CHAPTER 1
Understand cloud concepts
The cloud is an Internet-based resource that provides subscribers with various
types of IT services on demand. Users, don’t have to worry about what resources
they utilize, how much data is involved and in most cases-whether the service is
operational.
Skill 1.1: Detail and understand the benefits and
Cloud providers (ex. Google), typically offer a wide variety of resources and
services
They can provide:
- Virtualized hardware: such as servers, storage, and networks
- Software: back-end server and user apps
- Tools: for messaging. content management, identity management, analytics,
etc.
Understanding cloud services
- System administrator: the cloud can provide virtual machines that function
as servers, in place of or alongside physical servers in the organization's data
center.
- Software developers: the cloud can provide a variety of preconfigured
platforms and development environments for application deployment and
testing.
- Database administrator: the cloud can provide complex storage
architectures and preconfigured database management solutions. Cloud
services can then organize the data and use AI to develop new uses for it.
- User support technicians: the cloud can provide productivity apps and
other software
, In each of these specializations, cloud services can eliminate the tedious set-up
processes
that administrators often have to perform before they can get down to work.
For example, the process of adding a new physical server to a data center can
require many tasks (assessing the hardware needs, selecting a vendor, waiting
for delivery, assembling the hardware, and installing and configuring the OS and
apps). These tasks can take up days/weeks.
With a cloud provider, the process of adding a new virtual server takes only a
moment. A remote management interface, such as the Windows Azure portal
{Figure 1-1}, enables you to select the desired virtual hardware resources for the
server, and within minutes, the new server is running and ready for use.
1-1 The Create a Virtual Machine interface in the Windows Azure Portal
Advantages of cloud computing
Economy
Cloud services have charges that are usually based on what subscribers' use. The
savings that result from using cloud services can be significant. Some expenses
that can be reduced or eliminated by using cloud services include the following:
- Hardware
The high-end server hardware used by a large enterprise includes hardware
that is an expensive initial outlay before any actual work starts
The fees for equivalent virtualized hardware are divided over the life of
project
- Upgrades
In a large enterprise, servers and other hardware components have a
documented life expectancy, after which they must be replaced.
Cloud hardware is virtual, so the subscriber is isolated from the maintenance
costs of the provider's physical hardware. Those costs are factored into the
price of the service, but they eliminate another substantial hardware outlay
for the subscriber.
- Software
Understand cloud concepts
The cloud is an Internet-based resource that provides subscribers with various
types of IT services on demand. Users, don’t have to worry about what resources
they utilize, how much data is involved and in most cases-whether the service is
operational.
Skill 1.1: Detail and understand the benefits and
Cloud providers (ex. Google), typically offer a wide variety of resources and
services
They can provide:
- Virtualized hardware: such as servers, storage, and networks
- Software: back-end server and user apps
- Tools: for messaging. content management, identity management, analytics,
etc.
Understanding cloud services
- System administrator: the cloud can provide virtual machines that function
as servers, in place of or alongside physical servers in the organization's data
center.
- Software developers: the cloud can provide a variety of preconfigured
platforms and development environments for application deployment and
testing.
- Database administrator: the cloud can provide complex storage
architectures and preconfigured database management solutions. Cloud
services can then organize the data and use AI to develop new uses for it.
- User support technicians: the cloud can provide productivity apps and
other software
, In each of these specializations, cloud services can eliminate the tedious set-up
processes
that administrators often have to perform before they can get down to work.
For example, the process of adding a new physical server to a data center can
require many tasks (assessing the hardware needs, selecting a vendor, waiting
for delivery, assembling the hardware, and installing and configuring the OS and
apps). These tasks can take up days/weeks.
With a cloud provider, the process of adding a new virtual server takes only a
moment. A remote management interface, such as the Windows Azure portal
{Figure 1-1}, enables you to select the desired virtual hardware resources for the
server, and within minutes, the new server is running and ready for use.
1-1 The Create a Virtual Machine interface in the Windows Azure Portal
Advantages of cloud computing
Economy
Cloud services have charges that are usually based on what subscribers' use. The
savings that result from using cloud services can be significant. Some expenses
that can be reduced or eliminated by using cloud services include the following:
- Hardware
The high-end server hardware used by a large enterprise includes hardware
that is an expensive initial outlay before any actual work starts
The fees for equivalent virtualized hardware are divided over the life of
project
- Upgrades
In a large enterprise, servers and other hardware components have a
documented life expectancy, after which they must be replaced.
Cloud hardware is virtual, so the subscriber is isolated from the maintenance
costs of the provider's physical hardware. Those costs are factored into the
price of the service, but they eliminate another substantial hardware outlay
for the subscriber.
- Software
