Module 11:
In today’s tech-driven world, cloud computing has transformed the way data is stored, processed, and accessed. As a CompTIA A+ professional, comprehending the core concepts of cloud computing is vital.
Here’s what you need to know:
What is Cloud Computing?
- Cloud computing is the delivery of computing services—including servers, storage, databases, networking, software, and analytics—over the internet (the cloud) to offer faster innovation, flexible resources, and economies of scale.
Service Models:
- Cloud services are categorized into three primary models:
- Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): Provides virtualized computing resources over the internet.
- Platform as a Service (PaaS): Offers a platform that allows developers to build, deploy, and manage applications.
- Software as a Service (SaaS): Delivers software applications via the internet on a subscription basis.
Deployment Models:
- Cloud deployments can take various forms:
- Public Cloud: Services are available to anyone on the internet. Examples include AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.
- Private Cloud: Resources are used exclusively by a single organization.
- Hybrid Cloud: Combines public and private cloud deployments for increased flexibility.
Cloud Benefits:
- Cloud computing offers several advantages:
- Scalability: Easily scale resources up or down as needed.
- Cost Efficiency: Pay only for the resources you use.
- Accessibility: Access data and applications from anywhere with an internet connection.
- Automatic Updates: Cloud providers handle maintenance and updates.
- Data Redundancy: Data is often stored in multiple locations for redundancy.
- Security: Cloud providers invest in robust security measures.
Cloud Security:
- Security in the cloud is a shared responsibility between the cloud provider and the user. CompTIA A+ professionals must understand security best practices, encryption, access controls, and compliance requirements.
Cloud Services:
- Familiarize yourself with popular cloud services like:
- Amazon Web Services (AWS): Offers a vast array of cloud services and features.
- Microsoft Azure: Provides cloud computing and services for building, deploying, and managing applications.
- Google Cloud Platform (GCP): Offers cloud computing, data storage, machine learning, and more.
Data Migration and Management:
- Know how to transfer data to and from the cloud securely and effectively. Understand data management in a cloud environment.
CompTIA A+ and Cloud Computing:
- As a CompTIA A+ professional, you’ll encounter cloud computing in various scenarios. Understanding how to integrate, manage, and troubleshoot cloud services is crucial.
The Benefits and Risks of Cloud Computing
| Pro | Con |
|---|---|
| Applications are utilities | Security |
| No software is required | Data deletion |
| Efficient | Vendor lock-in |
| Resources are on the network | Isolation failure |
| Available on demand | Privacy |
| Reliable | Interface compromise |
| Cost effective | |
| Flexible |
Cloud Characteristics
Deployment Models
The type of access to the cloud and where it is located.
- Public cloud – Allows access to the public
- Private cloud – Used within an organization
- Community cloud – Provides services to a group of organizations
- Hybrid cloud – A mix of public and private
Service Models
- Infrastructure
- Platform
- Software
Characteristics
- On demand service
- Network access
- Resource pooling
- Measured service
- Rapid elasticity
- Large scale
- Low cost
- Resiliency
- Homogeneity
- Service orientation
- Geographic distribution
- Security
- Virtualization
Things to think about
- Client access requirements
- Data security
- Type of cloud
- Training requirements
Cloud Computing Technologies
- Makes cloud computing flexible and reliable
- Virtualization is a technique that allows the single instance of an application to be shared with multiple resources
- Service orientated architecture
- Utility computing
- Grid computing
Cloud Computing Architecture
- Front end – The client part of the cloud system including platforms and applications.
- Back end – Is the cloud itself. It includes data storage, services, servers, virtual machines and security mechanisms.
Infrastructure
- Hypervisor
- Management of software
- Deployment of software
- Network
- Server
- Storage
Cloud Security
- Cloud Security Alliance (CSA): Is the defined responsibilities of service providers and customers. Data should always be encrypted with restricted access.
Cloud Taxonomy
Infrastructure
- Storage
- Services
- Computing
Software
- Data
- Storage
- Management
- Social media
- Backup
- Document management
- Human resources
- Financial
Platform Services
- Business intelligence
- Testing
- Development
- General purpose
Cloud computing is a transformative technology that has become integral to modern IT. Whether you’re an IT professional or an aspiring one, knowledge of cloud computing is a valuable asset for managing and maintaining IT systems in today’s digital landscape.
You can find all of our CompTIA A+ guides here: https://meganano.uno/comptia-a
We also have guides for the CompTIA Security+ here: https://meganano.uno/comptia-security-professional
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