Modulo 3 - Definition of Cloud

Summary

This video provides an insightful overview of cloud computing, explaining the concept based on the NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) definition. It emphasizes the ease and convenience of accessing shared computing resources such as storage, servers, and applications through the internet. The 'cloud' is portrayed as a metaphor that simplifies the user experience by abstracting away the complexities of the underlying infrastructure. The video also clarifies key aspects of cloud services, including on-demand availability, pricing transparency, and minimal user management. Finally, a quiz reinforces the main concepts covered in the module, preparing viewers for further study in the next module.

Takeaways

• 😀 The definition of cloud computing according to NIST: A model for enabling ubiquitous, convenient, and on-demand network access to shared resources.
• 😀 Cloud resources are configurable and can include networks, servers, storage, applications, and services that can be quickly provisioned with minimal management effort.
• 😀 The term 'cloud' is a metaphor to describe services that are physically hosted in data centers, but users don’t need to worry about their location or underlying infrastructure.
• 😀 Cloud services like OneDrive or Google Drive store files on the internet, making them accessible anywhere, without the user knowing where the files are physically stored.
• 😀 Cloud computing simplifies access to computing resources by abstracting away the complexities of physical infrastructure, providing a seamless user experience.
• 😀 Internet speed is crucial for accessing cloud resources quickly, as these resources are accessed over a network.
• 😀 Cloud computing includes a wide range of services, from storage solutions to software applications that can be accessed and used online (e.g., Office 365).
• 😀 Cloud services are typically billed based on usage, but not all cloud services are necessarily paid services, as some may be free or have freemium models.
• 😀 Unlike physical computing resources, cloud services do not require negotiation with the service provider. The prices and service options are transparent, and users can select and pay for resources on demand.
• 😀 The module concludes with a reminder that users will continue their studies in the next module and engage with a quiz related to cloud computing concepts.

Q & A

What is the definition of cloud computing according to the NIST?

According to the NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology), cloud computing is a model that allows on-demand access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources, such as networks, servers, storage, applications, and services, which can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort.

What does the term 'cloud' metaphorically represent in computing?

The term 'cloud' is a metaphor used to abstract the physical infrastructure and services provided by data centers. It allows users to access resources without needing to understand their physical location or the underlying technology.

How does cloud computing provide access to resources?

Cloud computing provides access to resources over a network in a way that is ubiquitous, convenient, and on-demand, meaning that users can access resources quickly and easily, typically through an internet connection.

What kind of resources can be accessed through cloud computing?

Cloud computing allows access to various resources such as network services, servers, storage, applications, and other computing services. These resources are hosted on remote servers rather than on local infrastructure.

What is an example of a service that operates on the cloud?

An example of a service that operates on the cloud is Microsoft 365 (Office 365), which can be used both as a web service and through a locally installed application, providing users with access to applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint via the cloud.

What makes the cloud experience transparent for users?

The cloud experience is transparent because users do not need to worry about the physical location or management of the servers. All the resources are provided and managed by the cloud provider, and users simply access them through the internet.

How are cloud computing resources typically charged?

Cloud computing resources are typically charged based on usage, meaning that users pay for the specific resources they consume. Pricing is usually predefined and available to users, so they don't need to negotiate directly with the service provider.

Do users need to negotiate with cloud service providers to access resources?

No, users do not need to negotiate with cloud service providers. Cloud services are available with clear pricing, and users can select and pay for the services they need without direct negotiation.

What is the role of the network in cloud computing?

The network plays a critical role in cloud computing as it provides the necessary connectivity for users to access resources hosted in the cloud. A fast and reliable network is essential to ensure smooth and efficient access to cloud services.

What is a key advantage of using cloud services over traditional on-premise solutions?

A key advantage of cloud services is their flexibility and scalability. Users can quickly scale up or down the resources they need, without the need for physical hardware installation or complex management, which is common with traditional on-premise solutions.