Cloud computing overview-submitted by Azure Forum Support Team

Introduction

Do you know what cloud computing is? In fact, there is no definite definition at present. In summary, cloud computing refers to deploying your software and services in the data center and managing them in a unified manner to achieve high scalability.

Cloud computing has the following features:

· Virtualization and automation

· Servers, storage media, networks, and other resources can be replaced at any time

· All resources are centrally managed by the cloud

· High scalability to meet business needs

· Focus on delivering services to businesses

 

Cloud computing deployment Method

In terms of deployment methods, there are two types of cloud computing:

· Private cloud: data centers are deployed within an enterprise and managed by the enterprise. Microsoft provides the Dynamic Data Center toolkit to help you manage your own data centers. For details, refer to http://www.microsoft.com/hosting/dynamicdatacenter/home.html.

· Public cloud: data centers are provided by third-party cloud computing vendors to help enterprises manage infrastructure (such as hardware, networks, and so on ). Enterprises place their software and services in the data centers provided by the suppliers and pay a certain amount of rent. Windows Azure is such a public cloud platform.

Cloud computing operations

In terms of operation methods, there are three types of cloud computing:

· Software as a service (SAAS): cloud computing operators supply software directly as services for end users. Some services also provide sdks so that third-party developers can perform secondary development. In this operation mode, developers can only develop plug-ins for existing products, but cannot fully explore the features of the platform and operating system, however, they can add new functions on the basis of existing products, instead of starting from scratch. Microsoft's Bing, Windows Live, Microsoft Business productionline and other products belong to this type.

· Platform as a service (PAAs): cloud computing operators provide their own development and deployment platforms to third-party developers. Third-party developers develop their own software and services on this platform, for you or other users. In this operation mode, developers have more freedom to give full play to the powerful functions of the platform without being bound by existing products. Windows Azure is such a product.

· Infrastructure as a service (IAAS): cloud computing operators provide but do not manage the infrastructure. Third-party developers deliver the developed software and services to their IT administrators, the IT Administrator is responsible for deployment and management. In this operation mode, developers and IT administrators have the maximum freedom. However, because some infrastructure needs to be managed by themselves, the cost is usually high, the requirements for administrators are also high. At present, Microsoft has not yet provided the IAAs cloud computing operation model, but we are considering how to give developers and IT administrators more freedom.

Summary

Cloud computing refers to deploying your software and services in the data center and managing them in a unified manner to achieve high scalability. In terms of deployment methods, cloud computing can be divided into private and public clouds. In terms of operation, cloud computing can be divided into SaaS, paas, and IAAs. Windows Azure is Microsoft's public cloud PAAs solution. In future blogs, we will provide a systematic introduction to Windows azure.