16-05-2024
09:14 AM
GS III
Sub-Categories:
Science and Technology
Prelims: General Science
Mains: Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nano-technology, Bio-technology and issues relating to Intellectual Property Rights.
Cloud computing is a revolutionary technology that allows individuals and businesses to access a vast array of computing services via the Internet. It has shifted the requirement of maintaining key services from local servers to remote servers. Cloud-based infrastructure enables users to store, manage, and process data on servers hosted in data centers around the world.
Cloud computing offers scalability, cost-efficiency, and convenience, neutralising the need for substantial upfront capital investment in hardware and software.
Cloud computing is a model for delivering information technology services where resources are retrieved from the internet through web-based tools and applications rather than a direct connection to a server. It allows for on-demand access to computing power and data storage. Several aspects associated include.
The working mechanism of Cloud Computing includes:
Cloud computing architecture refers to the components and subcomponents required for cloud computing. The architecture can be divided into two main parts: the Front End and the Back End, which are connected through a network, typically the Internet.
Types of cloud computing can be categorised into two categories- Deployment Models and Cloud Computing Services, which are listed below:
Cloud Computing can deliver multiple things as a service, which is colloquially known as Everything as a Service (XaaS). The 'X' in XaaS is a placeholder that can represent anything. Some of the common models included in XaaS are mentioned in the table below:
Name of Service | Key Aspects | Applications |
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) | - IaaS serves as the foundational layer in cloud computing services. - Users get access to virtualized computing resources over the internet, which can include servers, network connections, and data storage. - Offers high levels of control and flexibility in managing hardware resources. - Resembles traditional physical IT resources that are familiar to IT departments. | - Web Hosting - Big Data Analysis - High-Performance Computing - E-Commerce Platforms - Mobile App Backends -Examples- Amazon E2C Services, MeghRaj Initiative, etc. |
Platform as a Service (PaaS) | - PaaS users are not required to manage or control the underlying cloud infrastructure. - Prioritises the deployment and management of applications. - Eliminates the need to manage hardware or operating system environments, streamlining application development. | - Application Development - Business Process Management (BPM) - Business Analytics and Intelligence - Automated Backup and Disaster Recovery - Examples- Microsoft Azure App Service, AWS Elastic Beanstalk, Aadhaar authentication services, etc. |
Software as a Service (SaaS) | - Offers complete operational software products managed by the service provider. - Commonly applies to applications used by end-users such as email services. -Users are free from concerns about service maintenance or infrastructure management. - Users need to focus solely on how to utilise the application for their needs. | - Customer Relationship Management (CRM) - Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) - Email and Communication - Content Management System (CMS) -Examples- Microsoft Office 365, Dropbox, Google Workspace, and GSTN (Goods and Services Tax Network), DigiLocker, AEPS, BHIM |
Other than these models XaaS has expanded into many other areas, including:
Cloud Computing has revolutionised the IT industry. it has several applications such as:
Cloud computing in India has witnessed exponential growth in recent years, transitioning from an emerging technology to a fundamental business resource. Key trends in India in the realm of Cloud computing include
The government of India is always at the forefront when it comes to the usage of technology. In the realm of Cloud Computing, the government of India has taken several initiatives mentioned below:
Area | Usage |
E-Gram Panchayat | - The e-Panchayat scheme was launched to enhance government operations and governance quality. |
Indian Railways | - To mitigate ticketing losses, cloud technology has been adopted for data management. - RailCloud service as a high-speed connectivity solution initiated by Indian Railways. - Nivaran grievance portal as a service grievance platform for current and former railway employees. |
Kisan Suvidha | - The Kisan Suvidha portal was designed to provide farmers with essential information.
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Digilocker | - A public cloud storage for Indian citizens provided by the government. - Enables instant digital verification and signing by the government. |
Government e-Marketplace (GeM) | - It utilises a multi-cloud architecture for expanded scalability. - it features a vast range of products and services for numerous buyer organisations. |
National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) | - NHAI introduced an AI-based big data analytics platform. -Documents are stored on a cloud data lake with GIS tagging for easy accessibility. |
MeghRaj | - Also known as GI Cloud, it aims to adopt cloud computing in government operations. - It will aid in the quickening of e-service delivery and optimise ICT expenditures. |
Infrastructure Sector | - Smart Cities Mission leverages cloud computing for local development and real-time data processing. -Cloud services act as a crucial backbone for Digital India's infrastructure. |
Banking Sector | - The RBI employs cloud solutions to achieve nationwide banking accessibility. -The Indian Banking Community Cloud (IBCC) is the banking industry's first community cloud. |
Manufacturing Sector | - Power applications include CRM, supply chain management, and data warehousing, among others. - Operational benefits include green IT and HMI (Human-Machine Interface) via cloud computing. |
Telecom Sector | - Cloud platforms address various business and technical needs in telecom. - It facilitates resource sharing, automation, and operation improvements. |
The domain of cloud computing is not void of challenges. There are several challenges associated with cloud computing, such as:
Q.1. With reference to "Software as a Service (SaaS)", consider the following statements: (UPSC Prelims 2022)
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Cloud computing is the delivery of different services through the Internet, including data storage, servers, databases, networking, and software.
Cloud computing works by allowing client devices to access data and cloud applications over the Internet from remote physical servers, databases, and computers.
The main types of cloud services are Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), Software as a Service (SaaS), and Functions as a Service (FaaS).
Benefits include cost savings, scalability, accessibility, high availability, disaster recovery, and the convenience of pay-as-you-go pricing models.
A public cloud is a service offered to multiple customers over the Internet, while a private cloud is dedicated to the needs and goals of a single organisation.
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