Understanding Cloud Computing ☁️

What is the Cloud? 🌐

Definition: Cloud computing allows access to data, applications, and storage from anywhere with an internet connection. Contrary to the mythical "fluffy" cloud, it involves a network of servers.
Data Centers: Facilities that house large numbers of servers. Major companies like Google and Facebook own their own data centers due to their vast data needs. Smaller companies typically rent space in these data centers.

Accessibility: Enables users to store and access large amounts of data without relying on local storage. Services like Dropbox offer cloud storage, which is managed in data centers.
Managed Services: Cloud services handle server maintenance, security updates, and software updates, reducing the need for on-site management.

Cost:
- Initial Investment: Owning physical servers involves a high upfront cost but can be more economical over time for long-term use.
- Subscription Costs: Cloud services involve ongoing costs which can accumulate over time. It's important to evaluate the total cost of ownership, including subscription fees versus maintaining your own hardware.
Dependency:
- Service Reliability: Your data and services are dependent on the cloud provider. Issues with the service can impact productivity and data availability.
- Responsibility: Despite using cloud services, you remain responsible for addressing issues. Implementing backup solutions, both in the cloud and physically, can mitigate risks.

Cost Comparison: Assess the long-term costs of cloud subscriptions against the cost of maintaining physical servers.
Backup Strategies: Ensure critical data is backed up in both cloud and physical formats to manage potential service disruptions.

Last updated 10 days ago