Cloud Computing For Big Data¶
Definition of Cloud Computing¶
Cloud computing is a model for delivering on-demand access to shared computing resources (such as servers, storage, applications, and services) over the internet. Big data refers to large and complex datasets that cannot be processed or analyzed using traditional data processing methods. Combining cloud computing with big data technologies can help businesses to manage, store, process and analyze their large datasets.
Characteristics¶
On-demand self-service: With on-demand self-service, users can access cloud computing resources and services quickly and easily, without needing to go through IT personnel. For example, a business may use a cloud computing service like Amazon Web Services (AWS) to spin up a cluster of virtual machines to process a large dataset. With just a few clicks, the business can provision the resources it needs and start processing data right away.
Broad network access: Broad network access allows users to access cloud computing resources and services over the internet, enabling them to work from anywhere using any kind of devices. For example, a data scientist may need to access a large dataset stored in the cloud from their home office or while traveling. With cloud computing, they can access the data from anywhere with an internet connection.
Resource pooling: Resource pooling enables multiple users to share computing resources and services, making it easier to scale up or down as demand changes. For example, a business may use a cloud computing service like Microsoft Azure to store and process large amounts of data. With resource pooling, the business can easily scale up or down its computing resources as needed, without needing to buy or maintain its own hardware.
Rapid elasticity: Rapid elasticity enables users to quickly scale up or down their computing resources and services as needed. For example, a business may need to process a large amount of data for a short period of time, such as during a sales promotion. With cloud computing, the business can quickly provision the additional resources it needs to handle the workload, and then de-provision them when the promotion is over.
Measured service: Measured service provides users with visibility into their usage of computing resources and services, enabling them to monitor and control costs more effectively. For example, a business may use a cloud computing service like Google Cloud Platform to store and process large amounts of data. With measured service, the business can track its usage of computing resources and services, and then adjust its usage to optimize costs.
Advantages of cloud computing¶
Cost-effective: One of the key advantages of cloud computing is its cost-effectiveness. With cloud computing, businesses can avoid the high upfront costs associated with purchasing and maintaining their own hardware and software infrastructure. Instead, they can pay for computing resources and services on an as-needed basis, which can be more cost-effective over time. Additionally, cloud computing can help businesses to reduce their energy costs and carbon footprint by enabling them to use computing resources more efficiently. For example, a business may use a cloud-based file storage service like Dropbox or Google Drive instead of maintaining its own file servers, which can save money on hardware, energy, and maintenance costs.
Scalable: Cloud computing is highly scalable, which means that businesses can easily adjust their computing resources and services to meet changing demands. With cloud computing, businesses can quickly provision additional computing resources when they need them and then de-provision them when they no longer need them. This can be particularly useful for businesses that experience spikes in demand, such as during peak sales periods or when launching new products. For example, a business may use a cloud-based e-commerce platform like Shopify or Magento to quickly scale up its online store during a busy holiday season.
Flexible: Cloud computing is highly flexible, which means that businesses can choose the computing resources and services that best meet their needs. With cloud computing, businesses can choose from a wide range of computing resources and services, including storage, processing power, networking, and more. Additionally, businesses can easily switch between different cloud providers or services as their needs change. For example, a business may use a cloud-based email service like Gmail or Outlook instead of maintaining its own email server, which can provide greater flexibility and scalability.
Reliable: Cloud computing is highly reliable, which means that businesses can expect high levels of uptime and availability. With cloud computing, businesses can rely on cloud providers to manage and maintain their computing resources and services, which can help to ensure that they are always available when needed. Additionally, cloud providers often offer backup and disaster recovery services, which can help businesses to recover quickly in the event of a data loss or outage. For example, a business may use a cloud-based backup service like Backblaze or Carbonite to ensure that its data is always backed up and protected.
Secure: Cloud computing is highly secure, which means that businesses can trust that their data and computing resources are protected from cyber threats. With cloud computing, businesses can rely on cloud providers to implement security measures like encryption, firewalls, and access controls to protect their data and resources. Additionally, cloud providers often have highly trained security teams that can quickly respond to security threats or incidents. For example, a business may use a cloud-based security service like Cloudflare or Akamai to protect its website or online applications from cyber attacks.
Drawbacks of cloud computing¶
Cost: While cloud computing can be cost-effective, it can also be expensive in many cases.
Data privacy: When you store your data in the cloud, you are entrusting it to a third-party provider, which can raise concerns about data privacy and security.
Downtime: Cloud computing services can experience downtime, which can disrupt business operations and cause data loss. Cloud providers typically have service level agreements (SLAs) that guarantee a certain level of uptime, but downtime can still occur.
Security concerns: If your data is stored in the cloud, it is vulnerable to cyber attacks and data breaches. Cloud providers have implemented security measures to protect your data, but there is always a risk of unauthorized access or data loss.
Cloud computing service models¶
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): IaaS is a cloud computing model that provides businesses with virtualized computing resources, such as virtual machines, storage, and networking. With IaaS, businesses can easily provision and manage their own computing infrastructure, without the need to purchase and maintain physical hardware. Examples of IaaS providers include Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP).
Platform as a Service (PaaS): PaaS is a cloud computing model that provides businesses with a platform for developing, deploying, and managing their own applications. With PaaS, businesses can focus on building and delivering applications, without the need to manage the underlying infrastructure. PaaS providers typically provide pre-built tools and services for application development, such as development frameworks, databases, and testing tools. Examples of PaaS providers include Heroku, Google App Engine, and Microsoft Azure App Service.
Software as a Service (SaaS): SaaS is a cloud computing model that provides businesses with access to pre-built software applications that are hosted in the cloud. With SaaS, businesses can easily access and use software applications without the need to install or manage the software on their own devices or servers. SaaS applications can include a wide range of software, such as customer relationship management (CRM) tools, project management software, and email services. Examples of SaaS providers include Salesforce, Dropbox, and Microsoft Office 365.
Function as a Service (FaaS): FaaS is a cloud computing model that provides businesses with serverless computing resources, which are used to run individual functions or pieces of code. With FaaS, businesses can focus on building and deploying specific functions or services, without the need to manage the underlying infrastructure. FaaS providers typically charge businesses based on the number of times their functions are executed or the amount of time they are executed for. Examples of FaaS providers include AWS Lambda, Google Cloud Functions, and Microsoft Azure Functions.