Cloud Computing 101
Understand the technology that powers the modern internet—from streaming movies to global databases.
What exactly is “The Cloud”?
In simple terms, cloud computing is the delivery of computing services—including servers, storage, databases, networking, software, and analytics—over the Internet (“the cloud”).
Instead of buying and maintaining physical servers in your office, you “rent” power and space from providers like Amazon (AWS), Microsoft (Azure), or Google (GCP).
Key Characteristics
- ✓ On-demand self-service: Get resources when you need them.
- ✓ Broad network access: Access from anywhere with an internet connection.
- ✓ Resource pooling: Multiple users share the same physical hardware.
- ✓ Rapid elasticity: Scale up or down instantly.
The Service Models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS)
Think of it like choosing how to get a pizza.
IaaS
The raw materials. You rent the servers and storage, but you manage the operating system and apps.
PaaS
The framework. You focus on coding your app; the provider handles the servers, OS, and scaling.
SaaS
The finished product. You just use the software via a web browser. No installation needed.
Ready for a Career in the Cloud?
Put your new knowledge to work. Search for cloud engineer, architect, and developer roles in your area.
Test Your Knowledge
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