobile co.s share a cloud). In community clouding data of different competitors may be stored at same cloud. It may also be physically located on the company’s on-site or off-site and third-party service providers are also paid to host a company's private cloud in community clouding. E.g.: Government cloud with different departments and IBM SoftLayer cloud for limited agencies. • Hybrid Cloud: Hybrid cloud is a combination of public, community and private clouds, that remain unique entities but bound together by technology that allows data and applications to be shared between them. It gives businesses greater flexibility, more deployment options and helps optimize existing infrastructure, security and compliance. E.g.: Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Anthos and Microsoft Azure Arc etc.
