What is Cloud Computing? Cloud Computing and Platforms

Burak Vural
8 min readMar 11, 2024

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Cloud computing refers to the process of storing, processing and presenting information over the internet. This technology allows users to access different services via the internet without using data center infrastructure. Cloud computing operates on a pay-per-use model and can generally be scaled as needed by users.

You will be billed for the usage level according to platform intensity. It is preferred as a very affordable and suitable structure for some projects.

Cloud systems, defined as Cloud Computing, are basically a new generation computing system.

Cloud Computing Basic Features

Cloud computing is a technology that provides on-demand availability of computer systems’ resources, in particular data storage (cloud storage) and computing power, without direct active management by the user. Typically, large cloud service providers offer services through data centers distributed across multiple locations.

Key Features

Optional Self-Service: Cloud computing offers users the ability to unilaterally provision computing capabilities such as server time and network storage automatically as needed, without requiring any human interaction.

Broad Network Access: Cloud services make capabilities available over the network and use standard mechanisms that facilitate access across different devices.

Resource Pooling: Cloud providers pool computing resources and serve multiple consumers using a multi-tenant model. Resources are dynamically assigned and reassigned based on consumer demand.

Rapid Elasticity: Cloud systems can quickly scale outward and inward proportional to demand. Capabilities are automatically provisioned and released flexibly.

Metered Service: Cloud systems automatically control and optimize resource usage. Being able to monitor, control and report resource usage provides transparency for both providers and consumers.

National Institute of Standards and Technology Definition

The United States National Institute of Standards and Technology bases its definition of cloud computing on five key characteristics:

Optional Self-Service
Broad Network Access
Resource Pool
Fast Flexibility
Measured Service

These features help cloud computing provide flexibility, scalability, and efficiency. Cloud computing provides cost savings and operational convenience for businesses and individuals.

How Has Cloud Computing Evolved?

The origins of cloud computing date back to the early 1960s, when computers and data processing resources needed to be shared. During this period, at a time when computers were large, expensive and complex, computer timesharing was defined as the “data center” model of sending jobs to operators to work on mainframes.

In 1994, the “cloud” metaphor was used by General Magic to describe the universe of “places” mobile agents could go. This metaphor was a concept used in the fields of networking and telecommunications. The term cloud computing became more widely known in 1996 by Compaq Computer Corporation. The company aimed to increase its sales with “applications that support cloud computing” and prepared a business plan for the internet.

In the early 2000s, cloud computing applications began to take shape with the founding of Amazon Web Services (AWS). Then, the beta version of Google Docs was released and Amazon’s Simple Storage Service (S3) and Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) services were introduced. A turning point occurred in the field of cloud computing when NASA developed the first open source software for the deployment of private and hybrid clouds.

In the following years, many new cloud services were launched, such as Microsoft Azure, Rackspace Hosting and the NASA-initiated OpenStack project. Cloud-based services of major companies such as IBM SmartCloud and Oracle Cloud were also developed during this period.

The global pandemic in 2020 increased the popularity of cloud technology. Benefits such as remote working and data security have led to increased adoption of cloud technology by businesses and individuals.

Cloud computing is a technology that has a long history and is constantly evolving. Cloud computing, which started as a simple time-sharing model in the early days, now hosts a complex infrastructure and many different services. The demand for cloud technology for businesses and individuals to optimize business processes and increase efficiency will continue to increase in the future.

Cloud Based Systems

Cloud Servers: Cloud servers are virtual servers obtained by virtualizing physical servers and accessible over the internet. These servers provide hosting, storage, processing and network services.

Data Storage: Cloud-based data storage services allow users to store and access their data over the internet. These services often offer high security and backup options.

Platform Services (PaaS): Platform services provide the platform necessary for software development and distribution. These services may include features such as software development tools, database management and application hosting.

Infrastructure Services (IaaS): Infrastructure services enable users to rent infrastructure components such as virtual servers, storage, and network resources. These services make it easy for users to create and manage their own applications.

Software Services (SaaS): Software services provide software applications that users can access through their web browsers. These services are typically offered in various categories, such as email, office productivity, business intelligence, and customer relationship management.

What are the Most Popular Cloud Platforms?

Amazon Web Services (AWS): AWS is the world’s largest and most widely used cloud service provider. With hundreds of services, it offers solutions in server hosting, storage, database management, artificial intelligence, machine learning and many more areas.

