Core Cloud Concepts

Introduction

Thinking of diving into Microsoft Azure? Whether you're a student, a professional switching careers, or just curious about the cloud, understanding the core cloud concepts is the first step to success in the AZ-900: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals certification.

Let’s break down the core cloud concepts into simple, real-world examples.

What is Cloud Computing?

Traditional IT – On-Premises Analogy:
Imagine you own a coffee shop. You buy expensive machines, hire staff, and handle all the day-to-day operations. All responsibilities are yours. If a machine breaks, you fix it. If there’s a sudden rush, you struggle to meet demand because scaling up takes time and investment.

Cloud Computing Analogy:
Instead of owning equipment, imagine renting a coffee machine and hiring staff only when needed. You pay only for what you use, and maintenance is someone else’s job. This flexible setup reflects cloud computing.

Definition:
Cloud computing is the on-demand delivery of computing resources such as servers, databases, storage, networking, and software over the internet with pay-as-you-go pricing.

Core Cloud Service Models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS)

Understanding how much control you retain vs. how much the provider manages is key.

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)

You rent basic infrastructure like virtual machines, networks, and storage. You install and manage the operating system, applications, and data.

Example: Azure Virtual Machines
Analogy: Renting a commercial kitchen. You bring your own ingredients and cook everything.

Platform as a Service (PaaS)

You focus on application development while the platform (OS, runtime, networking) is managed by the provider.

Example: Azure App Services, Azure SQL
Analogy: A ghost kitchen provides the prep and tools. You just focus on cooking the pizza.

Software as a Service (SaaS)

You use a fully managed software application via the web. No setup, maintenance, or updates required.

Example: Microsoft 365, Gmail
Analogy: Ordering a ready-made pizza. You just consume it.

Cloud Deployment Models

Deployment models define how and where your cloud services are hosted.

Public Cloud

Resources are owned and operated by a third-party provider and shared across multiple customers.

Key Benefits:

Low upfront cost
Highly scalable
No hardware maintenance

Example: Hosting a website on Azure Web Apps

Analogy: A gym membership—shared but reliable.

Private Cloud

Used exclusively by one organization, either on-premises or via a dedicated provider.

Key Benefits:

Full control
High security and compliance

Example: A healthcare company using Azure Stack for private hosting

Analogy: A home gym—customized, private, and self-managed.

Hybrid Cloud

Combines public and private clouds, allowing data and applications to move between them as needed.

Key Benefits:

Balance of flexibility and security
Ideal for data residency, compliance, and disaster recovery

Example: Using Azure for website hosting but keeping sensitive data on-premises

Analogy: Working out at a gym on weekends but at home on weekdays.

When to Use Each Model

Public Cloud: Best for startups, variable workloads, fast deployment.
Private Cloud: Ideal for regulatory compliance, data sensitivity, and full control.
Hybrid Cloud: Perfect for gradual migration, DR, or balancing security and performance.

Why is Cloud Computing So Popular?

Cost-Efficient: No upfront hardware purchase. Pay only for what you use.
Scalable: Grow or shrink resources instantly.
Fast Deployment: Get up and running in minutes.
Accessible Anywhere: Work from any device with an internet connection.
Secure: Top-tier security managed by providers.
Productivity: Built-in tools, automation, and collaboration features.

Major Cloud Providers

Microsoft Azure
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
IBM Cloud
Oracle Cloud

These providers operate data centers globally, offering services with high reliability and compliance standards.

Final Thoughts

Understanding these core cloud concepts is essential for anyone pursuing the AZ-900 certification or starting a cloud journey. You now have a strong foundation to explore Azure services, tools, and real-world use cases.

In our next blog, we’ll explore practical examples and hands-on scenarios that show these concepts in action using Microsoft Azure.

Master Core Cloud Concepts for AZ-900