CLOUD

COMPUTING
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
1.COMPARE CLOUD DELIVERY MODELS?
When comparing cloud delivery models, it's important to cover the main types:
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service
(SaaS). Here's a detailed comparison that would be suitable for a 20-mark question.
1. Definition and Overview
•IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service):
• Provides virtualized computing resources over the internet.
• Offers fundamental building blocks such as virtual machines, storage, and networks.
• Examples: Amazon Web Services (AWS) EC2, Microsoft Azure, Google Compute
Engine.
•PaaS (Platform as a Service):
• Provides a platform allowing customers to develop, run, and manage applications
without dealing with infrastructure complexities.
• Includes hardware and software tools hosted by the provider.
• Examples: Google App Engine, Microsoft Azure App Services, Heroku.
•SaaS (Software as a Service):
• Delivers software applications over the internet, on a subscription basis.
• Eliminates the need for installing and running software on local machines.
• Examples: Google Workspace, Salesforce, Microsoft Office 365
. Key Features
•IaaS:
• High level of control over infrastructure.
• Scalability and flexibility in managing resources.
• Users manage: Applications, Data, Runtime, Middleware, and OS.
• Vendor manages: Virtualization, Servers, Storage, and Networking.
•PaaS:
• Focuses on application development without managing the underlying
infrastructure.
• Built-in tools for development, testing, and deployment.
• Users manage: Applications and Data.
• Vendor manages: Runtime, Middleware, OS, Virtualization, Servers, Storage,
and Networking.
•SaaS:
• Ready-to-use applications delivered over the internet.
• Easy to manage, with automatic updates and patches.
• Users manage: Limited customization within the software.
• Vendor manages: Everything including the application itself.
Use Cases
•IaaS:
• Suitable for companies needing full control over their applications and
infrastructure.
• Ideal for complex applications requiring customizable infrastructure.
•PaaS:
• Best for developers who want to focus on coding and application
development without worrying about managing the infrastructure.
• Useful for developing web applications, APIs, and microservices.
•SaaS:
• Ideal for businesses looking for cost-effective, ready-to-use software
solutions.
• Perfect for common business applications like CRM, ERP, email, and
collaboration tools.
Advantages and Disadvantages
•IaaS:
• Advantages: High flexibility, scalable resources, cost-effective for
dynamic workloads.
• Disadvantages: Requires significant expertise to manage; can become
complex and costly with scaling.
•PaaS:
• Advantages: Simplifies development and deployment, reduces
management burden, offers development tools.
• Disadvantages: Limited control over underlying infrastructure; can be
less flexible for specialized needs.
•SaaS:
• Advantages: Easy to use, lower upfront costs, automatic updates, no
infrastructure management.
• Disadvantages: Limited customization, dependency on vendor, potential
issues with data security and privacy.
Cost Structure
•IaaS:
• Pay-as-you-go model, charges based on resource usage (compute,
storage, network).
• High upfront costs but scalable according to needs.
•PaaS:
• Pricing typically based on usage, such as the number of application
instances, database size, and API calls.
• Lower cost compared to IaaS for development and deployment.
•SaaS:
• Subscription-based pricing, often per user, per month.
• Predictable costs, but can add up with more users or additional
features.
Security
•IaaS:
• Security is a shared responsibility, with the provider securing the
infrastructure and the user responsible for securing data and applications.
•PaaS:
• Built-in security features but still requires user diligence in securing
applications.
• The provider handles security for infrastructure and platform.
•SaaS:
• Provider manages all security, but users need to manage access control and
data within the application.
• Risks related to vendor lock-in and data privacy.
Examples and Providers
•IaaS: AWS EC2, Microsoft Azure VMs, Google Compute
Engine.
•PaaS: Google App Engine, Microsoft Azure App Services,
Heroku.
•SaaS: Salesforce, Dropbox, Google Workspace, Microsoft
Office 365.
2.COMPARE CLOUD DEPLOYMENT MODELS?
Cloud deployment models define how cloud services are delivered and how
resources are allocated and managed. The main cloud deployment models are Public
Cloud, Private Cloud, Hybrid Cloud, and Multi-Cloud. Here's a comparison:

1. Public Cloud
•Definition: Cloud resources are owned and operated by a third-party cloud service
provider and delivered over the internet. Multiple organizations share the same
infrastructure, but with data isolation.
