A beginner's guide
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Simply put, cloud computing is the delivery of computing services—including servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics, and intelligence—over the Internet ("the cloud") to offer faster innovation, flexible resources, and economies of scale. You typically pay only for the cloud services you use, which helps you lower operating costs, run your infrastructure more efficiently, and scale as your business needs change.
(Video) What is the cloud? An introduction to cloud computing with Microsoft Azure.
The main advantages of cloud computing
Cloud computing is a big shift from the traditional way businesses think about IT resources. Here are seven common reasons why organizations turn to cloud computing services:
charge
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Moving to the cloud helps companies optimizeThat costs money. That's because cloud computing eliminates the capital cost of buying hardware and software and setting up and running on-site data centers—racks of servers, 24-hour electricity for power and cooling, and IT professionals to manage the infrastructure. It adds up quickly.
Speed up
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Most cloud computing services are self-service and on-demand, so even massive amounts of computing resources can be provisioned in minutes, usually with just a few mouse clicks, giving companies a lot of flexibility and reducing pressure on capacity planning.
Global scale
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The benefits of cloud computing services include the ability to scale elastically. When talking about the cloud, this means delivering the right amount of IT resources - for example, more or less computing power, storage, bandwidth - exactly when they are needed and on the right sidegeographical location.
Productivity
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On-premises data centers typically require a lot of "stacking and stacking"—hardware deployment, software patching, and other time-consuming IT management tasks. Cloud computing removes the need for many of these tasks, so IT teams can spend time on more important business goals.
Performance
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The largest cloud computing services operate on a worldwide network of secure data centers, which are regularly upgraded with the latest generation of fast and efficient computing hardware. This offers several advantages over a single corporate data center, including reduced network latency for applications and greater economies of scale.
Reliability
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Cloud computing makes a backup copy of data,disaster recovery, and business continuity is easier and cheaper because data can be mirrored to multiple redundant locations on the cloud service provider's network.
Security
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Many cloud providers offer a broad set of policies, technologies, and controls that collectively strengthen your security posture, helping to protect your data, applications, and infrastructure from potential threats.
Types of cloud computing
Not all clouds are the same, and no one type of cloud computing is right for everyone. Several different models, types and services have been developed to offer the right solution for your needs.
You must first determine the type of cloud deployment or cloud computing architecture on which your cloud services will be deployed. There are three different ways to deploy cloud services: on a public cloud, a private cloud, or a hybrid cloud.Learn more about public, private and hybrid clouds.
Public cloud
Public cloudsare owned and operated by a third partycloud service providers, which deliver computing resources such as servers and storage over the Internet. Microsoft Azure is an example of a public cloud. With a public cloud, all hardware, software, and other supporting infrastructure is owned and managed by the cloud provider. You access these services and manage your account using a web browser.
Private cloud
Aprivate cloudrefers to cloud computing resources used exclusively by one company or organization. A private cloud can be physically located in a company's on-site data center. Some companies also pay third-party service providers to host their private cloud. A private cloud is one where services and infrastructure are hosted on a private network.
Hybrid cloud
Hybrid cloudsthey combine public and private clouds, connected by technology that allows data and applications to be shared between them. By allowing data and applications to move between private and public clouds, a hybrid cloud gives your business more flexibility and more deployment options, and helps optimize your existing infrastructure, security and compliance.
Types of cloud services: IaaS, PaaS, serverless and SaaS
Most cloud computing services fall into four broad categories: Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), Serverless, and Software as a Service (SaaS). These are sometimes referred to as "stacks" of cloud computing because they build on each other. Knowing what they are and how they differ will make it easier for you to achieve your business goals.
IaaS
The most basic category of cloud computing services. WITHinfrastructure as a service (IaaS), you rent IT infrastructure—servers and virtual machines (VMs), storage, networks, operating systems—from cloud providers on a pay-as-you-go basis.
PaaS
Platform as a Service (PaaS)refers to cloud computing services that provide an on-demand environment for developing, testing, delivering, and managing software applications. PaaS is designed to make it easy for developers to quickly create web or mobile applications, without having to worry about setting up or managing the underlying server, storage, network and database infrastructure required for development.
SaaS
Software as a Service (SaaS)is a method for delivering software applications over the Internet, on demand and usually on a subscription basis. With SaaS, cloud service providers host and manage the software application and underlying infrastructure, and handle all maintenance, such as software upgrades and security patches. Users connect to the app over the Internet, usually through a web browser on their phone, tablet, or computer.
Serverless computing
Overlap with PaaS,serverless computingit focuses on building application functionality without spending time constantly managing the servers and infrastructure required to do so. The cloud service provider handles deployment, capacity planning and server management for you. Serverless architectures are highly scalable and event-driven, using resources only when a specific function or trigger occurs.
Using cloud computing
You're probably using cloud computing right now, even if you're not aware of it. If you use an online service to send email, edit documents, watch movies or TV, listen to music, play games, or store pictures and other files, it's likely that cloud computing makes it all possible behind the scenes. Various organizations - from small startups to global corporations, government agencies to non-profit organizations - have embraced cloud computing technology for a variety of reasons.
