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Build a REST API Using Python and Deploy it to Microsoft Azure

Introduction to the Cloud

Explore the fundamentals of cloud computing, including key deployment models like public, private, hybrid, and community clouds. Understand different cloud service models such as Infrastructure as a Service, Platform as a Service, and Software as a Service. This lesson provides a solid foundation in Microsoft Azure services and basic cloud concepts essential for building and deploying APIs.

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Cloud computing

Cloud computing can be defined as any virtual space provided to store all your data using the internet. This space is used to store and access the data anytime. It offers you several services including servers, data storage, software, networking, etc.

It is one of the best and most popular sources to store your data and keep it safe. Multiple types of services and deployment models fall under the umbrella of cloud computing.

Cloud deployment models

A cloud deployment model is a specific configuration of environmental parameters such as the accessibility and proprietorship of the deployment infrastructure and storage size. This means that deployment types vary depending on who controls the infrastructure and where it is located.

The visualization below discusses the different cloud deployment models.

Let’s discuss them one by one:

  • Public Cloud: This is a type of cloud model that is offered by a third-party service provider, who can either sell it or give it on rent. The service provider owns and manages all the software, hardware, and other supporting infrastructure. This type of deployment model is economical for those who are not willing to invest in IT infrastructure. This model is used over the internet. It is used by several organizations. Microsoft Azure is an example of this cloud.

  • Private Cloud: This cloud model is used for a particular business or organization. A private cloud makes it easier for an organization to customize its resources to meet their specific IT requirements. It can be located near your organization or can be hosted by a third-party service provider. But the service and infrastructure are maintained on a private network.

  • Hybrid Cloud: This cloud model is a mixture of public and private cloud models. A hybrid cloud platform gives organizations many benefits, such as greater flexibility, more deployment options, security, compliance, and getting more value from their existing infrastructure.

  • Community Cloud: This type of cloud is used by the people in same industry or by those who have common goals. It is built by understanding the needs of those people.

Cloud service models

Cloud computing is offered in three different service models, each of which satisfies a unique set of business requirements. Let’s see them in the visualization below.

The image shown above clearly states the roles and responsibilities of the vendor and the user of the particular cloud service. Let’s discuss them one by one.

  • IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service): It provides the users with the facility of building their own infrastructure by using as many machines as they want. They can take machines on rent from a third party. This helps you buy what you need and purchase more as your business grows. It puts control over of infrastructure back in your hands. IaaS is highly flexible, scalable, and economical. Examples of IaaS include AWS EC2, Google Compute Engine and Magneto 1 Enterprise Edition.

  • PaaS (Platform as a Service): It is primarily used to develop software and hardware. This application is used by companies that want to build software or applications but don’t want to start from scratch. It helps them save a lot of time and money. This is mostly used by businesses that want to create unique and customizable software applications without taking all the responsibilities. It helps the developers focus on the creative side of app development. Examples of PaaS is AWS Elastic Beanstalk, Azure App Services and Apache Stratos.

  • SaaS (Software as a Service): This provides you with a direct service. You need not run and install software applications on your computer or create an infrastructure of your own. You get to access it anytime and anywhere with your own login credentials. It can be used easily. Some of SaaS services operate on a monthly subscription model while some may be free. Examples of SaaS include Google Apps, Slack and Hubspot, BigCommerce.

IaaS requires more responsibilities from the user’s end while SaaS requires very few responsibilities from the user’s end.