•Examples: Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform
(GCP).
•Advantages:
• Cost-Effective: Pay-as-you-go pricing with no capital expenditure.
• Scalability: Virtually unlimited resources are available.
• Maintenance: Managed by the cloud provider, reducing the need for in-
house IT management.
•Disadvantages:
• Security Concerns: Data is stored off-premises, which might raise concerns
for sensitive data.
2. Private Cloud
•Definition: Cloud resources are used exclusively by one organization.
The cloud can be physically located on-premises or hosted by a third-
party provider.
•Examples: VMware, OpenStack, Microsoft Azure Stack.
•Advantages:
• Security and Compliance: Enhanced security controls, making it
suitable for sensitive data and regulatory requirements.
• Customization: More control over the infrastructure, allowing for
specific configurations to meet unique needs.
•Disadvantages:
• Cost: Higher costs due to capital expenditure and maintenance.
• Scalability: Limited compared to the public cloud, depending on
the organization's resources.
3. Hybrid Cloud
•Definition: A combination of public and private clouds, with data and
applications shared between them. This allows data to move between private
and public clouds as needed.
•Examples: AWS Outposts, Microsoft Azure Hybrid, Google Anthos.
•Advantages:
• Flexibility: Workloads can be moved between public and private clouds
based on needs, such as cost, security, or performance.
• Optimization: Can provide a balance of cost, performance, and security.
•Disadvantages:
• Complexity: Managing multiple environments can be challenging and may
require specialized tools and skills.
• Cost: Potentially higher costs due to the integration of different
infrastructures.
3.Community Cloud
•Definition: A cloud infrastructure shared by multiple organizations, typically with
common concerns such as security, compliance, or performance requirements. It can
be managed by the organizations themselves or by a third party.
•Examples: Healthcare providers sharing a cloud to meet HIPAA compliance,
government agencies using a cloud service tailored for regulatory requirements, or
educational institutions pooling resources for shared IT needs.
•Advantages:
• Cost Sharing: Costs are distributed among the participating organizations,
making it more economical than a private cloud while still offering more control
than a public cloud.
• Compliance: Designed to meet specific regulatory or compliance requirements
of the community, ensuring that all participants adhere to the necessary
standards.
Disadvantages:
•Limited Scalability: Not as scalable as public clouds, as resources are often shared
among a smaller group of organizations.
•Complex Governance: Requires agreements and governance structures between the
participating organizations, which can be complex to manage.
3.IMPACT OF CLOUD COMPUTING ON REAL
WORLD ENVIRONMENT?
Cloud computing has become an integral part of modern technology, offering numerous
benefits to businesses, individuals, and governments worldwide. However, its impact on
the real-world environment is multifaceted, encompassing both positive and negative
effects. Understanding these impacts is crucial for leveraging cloud technology
responsibly and sustainably.
Positive Impacts
1.Energy Efficiency One of the most significant positive impacts of cloud computing is
its potential to enhance energy efficiency. Cloud service providers like Amazon Web
Services (AWS), Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure operate large-scale data centers
that are designed to be more energy-efficient than traditional on-premises data centers.
For instance, Google’s data centers are reported to be twice as energy-efficient as the
average enterprise data center. These facilities use advanced cooling techniques, such
as liquid cooling and free-air cooling, to reduce energy consumption.
2.Scalability and Resource Optimization: Cloud computing allows for dynamic
scaling of resources, meaning businesses can adjust their computing power based on
demand. This reduces the need for maintaining excess hardware, which would
otherwise consume energy even when not in use. Companies like Netflix, which
operates on AWS, can scale their infrastructure up or down as needed, leading to more
•Reduction in Physical Infrastructure: By moving to the cloud, companies can
reduce their reliance on physical servers and data centers. This not only decreases the
energy required to power and cool these facilities but also reduces the environmental
impact associated with manufacturing, transporting, and disposing of hardware. For
example, Salesforce, a major cloud-based customer relationship management (CRM)
provider, estimates that its multitenant cloud architecture saves significant amounts of
energy compared to traditional on-premises solutions.