Here are some examples of what is possible with cloud services from cloud providers:
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Create cloud-native applications
Quickly build, deploy, and scale applications—web, mobile, and API. Leverage cloud-native technologies and approaches such as containers,Kubernetes, microservices architecture, API-driven communication, and DevOps.
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Store, backup and recover data
Protect your data more cost-effectively—and at scale—by transferring your data over the Internet to an external cloud storage system that's accessible from any location and any device.
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Stream audio i video
Connect with your audience anywhere, anytime, on any device with high-definition video and audio with global distribution.
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Delivery of software on demand
Also known as software as a service (SaaS), software on demand allows you to offer customers the latest software versions and updates – whenever they need it, wherever they are.
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Test and build applications
Reduce application development costs and time by using cloud infrastructures that can easily scale up or down.
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Analyze the data
Consolidate your data across teams, departments and locations in the cloud. Then use cloud services, such as machine learning and artificial intelligence, to uncover insights to make more informed decisions.
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Build in intelligence
Use intelligent models to engage customers and provide valuable insights from collected data.
- (Video) How does Microsoft Azure work?
Microsoft and cloud computing
Microsoft is a leading global provider of cloud computing services for businesses of all sizes. To learn more about Microsoft's cloud platform and how Microsoft Azure compares to other cloud providers, take a lookWhat is Azure?iAzure protiv AWS-a. And to accelerate your cloud journey with best practices, resources and expert help, take a lookAzure Migration and Modernization Program.
Additional funds
Frequently asked questions
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The cloud is a large network of remote servers around the world. These servers store and manage data, run applications, and deliver content and services such as streaming video, webmail, and office productivity software over the Internet. Storing your files and data in the cloud frees you from relying on local computers and servers. Instead, you can access your data online from any internet-capable device, whenever and wherever you want.
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Multicloud computing refers to the use of multiple cloud computing services from more than one cloud service provider for the same type of IT solution or workload. A multicloud strategy—which can include both private and public clouds—helps organizations reduce risk and offers increased workload flexibility. Choosing the different offerings and capabilities of more than one cloud service provider allows organizations to build solutions that best suit their specific IT needs.
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In general, cloud computing does not require technical IT experience. Cloud computing simply refers to the delivery of computing services over the Internet, including storage, databases, software, and analytics. Whether you have a basic understanding of computing concepts and terminology or are a more technical worker, you can apply the local computing knowledge and skills you currently have to the cloud.
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Cloud service providers typically use a pay-as-you-go pricing model, meaning organizations only pay for the cloud services they use. This helps companies reduce operational costs, manage infrastructure more efficiently, and increase or decrease cloud computing costs according to changing business needs. For example, Azure offerscijene po principu "pay-as-you-go".without any obligation in advance andfree serviceswhich include popular services free for 12 months and 55+ other services that are always free.
(Video) Microsoft Azure Fundamentals Certification Course (AZ-900) - Pass the exam in 3 hours!
FAQs
What is cloud computing? | Microsoft Azure? ›
What is Microsoft Azure? To understand Azure, first, we need to understand Cloud Computing. Cloud Computing is nothing but the delivery of computing services over the internet, otherwise known as the cloud. These services include servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics, and intelligence.
What is meant by cloud computing in Azure? ›Simply put, cloud computing is the delivery of computing services—including servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics, and intelligence—over the Internet (“the cloud”) to offer faster innovation, flexible resources, and economies of scale.
Is AZ-900 hard to pass? ›At first glance, the AZ-900 exam appears to be one of the easiest IT certifications on the market, but that doesn't mean it isn't challenging. It's still an IT exam, and most of them are dense, if not difficult.
What is Azure explained simply? ›Azure is a cloud computing platform and an online portal that allows you to access and manage cloud services and resources provided by Microsoft. These services and resources include storing your data and transforming it, depending on your requirements.
What is Azure cloud for dummies? ›Written by a Microsoft MVP and Microsoft Certified Azure Solutions Architect, Microsoft Azure For Dummies covers building virtual networks, configuring cloud-based virtual machines, launching and scaling web applications, migrating on-premises services to Azure, and keeping your Azure resources secure and compliant.
What is cloud computing answer in one word? ›Cloud computing is the delivery of different services through the Internet. These resources include tools and applications like data storage, servers, databases, networking, and software.
What is the difference between cloud computing and Microsoft Azure? ›So, what's the difference between the cloud and Azure? The cloud is a network of remote servers that are accessed over the internet, while Azure is a specific brand of cloud computing platform that helps organizations build, deploy, and manage applications and services.
Can I retake az900 if I fail? ›First of all, if a candidate fails on the first attempt, he/she has to wait 24 hours before retaking the exam. Secondly, if he/she fails on the 2nd attempt, then they should wait for 14 days to retake the exam. A candidate can take a maximum of 5 retakes in a year.
What is the salary of AZ-900? ›Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)
However, it also discusses Azure management tools and features related to Azure network security, identity, governance, privacy, and compliance. The Azure Fundamentals certification helped people earn an average salary of $126,653 in 2020, Global Knowledge reports.
