A Beginner’s Guide to Cloud Computing

Cloud computing has grown exponentially since the early 2010s and there are no signs of its popularity waning anytime soon. This is because it offers benefits to developers, organisations and customers alike.

In a nutshell, cloud computing is the supply of computer services—including servers, storage, databases, networking, software, and more—over the internet, or ‘the cloud’. It has revolutionised the current state of the IT industry. Organisations that do not own their physical infrastructure can rent access to these resources, adding or subtracting capacity as needed. Businesses now function in a completely new way because of this flexibility and efficiency, which also lowers costs, increases accessibility to technology, and fosters faster innovation. John McCarthy, a computer scientist, proposed in the 1960s that computing would someday be arranged as a public utility, similar to electricity or water, which is how cloud computing got its start. With the development of virtualisation technology and the introduction of the internet in the 1990s, this idea gained popularity as it made resource distribution more effective by enabling the operation of several virtual machines on a single physical machine.

The introduction of Amazon Web Services (AWS) in 2006, which provided a range of cloud-based services enabling companies to rent processing power and storage on demand, signalled a major turning point in the early 2000s. This breakthrough created the conditions for cloud services to grow quickly and become widely adopted across many industries globally. Essentially, the cloud signifies a change from conventional on-premises computing to a more flexible, scalable, and economical approach, radically changing how people and organisations use technology.

Why are companies using the cloud?

Corporate IT giants favour cloud computing in 2024 due to its unparalleled cost-effectiveness, scalability, and flexibility. Businesses can quickly adjust to shifting demands thanks to the cloud, free from the limitations of conventional infrastructure. They can quickly scale up or down their operations to react quickly to changes in the market. In today’s fast-paced corporate climate, where the capacity to develop and launch new services quickly can be a competitive edge, this dynamic scalability is essential. Furthermore, because cloud solutions eliminate the need for large capital investments in hardware and maintenance, they result in significant cost savings. So businesses optimise their IT costs by only paying for the resources they really utilise. Additionally, the cloud is perfect for international organisations because of its global reach, which enables smooth cross-border collaboration and data access. Essentially, the cloud offers the framework for contemporary, flexible, and economical corporate processes.

Cloud adoption: The rise of Big Data from 2013 to 2024

The necessity to manage massive amounts of data efficiently has led to an exponential growth in cloud use from 2013 to 2024. Businesses started looking into cloud solutions in the early 2010s, but the technology didn’t really take off until the middle of the decade. Cloud service providers such as AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud led the way in the mainstreaming of cloud computing by 2016. The cloud’s capacity to provide scalable and affordable data processing and storage made it especially enticing to Big Data-related enterprises. Cloud platforms offered the infrastructure required to store, analyse, and extract insights from large datasets without requiring substantial on-premises resources as data volumes skyrocketed. Nearly 90% of businesses moved towards cloud services by 2020, using them for everything from machine learning to data analytics. The trend persisted into 2024, when enterprises were able to process petabytes of data in real-time thanks to cloud-native Big Data platforms like Snowflake and Databricks, which were essential to data strategy. This change has given companies the ability to make data-driven decisions faster, which has fuelled innovation and given them a competitive edge in the digital era.

The terms of cloud computing and its offerings

The pay-as-you-go, on-demand distribution of IT resources over the internet is referred to as cloud computing. With this strategy, companies can concentrate on their core competencies instead of having to manage and operate physical servers and data centres. Infrastructure as a service (IaaS), platform as a service (PaaS), and software as a service (SaaS) are the three primary categories into which cloud services are generally divided (Table 1).

Table 1: The three primary categories of cloud services

Infrastructure as a service (IaaS): IaaS provides virtualised computing resources over the internet. This includes virtual machines, storage, and networks. It is the most flexible cloud computing model, offering users complete control over their infrastructure. Companies use IaaS to avoid the cost and complexity of buying and managing their physical servers. Examples include Amazon Web Services (AWS) EC2, Microsoft Azure Virtual Machines, and Google Cloud Compute Engine.

Platform as a service (PaaS):
PaaS offers a higher level of abstraction, providing not just infrastructure but also development tools, database management systems, and middleware. This allows developers to build, test, and deploy applications quickly without worrying about underlying hardware. PaaS is ideal for companies looking to streamline development workflows. Examples include Google App Engine, Microsoft Azure App Service, and Heroku.

Software as a service (SaaS):
SaaS delivers fully functional applications over the internet, which users can access via a web browser. It eliminates the need for users to install and maintain software, with updates managed by the provider. It’s widely used for everything from email to customer relationship management (CRM). Examples include Salesforce, Google Workspace, and Microsoft 365.

How cloud technologies are viewed

End user’s (customer’s) perspective: Cloud technologies improve overall experience, accessibility, and ease for end users. If users have an internet connection, cloud-based applications let them access data and services from any device, anywhere in the globe. This implies that they won’t lose data when switching between devices. The cloud also facilitates security updates and does so automatically, guaranteeing that customers always have access to the newest features without the need for manual intervention. Customer engagement and satisfaction are greatly increased by this dependability and convenience of use.

Developer’s perspective: Cloud technologies are revolutionary from the standpoint of a developer. Without having to worry about the underlying infrastructure, developers can build, test, and deploy apps fast in the cloud’s scalable and adaptable environment. PaaS tools streamline the development process so that developers can concentrate on developing code instead of administering servers. Additionally, the cloud makes it easier for distant teams to collaborate and work on multiple projects at once. Developers can innovate more quickly and incorporate cutting-edge features like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and Big Data analytics into their apps with the help of strong cloud-based tools and APIs.