•Carbon Footprint Reduction: Major cloud providers are increasingly investing in
renewable energy sources to power their data centers. Microsoft, for example, has
committed to using 100% renewable energy in its data centers by 2025. Similarly,
Google has been carbon-neutral since 2007 and is working toward running entirely on
carbon-free energy by 2030. These initiatives help reduce the carbon footprint
associated with cloud computing.
•E-Waste Reduction Through Virtualization: Cloud computing relies heavily on
virtualization, which allows multiple virtual machines to run on a single physical server.
This reduces the need for physical hardware, leading to less electronic waste (e-
waste). Companies that migrate to the cloud can significantly decrease their hardware
footprint, contributing to less e-waste generation over time.
•Innovations in Sustainable Data Centers: Companies are exploring innovative ways
to reduce the environmental impact of their data centers. For example, Microsoft’s
Project Natick involves submerging data centers in the ocean, where the natural
cooling properties of water can reduce energy consumption. This project is an example
of how cloud computing is driving new, environmentally friendly approaches to data
center management.
Negative Impacts
1.High Energy Consumption: Despite their efficiency, cloud data
centers still consume large amounts of energy. The global network of
data centers required to support cloud services is vast, with some of
the largest facilities consuming as much energy as small cities. For
instance, AWS’s data centers in Northern Virginia are known for their
extensive energy requirements, contributing significantly to local
energy consumption.
2.Water Usage for Cooling: Many data centers rely on water for
cooling, which can strain local water resources, especially in areas
facing water scarcity. Google’s data center in Douglas County, Georgia,
for example, uses large amounts of water to cool its servers. While
some companies are adopting more water-efficient cooling
technologies, the overall water usage of cloud data centers remains a
concern, particularly in regions where water is a limited resource.
•E-Waste Generation: While cloud computing can reduce the need for individual businesses
to maintain physical servers, the data centers themselves still require frequent hardware
upgrades to keep up with technological advancements. This can lead to significant e-waste if
the retired equipment is not properly recycled or disposed of. Companies like Facebook, which
operates some of the world’s largest data centers, regularly replace older servers, contributing
to the global e-waste problem.
•Carbon Emissions from Non-Renewable Energy Sources: Not all cloud providers have
fully transitioned to renewable energy. Data centers that rely on fossil fuels for power
contribute to carbon emissions and environmental degradation. For instance, data centers in
regions where coal or natural gas is the primary energy source can have a substantial carbon
footprint, undermining the environmental benefits of cloud computing.
•Digital Divide and Overconsumption: The accessibility and scalability of cloud
computing can also lead to overconsumption of digital services, contributing to greater
energy use and resource depletion. Additionally, the digital divide means that while some
regions benefit from cloud efficiencies, others may be left behind, relying on less efficient
and more environmentally damaging technologies.
•Environmental Impact of Construction and Operation: Building and maintaining large-
scale data centers have significant environmental impacts, including land use, habitat
disruption, and the carbon footprint associated with construction. The materials and energy
required to build these facilities, along with the ongoing operational energy demands,
contribute to their overall environmental impact.
Real-World Examples
•Google’s Belgium Data Center: Google’s data center in Belgium uses a
free cooling system that relies on outside air instead of traditional cooling
methods. This innovation reduces energy consumption and demonstrates how
cloud providers can reduce their environmental footprint through
technological advancements.
•AWS’s Commitment to Renewable Energy: Amazon Web Services has
pledged to power its operations with 100% renewable energy by 2025. This
commitment is part of a broader initiative to reduce the environmental
impact of its vast network of data centers, which support some of the world’s
largest cloud-based applications.
•Microsoft’s Azure Data Centers: Microsoft’s data centers are
increasingly powered by renewable energy. The company has also invested
in energy-efficient infrastructure and has committed to becoming carbon
negative by 2030, meaning it will remove more carbon from the atmosphere
than it emits.
In conclusion, cloud computing has the potential to significantly reduce the
environmental impact of IT infrastructure through energy efficiency,
resource optimization, and the use of renewable energy. However, it also
presents challenges, including high energy consumption, water usage, e-
waste, and carbon emissions, particularly in regions where renewable
energy is not yet prevalent. The overall impact of cloud computing on the
environment depends on how these technologies are managed and the
extent to which companies and governments commit to sustainable
practices.