【Cloud Native｜Cloud Computing Series】Basic Concepts of Cloud Computing

Welcome to the first blog in our cloud computing series on the topic of cloud native, where we explore the basics of cloud computing to help you gain insight into this rapidly evolving field. In the previous blog, we introduced the concept and importance of cloud native, emphasizing its key role as the core concept and practice of cloud computing. This blog will further expand our vision and explore the foundation of cloud computing, from cloud native to core technologies of cloud services. Let's dive into the basics of cloud computing and discover what it means for individual users and businesses.

1. Overview of Cloud Computing

1.1 What is cloud computing?

Cloud computing is an Internet-based computing model that provides the ability to access and use computing resources on demand by storing computing tasks and data on remote servers in the network. Users can connect to the cloud service provider's server through the Internet to use computing resources on demand without purchasing and maintaining expensive hardware and software facilities.

1.2 Basic Features of Cloud Computing

Cloud computing has the following fundamental characteristics that make it a powerful computing paradigm:

1.2.1 Elastic scalability

Cloud computing allows users to quickly adjust the scale of computing resources according to actual needs. Users can increase or decrease resources according to load conditions to achieve elastic expansion. This flexibility enables users to dynamically allocate resources according to demand, thereby improving resource utilization and cost-effectiveness.

1.2.2 On-demand self-service

Cloud computing provides an on-demand self-service method, and users can independently select and configure computing resources according to their needs. Users can complete the application, configuration and management of computing resources through a simple interface or API without manual intervention.

1.2.3 Broadband network access

Cloud computing is based on the Internet for service delivery. Users can connect to remote servers through the network and access various computing resources and services provided by cloud service providers. This feature of broadband network access enables users to access required computing resources through the network anytime and anywhere.

1.2.4 Shared resource pool

Cloud computing provides a shared resource pool, and multiple users can share computing resources provided by cloud service providers. Through resource sharing and multi-tenant mechanism, cloud computing can achieve efficient resource utilization and cost sharing.

1.2.5 Fast Delivery and Flexible Billing

Cloud computing supports fast delivery and flexible billing models. Users can quickly obtain the required computing resources without complex deployment and configuration procedures. At the same time, users can also perform flexible billing according to actual usage, and only pay for the resources actually used, thereby reducing costs.

1.3 The Evolution of Cloud Computing

The development of cloud computing has gone through several stages:

1.3.1 Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)

In the early days of cloud computing, providers primarily offered Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS). Users can create and manage virtual machines, storage and network resources on the cloud service provider's infrastructure. This model enables users to directly control and manage the underlying infrastructure for greater flexibility and customization.

1.3.2 Platform as a Service (PaaS)

With the development of cloud computing, the platform as a service (PaaS) model emerged. PaaS provides an application development and deployment platform on which users can build, test and deploy applications without paying attention to the underlying infrastructure. PaaS greatly simplifies the development and deployment process of applications and improves development efficiency.

1.3.3 Software as a Service (SaaS)

Software as a Service (SaaS) is another important phase of cloud computing. In the SaaS model, the provider provides complete applications, and users access and use these applications through the Internet. Users do not need to care about the underlying infrastructure, platform, or application maintenance, and only need to focus on using and enjoying the functions provided by the application.

2. Cloud Computing Service Model

2.1 Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)

2.1.1 Definition and characteristics

**Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)** is a service model of cloud computing. In the IaaS model, cloud service providers provide basic computing, storage and network resources, and users can rent these resources on demand to build and manage their own application environment. Users can create and manage virtual machines, storage and network resources through virtualization technology. Features of the IaaS model include:

• Users have full control and can customize the configuration and manage the underlying infrastructure.
• Elastic scalability : Users can quickly adjust the scale of computing resources according to actual needs.
• On-demand self-service : Users can independently select and configure computing resources as needed.
• Broadband network access : Users can connect to remote servers through the network and access computing resources and services provided by cloud service providers.

2.1.2 Examples and Application Scenarios

Examples of infrastructure as a service include:

• Virtual Machine Instances : Users can rent virtual machine instances to run their own applications and services.
• Storage service : Users can rent storage service to store and manage data.
• Network resources : Users can rent network resources to build and manage their own network environment.

