2 Introduction to cloud concepts

In the previous chapter, we were introduced to cloud computing and Amazon Web Services (AWS), as well as the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner exam. In this chapter, we dive right into learning about cloud concepts, which help us define the value proposition of cloud computing over legacy information technology (IT) infrastructure—or what we consider traditional IT infrastructure. You can think of legacy or traditional IT infrastructure as a room filled with a lot of servers, monitors, and networking cables. It’s what movies and TV shows generally portray as the “IT room.”

In this chapter, we learn about the six advantages of cloud computing, three types of cloud computing models, three types of cloud computing deployments, and design principles in cloud computing. By the end of this chapter, we’ll know why cloud computing has swept the IT world by storm over the last decade and how it’s different from the legacy IT systems that we used in previous decades.

2.1 Cloud concepts introduced

2.2 Advantages of cloud computing

2.2.1 Trade capital expenses for variable expenses

2.2.2 Benefit from massive economies of scale

2.2.3 Stop guessing capacity

2.2.4 Increase speed and agility

2.2.5 Stop spending money running and maintaining data centers

2.2.6 Go global in minutes

2.2.7 Section quiz

2.3 Types of cloud computing models

2.3.1 Software as a Service

2.3.2 Platform as a Service