Exploring IaaS with Compute Engine

Summary

Google Cloud’s Compute Engine allows users to create and run virtual machines in its data centers with no upfront investments. Virtual machines can be configured with specific CPU power, memory, storage, and operating systems, offering flexibility for various workloads like web hosting and backend applications. Compute Engine offers cost-saving features such as sustained-use and committed-use discounts, with preemptible VMs offering savings of up to 90%. Users can leverage the Google Cloud console or CLI to manage instances and access a pricing calculator for detailed estimates.

Takeaways

• 😀 Compute Engine allows users to create and run virtual machines (VMs) in Google Cloud's data centers and fiber network.
• 😀 Virtual machines can be configured with customized CPU power, memory, storage, and operating system according to user needs.
• 😀 Compute Engine supports a variety of workloads, such as web-server hosting, application hosting, and application backends.
• 😀 Google Cloud Console and gcloud CLI are the tools available to create and manage VM instances.
• 😀 Compute Engine provides both Linux and Windows Server images, as well as the option for custom OS images.
• 😀 The billing structure for Compute Engine is based on per-second usage, with a one-minute minimum charge.
• 😀 Sustained-use discounts are automatically applied when VMs run for more than 25% of a month.
• 😀 Committed-use discounts offer up to 57% savings in exchange for committing to a one- or three-year term.
• 😀 Preemptible VMs allow users to save up to 90% on costs, ideal for non-urgent workloads such as batch jobs analyzing datasets.
• 😀 Preemptible VMs may be terminated by Compute Engine if resources are needed elsewhere, so jobs must be able to restart after termination.
• 😀 Google Cloud’s pricing calculator helps estimate costs based on various configuration options, including pricing and discounts.

Q & A

What is Google Cloud’s IaaS solution?

Google Cloud's IaaS solution is Compute Engine, which allows users to create and run virtual machines in Google's data centers and on its global fiber network.

How does Compute Engine help users?

Compute Engine enables users to run virtual machines with configurable CPU, memory, and storage. It supports various computing workloads, such as web-server hosting, application hosting, and application backends.

What are the advantages of using Compute Engine?

Compute Engine offers no upfront investments, fast performance, and the ability to scale with thousands of virtual CPUs. Users can also reconfigure virtual machines based on specific needs.

How can users create a virtual machine instance in Compute Engine?

Users can create a virtual machine instance using the Google Cloud console, a web-based tool, or through the gcloud CLI.

Can Compute Engine run custom operating systems?

Yes, Compute Engine can run Linux, Windows Server, and customized versions of these operating systems. Additionally, users can build and run images of other operating systems.

How is Compute Engine's pricing structured?

Compute Engine bills by the second, with a one-minute minimum. Sustained-use discounts automatically apply the longer virtual machines run, and committed-use discounts are available for stable, predictable workloads.

What are sustained-use discounts in Compute Engine?

Sustained-use discounts apply automatically to virtual machines that run for more than 25% of a month, offering a lower rate for every additional minute the VM runs.

What are committed-use discounts, and how do they work?

Committed-use discounts offer up to a 57% discount for users who commit to using a specific amount of vCPUs and memory for one or three years.

What are Preemptible VMs, and when should they be used?

Preemptible VMs are short-lived virtual machines that can be terminated by Google if resources are needed elsewhere. They are suitable for workloads that don’t require constant human oversight, like batch jobs analyzing large datasets, and can offer savings of up to 90%.

What is the main limitation of Preemptible VMs?

The main limitation of Preemptible VMs is that they can be terminated by Google at any time if resources are required elsewhere. Users need to ensure that their tasks can be paused and resumed.