Cloud Computing – what is it, models, and service types (PART 1)

Cloud technologies are something that has been talked about recently as a new way of storing information. It is perceived that this technology will almost completely replace disk drives and other types of information storage.

The metaphorical use of the word “cloud” confuses those who do not know what this technology is about. In this article, we will try to explain the meaning behind Cloud Computing Technology.

Definition of Cloud Computing Technology

With the technology development and the computerization in all spheres of human lives, the amount of information that needs to be stored is constantly growing. A huge amount of information is stored on a variety of devices – computers, smartphones, tablets, hard disks, etc. At the same time, the need for secure access to information is growing.

All this has led to the creation of an alternative for storing user’s information and technology services that are constantly and continuously accessible over the Internet.

The Cloud technology model is a result of the need for an alternative to the commonly known methods for storing large amounts of information. An alternative that allows safe storage and accessibility.

Cloud technology is a model that enables network access to shared resources such as networks, servers, storage arrays, and software applications with minimal involvement or management by the service provider.

Every user or a company can have its own “cloud” – a resource with huge potential. The user can access this resource at any time from anywhere, without limitation and securely, as long as there is an Internet connection.

With the invention of the new business technology model, organizations massively restructure their IT systems from a traditional client /server model to a cloud-based technology model where everything is offered as a service whether it’s software, hardware or data storage.

In their essence, cloud technologies are a type of service which can be used by single users or companies. There are different cloud computing models (Private, Public, Hybrid, Internal, Combined, Community, and Cloud of Clouds) and services (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS, and others).

At the first part of this article, we will look at the Cloud Computing models, and in the second part – the service types.

Cloud Computing Technology – models

The speed of switching to cloud technologies naturally increased the requirements for creating more and more diverse technology models.

The choice of these models depends on the type of information and access to it, as well as on specific management requirements.

Private Cloud

This cloud model is the most secure and reliable one. Usually, it’s preferred by structures which don’t want to share their information with the public. It also has the potential for additional firewall protection – for greater security.

The information stored is accessible only through an internal network for a limited number of users within the structure itself who are entitled to manage it.

The Private cloud model is the most preferred one by the businesses simply because it builds optimal infrastructure and it can guarantee reliability, security, and it’s not accessible for external users.

Public Cloud

In this cloud type, the information is available to all users. The term “public” does not mean that the information of a single user is publicly available, but it means that the information can be access by every registered user. The public cloud includes applications like a CRM systems (customer relationship management systems) for example.

Hybrid Cloud

The Hybrid Cloud is a combination of a private and public cloud. It is highly preferred by different companies and organizations. This type of cloud technology allows users to host the company’s critical information in the private cloud, and any other type of information can be accessed by users and customers in the public part of the cloud.

Internal Cloud

This is a network of clouds that are in one another – very similar to the Internet space. A global indoor cloud network that can deliver a myriad of services. However, several providers are needed for this network because its implementation is beyond the capabilities of just one provider.

Combined Cloud

This is the combination of different cloud technologies from different providers, enabling access to services in the public cloud to be facilitated.

Community Cloud

A community cloud is a cloud technology that is used by several companies or organizations that voluntarily share their information due to common business or other interests. This cloud type has a very high level of security and allows the desired privacy and compatibility. Soon, it is expected to become the most preferred cloud service for many companies and organizations.

Cloud of Clouds

This is a network of cloud structures built on open standards and providing a specific cloud-based environment.

This concept builds on the desire of several cloud technologies suppliers to form a common environment that does not exist as a cloud. Such a network is the Internet space that can be considered as a network of many networks.

In a similar way, a global indoor cloud model can provide a huge number of services to consumers, which is beyond the capabilities or priorities of an individual provider.