Application scenario:

• Rapid Deployment and Testing : Developers can use the IaaS model to quickly create and deploy development, test, and demo environments, speeding up application development cycles.
• Elastic expansion and load balancing : Enterprises can use the IaaS model to dynamically adjust the scale of computing resources according to actual load conditions to meet changing user needs.
• Backup and disaster recovery : By using the IaaS model, enterprises can back up data to the cloud to ensure data security and reliability. In addition, enterprises can also use resources in the cloud to build a disaster recovery environment to improve business availability and recovery capabilities.

2.2 Platform as a Service (PaaS)

2.2.1 Definition and characteristics

**Platform as a Service (PaaS)** is a service model of cloud computing. In the PaaS model, cloud service providers provide a platform for developing and deploying applications, including runtime environments, development tools, and services. Features of the PaaS model include:

• Provides a complete application development and deployment platform, including programming language support, libraries and frameworks, databases and storage, and more.
• The application development and deployment process is simplified, and developers can focus on application logic and function development.
• Automatic scaling and load balancing: PaaS providers automatically handle underlying infrastructure configuration and management, including responding to growing user demand and traffic.

2.2.2 Examples and Application Scenarios

Examples of Platform as a Service include:

• Development tools and integration environments : PaaS providers offer a range of development tools and integration environments to make it easier for developers to build and test applications.
• Runtime environment : PaaS providers provide a runtime environment for applications, including operating systems, databases, and middleware.
• Automated deployment and expansion: The PaaS platform can automatically handle the deployment and expansion process of applications, and dynamically adjust resource scale according to load conditions.

Application scenario:

• Rapid development and deployment : Developers can use the PaaS model to quickly develop and deploy applications without paying attention to the underlying infrastructure and operating environment.
• Agile development and iteration : The PaaS model supports agile development and iteration, and the development team can quickly test and deploy new functions, speeding up time to market.
• Multi-tenant applications : The PaaS model supports the development and deployment of multi-tenant applications. Different users can share instances of the same application to improve resource utilization.
  

2.3 Software as a Service (SaaS)

2.3.1 Definition and characteristics

**Software as a Service (SaaS)** is a service model of cloud computing. In the SaaS model, cloud service providers provide complete applications, and users access and use these applications through the Internet without caring about the underlying infrastructure, platform or application maintenance. Features of the SaaS model include:

• Provide a complete application, including front-end interface, back-end logic and database, etc.
• Users only need to access the cloud service provider's platform through a standard web browser or mobile application to use the required application functions.
• The cloud service provider is responsible for the deployment, maintenance and security of the application.

2.3.2 Examples and Application Scenarios

Examples of software as a service include:

• Enterprise collaboration tools : such as online office suites, collaborative editing tools, project management tools, etc.
• Customer relationship management : such as sales management, customer support and marketing tools.
• Human resource management : such as employee information management, recruitment and training tools.
• E-mail services : such as e-mail sending and receiving and management.

Application scenario:

• Enterprise application : The SaaS model is widely used in various fields of enterprises to help enterprises improve work efficiency, reduce costs and improve user experience.
• Individual users : Individual users can obtain services such as personal data storage, entertainment, and social networking by subscribing to SaaS applications.
  

3. Cloud computing deployment model

3.1 Public cloud

3.1.1 Definition and characteristics

Public cloud (Public Cloud) is a cloud computing deployment model, which refers to cloud services provided by cloud service providers to the public. In the public cloud model, cloud service providers own and manage infrastructure, platforms and applications, and users can access and use these services through the Internet. Characteristics of a public cloud include:

• Multi-tenant architecture : multiple users share the infrastructure and resources of the cloud service provider and isolate them through virtualization technology.
• Elastic scalability : Users can quickly adjust the scale of computing resources according to demand, and flexibly allocate and release resources according to actual usage conditions.
• Pay-as-you-go : Users pay according to the resources and services actually used, avoiding high initial investment and maintenance costs.

3.1.2 Typical public cloud providers

Typical public cloud providers include:

• Amazon Web Services (AWS) : AWS provides a wide range of cloud computing services, including computing, storage, databases, artificial intelligence, etc.
• Microsoft Cloud (Microsoft Azure) : Azure provides comprehensive cloud solutions, including computing, storage, database, artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, etc.
• Google Cloud (Google Cloud) : Google Cloud provides high-performance computing, storage, machine learning, data analysis and other cloud services.
• Alibaba Cloud : Alibaba Cloud is a leading cloud computing service provider in China, providing computing, storage, database, artificial intelligence and other services.

