Today I was reading Steve Michelotti's article about government training and I tried to add some extra input from my end.Nowadays, we can’t imagine our world without cloud computing. We use cloud computing daily if we use the Internet. Without it, there would be no Facebook, no Twitter, no Gmail. Basically, cloud computing means "a type of Internet-based computing," where different services - such as servers, storage and applications - are delivered to an organization's computers and devices through the internet.

Uses of cloud computing

Here are a few of the things we can do in the cloud.

Benefits of cloud computing

Types of cloud services

  • Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) - A computer infrastructure, such as virtualization, being delivered as a service. IaaS is popular in the data center where software and servers are purchased as a fully outsourced service and usually billed on usage and how much of the resource is used

  • Platform as a Service (PaaS) - A computing platform being delivered as a service. Here, the platform is outsourced in place of a company or data center purchasing and managing their own hardware and software layers.

  • Software as a service (SaaS) - A method for delivering software applications over the Internet, on demand and typically on a subscription basis. With SaaS, cloud providers host and manage the software application and underlying infrastructure and handle any maintenance, like software upgrades and security patching.

Microsoft and cloud computing

Microsoft is a leading global provider of cloud computing services for businesses of all sizes.

  • Deploy anywhere with your choice of tools: connecting cloud and on-premises with consistent hybrid cloud capabilities and using open source technologies—for maximum portability and value from your existing investments.

  • Protect your business with the most trusted cloud: Ninety percent of Fortune 500 companies trust the Microsoft Cloud and so can you. Azure helps protect your assets through a rigorous methodology and focus on security, privacy, compliance and transparency.

  • Accelerate app innovation: Build simple to complex projects within a consistent portal experience using deeply-integrated cloud services, so you can rapidly develop, deploy and manage your apps.

  • Power decisions and apps with insights: Uncover business insights with advanced analytics and data services for both traditional and new data sources. Detect anomalies, predict behaviors and recommend actions for your business.

If you have the desire to learn more about cloud computing, check out these training resources,

Azure Gov DC User Community

Join this community of industry and government professionals interested in sharing best practices for driving cloud innovation in government. Visit the below sites to join our community and learn more!

Additional resources

I will keep posting more about Azure from my end, keep reading. Happy Azuring!!!