2. The passing score for the AZ-900 exam is 700 out of 1000.
What is the main purpose of Azure? ›
The Azure cloud platform is more than 200 products and cloud services designed to help you bring new solutions to life—to solve today's challenges and create the future. Build, run, and manage applications across multiple clouds, on-premises, and at the edge, with the tools and frameworks of your choice.
What programming language does Azure use? ›Azure supports the most popular programming languages in use today, including Python, JavaScript, Java, . NET and Go.
How do I master Azure? ›- Learning Path. Create cloud native apps with Azure and open-source software. ...
- Module. Choose the right Azure service for deploying your Java application. ...
- Module. Build Serverless APIs with Azure Functions. ...
- Learning Path. Azure SQL fundamentals. ...
- Module. ...
- Module. ...
- Module. ...
- Learning Path.
Yes, you can learn Microsoft Azure without learning to program. But this would restrict your work roles to just non-technical roles. If you're a beginner, learning a programming language is recommended, such as Python, to get a high-paying job in the cloud computing industry.
Is Azure cloud difficult? ›The short answer is yes, Azure is easy to learn if you already know AWS for many reasons: Basic architecture concepts are the same across all the cloud vendors. Cloud native concepts (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS) are the same across all cloud vendors. Both Azure and AWS have a similar set of services and infrastructure.
What are the three main components of Azure cloud? ›It has three major components: Compute, Storage and the Fabric Controller. As depicted in Figure 3.16, Windows Azure runs on a large number of machines, all maintained in Microsoft data centers. The hosting environment of Azure is called the Fabric Controller.
How do you explain cloud computing to a child? ›“Cloud computing is like electricity, but instead of plugging into the wall to receive the power you plug into the Internet to receive computing services, with both you only pay for what you use.”
What is the cloud in simple terms? ›The definition for the cloud can seem murky, but essentially, it's a term used to describe a global network of servers, each with a unique function. The cloud is not a physical entity, but instead is a vast network of remote servers around the globe which are hooked together and meant to operate as a single ecosystem.
What is cloud computing own definition? ›Cloud computing is on-demand access, via the internet, to computing resources—applications, servers (physical servers and virtual servers), data storage, development tools, networking capabilities, and more—hosted at a remote data center managed by a cloud services provider (or CSP).
What type of cloud computing is Azure? ›Microsoft Azure is an example of a public cloud. In a public cloud, you share the same hardware, storage and network devices with other organisations or cloud “tenants,” and you access services and manage your account using a web browser.
What are the 4 types of Azure services? ›
- Backup and disaster recovery. ...
- Get fully managed, single tenancy supercomputers with high-performance storage and no data movement.
- Hybrid and multicloud solutions. ...
- Business-critical applications. ...
- Quantum computing. ...
- Azure public multi-access edge compute (MEC) ...
- Web3. ...
- 5G and Space.
One of the main reasons why Microsoft Azure Cloud is chosen as the best cloud server provider is that IT professionals using Azure gain access to a multitude of Microsoft products that have been in use for years, including Visual Studio, Windows, Linux, Active Directory, and a vast array of third-party tools.
Which cloud computing tool is Azure? ›Azure is Microsoft's public cloud platform. Azure offers a large collection of services, which includes platform as a service (PaaS), infrastructure as a service (IaaS), and managed database service capabilities.
What are the 4 types of cloud computing? ›There are four main types of cloud computing: private clouds, public clouds, hybrid clouds, and multiclouds.
What is cloud computing and explain its term? ›Cloud computing is on-demand access, via the internet, to computing resources—applications, servers (physical servers and virtual servers), data storage, development tools, networking capabilities, and more—hosted at a remote data center managed by a cloud services provider (or CSP).
What is the official definition of cloud computing? ›Cloud computing is the on-demand availability of computer system resources, especially data storage (cloud storage) and computing power, without direct active management by the user. Large clouds often have functions distributed over multiple locations, each of which is a data center.
What is Azure and why it is used? ›The Azure cloud platform is more than 200 products and cloud services designed to help you bring new solutions to life—to solve today's challenges and create the future. Build, run, and manage applications across multiple clouds, on-premises, and at the edge, with the tools and frameworks of your choice.
What is cloud computing examples? ›Emails, calendars, Skype, and WhatsApp are cloud computing examples that we use every single day. They make use of the cloud feature of remote accessibility of data to support our data in the cloud infrastructure, helping us access them thru the Internet anytime, anywhere.
What are types of cloud computing? ›- Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) ...
- Platform as a Service (PaaS) ...
- Software as a Service (SaaS)
Types of cloud services
Infrastructure as a service (IaaS) Platform as a service (PaaS)
What are the 5 parts of cloud computing? ›
The National Institute of Standards Technology (NIST) lists five essential characteristics of cloud computing: on-demand self-service, broad network access, resource pooling, rapid elasticity, and measured service.
What is the difference between cloud and cloud computing? ›Essentially, cloud storage simply holds your data, while cloud computing allows you to do things with that data. The terms are also different in application. Most cloud computing programs are specifically designed for business use, while cloud storage is equally useful for both professional and personal needs.