3.1.3 Advantages and Applicable Scenarios

The advantages of public cloud include:

• Flexibility and elastic expansion : Public cloud providers have a high degree of elastic expansion capability, and users can quickly adjust the scale of resources according to demand to cope with changing business needs.
• Cost-effectiveness : The public cloud adopts a pay-as-you-go model, and users only need to pay for the resources and services actually used, avoiding high initial investment and maintenance costs.
• Simple management : Public cloud providers are responsible for the management and maintenance of infrastructure and services, allowing users to focus more on application development and innovation.

Public cloud is suitable for the following scenarios:

• Start-ups and SMEs : The public cloud provides flexible computing resources and services to meet the rapid development needs of start-ups and SMEs.
• Temporary workloads : For temporary or periodic workloads, the public cloud provides temporary computing resources and services to avoid waste of resources.
• Global business : Public cloud providers have established data centers and network infrastructure around the world to meet the needs of global business.

3.2 Private cloud

3.2.1 Definition and characteristics

Private Cloud is a cloud computing deployment model, which refers to a cloud environment built on a private network and infrastructure, owned and managed by a single organization or enterprise. Characteristics of a private cloud include:

• Exclusive : A private cloud is used exclusively by a single organization or business, providing greater security and privacy.
• Custom configuration : Users can customize and configure private cloud infrastructure and services according to their own needs and requirements.
• Full control : Users have full control over the private cloud environment and can customize and manage it according to their own requirements.

3.2.2 Implementation of private cloud

A private cloud can be implemented in several ways:

• Self-built private cloud : Organizations or enterprises purchase and build infrastructure, platforms and applications by themselves to build a private cloud environment.
• Managed Private Cloud : An organization or business hosts a private cloud infrastructure at a third-party data center or service provider, but still retains full control over the private cloud environment.
• Partner private cloud : An organization or enterprise and a partner jointly establish and manage a private cloud environment to meet common business needs.

3.2.3 Advantages and Applicable Scenarios

The advantages of a private cloud include:

• Security and Privacy : Private clouds provide greater security and privacy, and organizations or businesses can better control and protect sensitive data and business.
• Customization and flexibility : private cloud allows users to customize and configure according to their own needs and requirements, providing more flexible deployment and management methods.
• Compliance requirements : Certain industries or organizations may be constrained by regulations and compliance requirements, which can be met by a private cloud.

Private cloud is suitable for the following scenarios:

• Enterprises with high security and privacy requirements : For some enterprises with sensitive data and business, private cloud provides higher security and privacy.
• Industries with high compliance requirements : industries such as finance and medical care have high compliance requirements for data, and private clouds can provide an environment that complies with relevant regulations.
• Enterprises with more control over infrastructure and services : Some enterprises want greater control over infrastructure and services to meet specific business needs.

3.3 Hybrid cloud

3.3.1 Definition and characteristics

Hybrid cloud is a cloud computing deployment model that combines the characteristics of public cloud and private cloud. In a hybrid cloud model, an organization or business can use both public and private clouds to meet different needs. Characteristics of a hybrid cloud include:

• Blending the benefits of public and private clouds : Hybrid clouds combine the elastic scale and flexibility of public clouds with the security and control of private clouds.
• Flexible migration of data and applications : Organizations or enterprises can flexibly migrate data and applications between public clouds and private clouds according to their needs.
• Elastic resource management : Hybrid cloud allows organizations or enterprises to dynamically allocate and manage resources according to actual needs for cost-effectiveness and performance optimization.

3.3.2 Advantages and Challenges of Hybrid Cloud

Advantages of hybrid cloud include:

• Flexibility and elastic expansion : Hybrid cloud allows organizations or enterprises to flexibly adjust the scale of resources according to actual needs, and take advantage of the elastic expansion capabilities of public clouds.
• Security and Privacy : The private cloud segment offers increased security and privacy and is suitable for storing and processing sensitive data.
• Cost-effectiveness : Hybrid cloud allows organizations or enterprises to choose the appropriate cloud environment according to different business needs to achieve cost-effectiveness.

Hybrid cloud challenges include:

• Complexity and management difficulty : Hybrid cloud requires the management and maintenance of multiple cloud environments, including public and private clouds, which increases management complexity and technical challenges.
• Data and application consistency : In a hybrid cloud environment, ensuring data and application consistency and interoperability across different cloud environments is a challenge.
• Security and compliance : Organizations or enterprises need to ensure the security and compliance of data and applications in a hybrid cloud environment, including data protection, identity authentication, etc.