Organisation’s perspective: Cloud technology provides businesses with several operational and financial benefits. Businesses can cut expenses related to maintaining physical IT infrastructure, such as servers and data centres, by implementing cloud solutions. They may optimise their IT spending by scaling resources up or down in response to demand with the pay-as-you-go concept. Faster time-to-market is also made possible by cloud computing, since businesses can expand their current services or launch new ones without having to wait for lengthy lead times. Furthermore, without having to have a physical presence in every location, businesses may extend their operations and deliver services to clients around the globe thanks to the global accessibility of cloud providers.

From the perspective of environmental sustainability: Cloud computing helps maintain the environment. Cloud providers can lower overall energy usage compared to traditional on-premises data centres by grouping computing resources into large, energy-efficient data centres. To reduce their carbon footprint, these data centres frequently use cutting-edge cooling technologies and renewable energy sources. Additionally, less energy is wasted on idle servers because of the effective utilisation of resources made possible by virtualisation and dynamic scaling. By relying less on energy-intensive onsite infrastructure, businesses can drastically reduce their carbon footprint by moving to the cloud. In this sense, cloud computing aids in international initiatives to promote sustainability and fight climate change.

The roles of cloud service providers

Cloud service providers (CSPs) offer a range of services over the internet, making it easier for businesses to manage their IT needs. These providers, like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud, manage the infrastructure, so you don’t have to. They offer computing power, storage, and software applications that can be used on a pay-as-you-go basis. This means companies can scale up or down based on their needs without investing in physical servers or hardware.

Data storage and security: When it comes to storing data, cloud providers use massive data centres equipped with advanced technologies. Data is stored across multiple servers and often in multiple locations to ensure reliability and quick access. This setup helps in preventing data loss due to hardware failures. Security is a top priority. Providers implement various measures to protect your data, such as encryption, which means your data is turned into a code to prevent unauthorised access. They also use firewalls and other security tools to safeguard against cyber threats. Access to data is controlled by strict authentication processes, ensuring that only authorised users can view or modify it.

Cloud providers make several key promises to their customers.

• Scalability: You can easily adjust your resources based on demand without needing extra hardware.
• Reliability: They offer high uptime, meaning your services will be available nearly all the time.
• Security: They commit to protecting your data with robust security measures and compliance with industry standards.
• Cost-efficiency: You pay only for what you use, avoiding the costs of maintaining physical infrastructure.

Major cloud service providers

Amazon Web Services (AWS): AWS, launched by Amazon in 2006, is a leading cloud service provider known for its extensive range of services including computing power, storage, and databases. AWS has been a pioneer in cloud computing, offering flexible and scalable solutions that cater to various needs from startups to large enterprises. Its early entry into the market and broad service portfolio have helped it maintain a strong market position.

Microsoft Azure: Microsoft Azure, introduced in 2010, quickly became a major player in the cloud space. Azure offers a wide range of cloud services such as virtual machines, databases, and AI tools, integrated with Microsoft’s software ecosystem. Its appeal lies in its seamless integration with existing Microsoft products like Windows Server and Office 365, making it a popular choice among businesses already using Microsoft technologies.

Google Cloud Platform (GCP): Google Cloud, launched in 2008, provides a suite of cloud computing services including computing, storage, and machine learning. Known for its advanced data analytics and machine learning capabilities, GCP has gained traction especially among businesses focusing on Big Data and AI. Its strengths include strong integration with Google’s open source technologies and data analytics tools.

Common career roles in cloud computing

• Cloud architect

Role: Design and implement cloud solutions, ensuring they meet the company’s needs for performance, scalability,
and security.


Skills needed: Expertise in cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud), architecture design, and strategic planning.

• Cloud developer


Role: Develop and deploy applications on cloud platforms. Focus on creating scalable and efficient cloud-based applications.


Skills needed: Experience with cloud APIs, programming languages (Java, Python), and DevOps practices.

• Cloud security specialist


Role: Ensure the security of cloud environments by implementing and monitoring security measures and compliance policies.


Skills needed: Knowledge of cloud security best practices, threat analysis, and compliance regulations.

• Cloud consultant


Role: Advise businesses on cloud adoption strategies, helping them choose the right solutions and manage their cloud transformation.


Skills needed: Expertise in cloud technologies, business analysis, and project management.

• Cloud operations manager

Role: Oversee the daily operations of cloud systems, ensuring they run smoothly and efficiently. Manage teams responsible for cloud infrastructure and support.

Skills needed: Leadership, operations management, and cloud technology proficiency.

The pie chart in Figure 1 illustrates the distribution of various cloud computing roles within IT companies. Cloud engineers represent the largest segment at 30%, reflecting their crucial role in building and maintaining cloud infrastructure. Cloud architects follow with 25%, indicating their importance in designing cloud solutions. Cloud developers account for 20%, highlighting their role in creating cloud-based applications. Cloud security specialists and cloud operations managers each make up 10%, underscoring their essential functions in securing and managing cloud environments. Cloud consultants represent 5%, illustrating the specialised advisory role they play in cloud adoption.

Because cloud computing offers previously unheard-of levels of flexibility, scalability, and cost-efficiency, it has completely changed the IT environment. The cloud industry offers a wide range of expanding occupations, from cloud architects to cloud engineers, all of which are vital to the upkeep and development of cloud systems. Professionals in cloud computing have a strong job market, with a high demand for their specialised abilities and competitive pay.