Fundamentals of Cloud Computing: Deployment Models, Service Models, and Architecture

This document covers Unit 1 of a Cloud Computing course, focusing on the foundational concepts that underpin the entire field. It begins with the definition of cloud computing and its core characteristics, such as on-demand self-service, broad network access, resource pooling, rapid elasticity, and measured service. The notes then explore the four major cloud deployment models — Public Cloud, Private Cloud, Community Cloud, and Hybrid Cloud — explaining each model's structure along with its respective advantages and disadvantages, helping students understand which model suits different organizational needs. Following this, the three primary cloud service models are covered in depth: Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS), and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), detailing the function, benefits, and limitations of each. The unit also discusses the cost benefits associated with adopting cloud computing, including reduced capital expenditure, pay-as-you-go pricing, and operational efficiency gains for businesses. It concludes with the architectural and infrastructural components that form the backbone of cloud systems, giving students a technical grounding in how cloud environments are structured and delivered. Together, these topics build a comprehensive introduction to cloud computing, essential for understanding more advanced units on virtualization, security, and cloud trends. The notes are organized in a clear, structured format with numbered subsections, making them ideal for exam preparation or semester-end revision. These notes were prepared by Diya during the 5th semester as part of the Computer Engineering curriculum, based on lectures and prescribed textbooks on cloud computing, and are well-suited for students seeking a solid conceptual foundation in cloud technologies.