Articles that consist of my cloud tutorial.
Stretching in the Cloud (Cloud Computing Tutorial 4)
This is the fourth of an evolving multi-part tutorial series on cloud computing. To start at the beginning, click here.
Recently I wrote about some of the deeper aspects of cloud computing, such as provisioning. We learned that:
- Computers essentially consist of hardware executing software instructions.
- You can replace the hardware with software that emulates the hardware – this is called virtualization, and is the core technology behind cloud computing.
- Adding provisioning allows cloud customers to create and destroy computers to their specifications, as needed, using a self-service model.
- Some cloud providers even allow auto-provisioning (sometimes called auto-scaling) to automatically adjust the number of servers up and down as needed.
- All of these cloud technologies work together to eliminate up-front costs, and reduce computing to low hourly costs at exactly the capacity needed at any given time.
I promised to go even deeper into some of the more interesting things that these capabilities can bring, so strap-in – we’re going on a fun ride. Continue Reading
The Guts of the Cloud (Cloud Computing Tutorial 3)
This is the third of an evolving multi-part tutorial series on cloud computing. To start at the beginning, click here.
My last post explored some of the technical details of what goes on in the cloud – things like Saas vs. PaaS vs. IaaS, HTML, and virtualization. We summed up with the following:
- Cloud computing consists of Software-as-a-Service, Platform-as-a-Service, and Infrastructure-as-a-Service.
- The basic language of cloud computing is usually HTML.
- PaaS and IaaS rely on virtualization, which allows one physical computer to look like many computers.
- You now know some words sure to impress even the most jaded of your friends.
Hopefully by now you’ve thrown these terms around the local bar, winning free drinks and the admiration of potential suitors. Dream big, my friend!
A Look Behind the Curtain (Cloud Computing Tutorial 2)
This is the second of an evolving multi-part tutorial series on cloud computing. To start at the beginning, click here.
In my last post I discussed what the cloud is in some pretty simple terms. You know, how I actually explained it to my Mom. Of course, this meant that I left out of lot of detail on what happens to make the cloud actually work. Today we’ll delve a little deeper and explore some of the terms and technologies behind the curtain.
As I’ve already written, the cloud can be broken into three pretty big areas: Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS), and Infrastructure-as-a-Service (SaaS). Big words, easily understandable – if you don’t know what these mean, read my last post for a simple explanation.
Software becomes even softer
Let’s start with Software-as-a-Service. The programs that run on your computer are software – things like Microsoft Word, Quicken, even your browser. You’re probably used to installing software, generally by buying it on CD or downloading from a Web site. The cloud lets software become, well, softer - it no longer has to be on your computer.
Introducing the Cloud (Cloud Computing Tutorial 1)
This is the first of an evolving multi-part tutorial series on cloud computing.
Just so you know, I’m actually writing this post from the cloud – I’m on a Delta flight to San Diego, cruising above 30,000 ft. I’m plugged into a 110V outlet, so my battery life isn’t even a factor. It’s amazing how far technology has come, and how much farther we’re still gonna go.
In the coming days, weeks, and months, I’m going to fill this blog with tons of useful content. I promise to make it informative, practical, and interactive – please make sure to engage me with comments, emails, tweets, and Facebook posts. Heck, use smoke signals if you want. I’ll engage you right back. I want this to be hands-on and useful to you.
Before we even dig into why the cloud can be so beneficial, let’s start at the usual starting point – the beginning. Let’s start by talking about what the cloud is.
A few days ago, my Mom was visiting, and I was telling her about my passion for cloud technology. My Mom, being my Mom, was very interested, and very confused – “Gerry, what is this cloud you keep talking about?” So I set out to explain it to her in Mom-terms.
