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.