4. The significance of cloud computing

4.1 Significance to individual users

4.1.1 Personal data storage and backup

Cloud computing provides convenient data storage and backup solutions for individual users. Individual users can upload important files, photos, videos and other data to the server of the cloud storage service provider to realize remote storage and backup of data. This way, even if a personal device fails or is lost, the user's data remains securely stored in the cloud and can be accessed and restored at any time.

4.1.2 Personal applications and services

Cloud computing enables individual users to easily access and use various applications and services. Through cloud applications, individual users can use services such as online office suites, cloud storage, email, music and video streaming without installing and managing complex software and hardware. This provides convenience and flexibility for individual users to use the apps and services they want anytime, anywhere.

4.2 Significance to enterprises

4.2.1 Flexible deployment and cost control of IT resources

Cloud computing provides enterprises with flexible IT resource allocation and cost control mechanisms. Enterprises can quickly expand or shrink computing, storage, and network resources according to actual needs without investing in and maintaining expensive hardware devices. Through the pay-as-you-go model, enterprises only need to pay for the resources and services actually used, avoiding high initial investment and maintenance costs.

4.2.2 Agile development and innovation capability improvement

Cloud computing provides enterprises with agile development and enhanced innovation capabilities. By using cloud platforms and services, enterprises can quickly create, deploy and manage applications, reducing the time and complexity of building traditional IT infrastructure and environments. This enables enterprises to more agilely launch new products and services, quickly respond to market demands and realize business innovation.

4.2.3 Application Deployment for High Availability and Scalability

Cloud computing provides high-availability and scalable application deployment solutions, enabling enterprises to cope with ever-increasing user demands and traffic. The elastic expansion capability of the cloud platform can automatically adjust the scale of resources according to the load situation, ensuring that applications always have high performance and availability. In addition, cloud service providers usually establish data centers in multiple geographical locations to provide enterprises with global application deployment and user services.

5. Challenges and future development of cloud computing

5.1 Security and Privacy Issues

Cloud computing faces security and privacy challenges. Since user data is stored in the cloud, there are issues such as data leakage, data security, and identity authentication. Cloud service providers need to take strict security measures, including data encryption, access control, identity authentication, etc., to protect the security and privacy of user data.

5.2 Data transmission and network bandwidth

Cloud computing relies on network transmission and bandwidth, and has high requirements for network stability and speed. The transmission of large-scale data, the response of real-time applications and the load of user access all require high-speed and reliable network infrastructure. Therefore, cloud service providers need to continuously optimize network architecture and bandwidth to meet users' needs for high-speed and stable networks.

5.3 Future Development Trend of Cloud Computing

In the future, cloud computing will continue to develop and affect various industries and fields. Here are some future trends in cloud computing:

• Hybrid cloud and multi-cloud architecture : Organizations and enterprises will increasingly adopt hybrid cloud and multi-cloud architecture to meet different application and business needs, taking into account security, flexibility and cost-effectiveness.
• Edge computing : With the development of the Internet of Things, edge computing will become an important trend, pushing computing and storage capabilities closer to the edge of users and devices, providing low latency and faster response.
• Artificial intelligence and machine learning : Cloud computing will be combined with artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to provide enterprises with more powerful intelligent analysis and prediction capabilities, and promote business innovation and growth.

Summarize

This blog introduces the basic knowledge and core technologies of cloud computing from the perspective of cloud native. We learned what cloud native is and why it matters, and how it provides elastic, scalable, and reliable infrastructure and services. Next, we delved into cloud computing service models, including Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS). Through practical examples, we explain the characteristics and application scenarios of each service model to help readers better understand the different levels and service types of cloud computing.

When further discussing cloud computing deployment models, we introduced the definitions, characteristics and applicable scenarios of public cloud, private cloud and hybrid cloud. These deployment models provide flexibility, security, and cost-effectiveness to meet the needs of different organizations and enterprises. Finally, we discussed the significance of cloud computing, its value and advantages for individual users and enterprises. From personal data storage and backup to flexible deployment and innovation capabilities of enterprises, cloud computing provides more convenience and opportunities for users and enterprises.

In the future, cloud computing will continue to develop and evolve. With the rise of trends such as edge computing, artificial intelligence and hybrid cloud, cloud computing will provide users and enterprises with more opportunities for innovation and growth. In the upcoming blogs, we will continue to explore important topics of cloud computing in depth, including cloud security, cloud native architecture and future development trends. Let's explore the unlimited potential of cloud computing and bring more opportunities and success to individual users and businesses!