Compute is a core building block of cloud computing, along with storage and networking. But what does compute in cloud actually mean? In modern computing, compute refers to tasks that need more processing power than the system’s memory or I/O can handle. Compute is a term that is used to describe concepts and items that are related to computation and processing.
Before we get into the specifics, it helps to have a solid conceptual foundation in place. Structured cloud computing seminar topics offer a systematic way to build that foundation, covering everything from virtualization and service models to deployment architectures. Whether you are approaching this as a student, a professional, or simply someone curious about how modern infrastructure works, grounding yourself in these core themes makes the sections ahead significantly easier to absorb and apply.
Here, we will focus on computing in the cloud. We’ll discuss how it works, what it can do for your business, and the key benefits of computing in the cloud.
What is Cloud Computing
Cloud computing is an IT setup with virtual servers on data centers worldwide. It enables users to access a shared system of data storage, processing power, website hosting, etc., via the internet. Cloud computing uses centralized resource pooling. This technology lets vendors share IT assets with many users at the same time while keeping each user’s data separate.
Resource pooling supports multi-tenancy in the cloud. It assigns IT assets to users based on their needs.
But why is it called the “Cloud?”
The term Cloud is used as a metaphor for the internet as the data can be stored in a virtual space and accessed remotely via network connectivity.
This network-based cloud technology is rapidly flourishing in recent years, empowering enterprises of all sizes to automate their business activities and offload IT hassles by leasing infrastructure from third-party cloud vendors.
Many top tech companies are building their own large data centers worldwide. They aim to serve customers better with more agility and elasticity.
Knowing the technology is only part of the story. To understand the full picture, including economic and regulatory issues, read our article Who Owns the Cloud?
In 2021, Amazon Web Services held 32% of the global cloud market with 1.3 million servers. Microsoft Azure was the second-largest, serving 19% of users.
IBM is one of the notable competitors challenging AWS and Azure’s dominance, offering its own robust suite of enterprise-focused cloud solutions. For professionals aiming to understand how IBM’s platform stacks up against the market leaders, an IBM cloud computing certification course provides a structured pathway to mastering the platform’s core services, architecture, and deployment models — knowledge that proves valuable when evaluating the full landscape of major cloud vendors.
IBM Cloud is another major contender in this space, offering a robust suite of enterprise-focused services that compete directly with AWS and Azure. Known for its strength in hybrid cloud environments and AI-powered tools through Watson, IBM has carved out a significant niche among large enterprises and regulated industries. Those seeking a deeper understanding of its positioning and service offerings can explore IBM Cloud’s capabilities and platform overview to see how it stacks up against other providers in the market.
Some of the market-leading cloud service vendors besides AWS and Azure are:
- Salesforce
- Google cloud
- IBM cloud
- Slake
- Workplace by OS33
- Microsoft Power BI, and more
Cloud Computing Deployment Options
You have four cloud deployment options:
- Public Cloud: The public cloud is the cheapest and easily accessible cloud deployment model that runs on the multi-tenancy system, meaning the IT resources are shared by multiple users who are isolated from each other. A public cloud vendor owns the infrastructure, controls and administers it, and makes cloud resources available to the end-users over the public network. The data the users create is owned by them but only the cloud vendor can regulate it.
- Private Cloud: Also identified as corporate/internal cloud, this cloud model is exclusive for a particular verified user/company. The system is accessible by that user only and can run on the user’s own on-site server within the private firewalls or locate off-premises in the vendor’s data centers. If your business runs on mission-critical workloads, sensitive business data, like healthcare, financial and personal data, or needs to meet regulatory compliances strictly, implementing a private cloud system can offer you a more reliable and protected platform.
- Hybrid Cloud: A hybrid cloud is one of the most implemented cloud models that offer two deployment options: combining at least one public cloud solution with either one on-premises system or private cloud. It comes with a container orchestration infrastructure to allow clients to shift workloads between the two cloud environments and manage them better, forming a single and scalable environment. If you want a more secure place to handle your mission-critical computation yet leverage the dynamicity of the public system for your basic operations, a hybrid cloud can be the best choice.
- Multi-cloud: Unlike the hybrid system, an end-user can deploy two or more public cloud environments hosted by different cloud providers in the multi-cloud strategy. For example, it can comprise two/more IaaS models from different providers or combine IaaS, PaaS, or SaaS models provided by multiple vendors. So, a multi-cloud does not necessarily require a user to implement an on-site or private cloud system. If you want a more redundant IT infrastructure that comes with varying features and functionalities and robust system/application backup, a multi-cloud model is the one for you.
Today, while 92% of large businesses operate on a multi-cloud strategy, 82% of them have deployed the hybrid cloud.
As you explore the concept of what computing in the cloud is, it’s beneficial to also understand the broader framework that supports these technologies. Enhance your knowledge by reading our detailed exploration on the fundamentals of computing platforms, which provides essential context for how cloud computing operates within these platforms.
