Chapter 2. Understanding cloud computing classifications
This chapter covers
- Necessary technological underpinnings common to all cloud types
- Classifying the types of clouds and their capabilities
- Choosing the appropriate type of cloud and the best provider for it
Now that we’ve set the stage for an understanding of what cloud computing is, we can look under the hood and help you understand the different types or classifications of clouds and how they work. Keeping with the under-the-hood analogy, with cloud computing as our vehicle, the modern data center will serve as the engine and virtualization as the vehicle’s suspension smoothing out the road. The cloud’s API is similar to the dashboard and controls of the vehicle, allowing you to drive it; cloud storage is similar to the trunk, allowing you to transport things; cloud databases are the navigation system (specific information) you need for the trip; and elasticity is the vehicle’s transmission that allows the engine’s speed to be translated into low- or high-vehicle speeds, which is analogous to allowing your application to support one user and suddenly expand when it needs to support one million. Similar to the variety of vehicles available, there are a wide variety of cloud types. We’ll examine the major ones in existence today. Do you need a racing car because you require the speed, or do you need a giant 18-wheeler because of its space capacity?