Microsoft Azure: Azure, Microsoft’s cloud computing platform, offers a wide range of services. It includes server hosting, data storage, database services, artificial intelligence, IoT and more.

https://azure.microsoft.com/

Google Cloud Platform (GCP): GCP, Google’s cloud computing platform, has an extensive data center network and a set of services. It offers solutions in server hosting, data storage, artificial intelligence, big data processing and many more areas.

https://cloud.google.com/

IBM Cloud: IBM Cloud is another major cloud provider with a wide range of cloud services. It includes data storage, database management, artificial intelligence, blockchain and more.

Oracle Cloud: Oracle Cloud, Oracle’s cloud computing platform, offers businesses a wide range of cloud services. It offers solutions in data management, application development, analytics, artificial intelligence and many more areas.

Alibaba Cloud: Forming the cloud computing arm of Alibaba Group, Alibaba Cloud is a rapidly growing cloud provider in Asia and around the world. It includes server hosting, data storage, artificial intelligence, IoT and more.

Cloud Training: A Guide to Talent Development in Cloud Computing

Cloud computing is of great importance in today’s rapidly evolving technological environment. Therefore, cloud computing skills are more in demand day by day. Becoming skilled in cloud computing can increase job opportunities and be an important step in your career. Here are the steps you need to follow to get cloud training and improve your skills:

1. Learning Cloud Computing Basics
Cloud computing basically refers to access to computer resources over the internet. Therefore, when starting cloud training, it is important that you understand the basics of cloud computing. You can use a variety of resources to learn about cloud computing service models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS), deployment models (public cloud, private cloud, hybrid cloud), and cloud technologies.

Nowadays, we can access different trainings on many video viewing platforms and article sources. I plan to write an article on Cloud Training and Certification. There are different training video series on YouTube for the system you want, such as Google or Azure. For example;

2. Applied Training and Certificates
One of the most effective ways to improve your skills in cloud computing is through hands-on training and certifications. Many online platforms offer training courses on cloud computing. Major cloud providers such as AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform offer certified training programs on their platforms. By participating in these programs, you can both reinforce your theoretical knowledge and gain experience on real-world projects.

https://cloud.google.com/learn/certification#why-get-google-cloud-certified

https://education.oracle.com/oracle-certification-exams-list?regularExams=

3. Gaining Experience
Gaining experience in cloud computing is an important way to improve your skills. There are various methods to gain experience. For example, you can create your own projects, contribute to open source projects, or do an internship. As you gain experience, you should continually research to learn cloud technologies and best practices.

4. Networking and Communicating
Networking and networking are important for a career in cloud computing. You can join professional social networks and cloud communities to meet experienced professionals in the industry, receive mentorship, and learn about potential job opportunities. You can also follow current developments in the industry and communicate directly with people by attending cloud computing events.

5. Continuous Learning and Development
The field of cloud computing is constantly changing and evolving. Therefore, continuous learning and development is important to be successful in your career. Take the time to keep up with new technologies, analyze trends, and constantly update your skills. Also, be sure to check out advanced training programs and certifications to master cloud computing.

Cloud computing is one of the most important technological fields today, and being skilled in this field can offer great opportunities in your career. By following the steps above to receive cloud training and improve your skills, you can step into a successful career in cloud computing.

Various cloud project examples:

Web Application Hosting:

By hosting a simple web application in the cloud, you can use services offered by a cloud provider such as AWS, Azure or Google Cloud. This project provides a great opportunity to develop skills in deploying, scaling and managing a web application.

Data Storage and Analysis:

Cloud computing provides an ideal environment for big data analysis. Within the scope of this project, you can store your data using a cloud database service and then analyze your data with cloud-based analytical tools.

Mobile Application Development:

Cloud computing can streamline the mobile app development process. For example, you can create and manage the backend infrastructure for a mobile application using cloud services such as AWS Mobile Hub or Firebase.

These project examples can help you gain experience and improve your skills in different areas of cloud computing. Each project is an excellent opportunity to simulate real-world scenarios and put cloud technologies to practical use.

Additionally you can watch some practical videos;

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Burak Vural
Burak Vural

Written by Burak Vural

Software | Cyber Security | FullStack | Dev.Note and some coffee! Ars magus de templum clavis

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