Cloud Architecture
Cloud architecture is the process of interconnecting various components of the cloud computing environment to form a complete cloud infrastructure and utilising virtualisation technology for resource pooling and distributing them among verified end-users.
The cloud components are:
- A front-end platform (the web browsers, the cloud software interface, and devices used by end-users to use the cloud services.)
- One/more backend platforms (physical and virtual servers and data/program storage)
- A central server to connect the backend and front-end components
- A cloud-based delivery system
- Middleware to link user devices, cloud storage, and servers.
Different cloud services have their own cloud computing architecture:
- SaaS (Software as a Service): SaaS is a cloud-hosted software and application distribution and delivery model where end-users can use the software programs via web browsers without installing them on their own computers. SaaS service providers host and run these subscription-based applications on their servers, control user access, and ensure top-notch security, availability, and software upgrade/performance. In this model, the users subscribing to different plans are served by a single cloud instance hosted and run on the same infrastructure, but their data is isolated and encrypted from each other.
- PaaS (Program as a Service): Comparable to middleware services, PaaS is a computing platform comprising software and hardware tools like web servers, programming languages, operating systems OS, database, and more to enable developers to design, test, provision, and manage software and web apps effortlessly only paying for the development tools they use. As PaaS service vendors host the developing environment on their own servers, DevOps can avoid the expenses of Integrated Development Environment (IDE) licensing and infrastructural complexity associated with apps/programs deployment.
- IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service): It is a widely used cloud model where cloud vendors host computing resources like storage, backup, processing, etc., in public, private, or hybrid cloud infrastructure over the internet. Companies adopt the IaaS cloud to move some or all of their on-site or collocated data center system to a cloud environment, possessed and maintained by a cloud vendor.
What is Compute in the Cloud?
To reiterate, compute is one of the most significant bedrocks modern cloud infrastructure stands on. It collectively indicates the physical servers incorporating the storage capacity, RAM, and processing power (CPU) essential to operate an OS and a few virtualised networking systems to enable programs and applications to execute computational tasks following an array of instructions. So what is compute in cloud exactly?
The compute in the cloud is formed with:
- CPU– Also known as the main processor or central processor, the CPU is the brain of a CAD system that executes and retrieves the sequence of program commands.
- RAM (RAM) – Random Access Memory or shortly known as RAM, is as essential as the CPU in a cloud server that is used by applications and programs like a database as its reading and writing time is much faster than a hard disk. So the CPU can elaborate the data queue promptly. RAM operates as the temporary storage for data that can be used by a cloud server to execute computational tasks.
- Storage – Cloud storage interprets a computer data storage where your digital data gets deposited in logical pools. It is usually a local disk stored in a computer or a network disk connected by a block protocol like iSCSI.
- Network – Physical NICs (network interface cards) to interconnect cloud servers.
In cloud computing, a hypervisor software installed on the compute server offers hardware abstraction of computing resources of a physical computer to create a simulated computing environment that runs as an instance or virtual machine. This process is called hardware virtualisation that enables businesses to run multiple operating systems (OS) on the same computer.
Multiple VMs, installed with distinct OS can run on the same physical computer (host) but do not interface among themselves. These VMs act as containers to hold the virtualised compute resources. A hypervisor or VMM software can be installed on the hardware system directly or run on a host OS.
Benefits of Cloud Computing
We know the use of cloud computing is skyrocketing among modern enterprises. But why are businesses so rapidly turning to this network-based technology? Let’s look over:
High Speed and Quick Deployment
The facility to quickly deploy the cloud computing instances has accelerated the software development process making it more agile.
Today, software developers no longer have to count on on-site infrastructural complexities and deliberate procurement methods or carry huge hardware and software expenses to design, test, and implement an application. From a simple web app to enterprise-grade software, with cloud computing, developing programs has become so easy like never before!
Cost Reduction
Deploying a private, hybrid, or multi-cloud model costs money. However, it will boost your productivity and ROI in the long run.
Like an on-premises physical server, you do not have to invest in inventory like hardware, software licensing, processing power, utility, billing, and hire IT experts for ensuring optimal system performance, limiting downtimes, etc. Cloud computing can help you save on capital and operation costs, enabling you to pay a fixed amount monthly that may include automatic software upgrades, system monitoring, maintenance, and more based on your subscription model.
Flexibility and Scalability
Scalability and flexibility are key features of modern cloud infrastructure. They drive its high demand among today’s industries. With cloud computing, you can adjust your IT resource usage, such as storage, bandwidth, or processing power, based on your business needs.
Mobility and Seamless Collaboration
Cloud computing boosts productivity. It allows document co-authoring, conferencing, and real-time editing by multiple users.
Better Security
A cyber attack can breach your IT infrastructure and cause financial loss. Encrypting your system with layers of protection is crucial. Cloud computing services reduce data vulnerability stress by encrypting your files. They use top security measures such as real-time monitoring, advanced firewalls, SSL/TLS, data backup, and disaster recovery.
