Cloud computing is a topic which may be involved in the computer skills section of the IBPS SO and SBI SO exams. Now, as the computer skills section is combined with the reasoning ability section, you can expect a total of 7 to 10 questions based on the computer knowledge and concepts. Cloud computing can be one of these concepts and hence you should be aware of the basics of cloud computing.

In this article, we will learn about the basics of cloud computing which would be helpful in solving the computer section in the IBPS SO and SBI SO examinations.

The Basic Concepts of Cloud Computing
Basically, cloud computing involves storing and accessing databases and files over the internet instead of accessing them through your computer’s hard drive. This gives the user an independence of accessing the software without having to download it on the PC.

There are two types of models in cloud computing— deployment models and service models. It helps to have a basic knowledge of computers along with the knowledge of data management and networking to understand these models better.

We will try to understand both these models in a little more detail.

1. Deployment Models

This model involves the four types of access in cloud computing. These are Public, private, hybrid and community.

A public cloud is accessible to the general public while a private cloud is operated only by the organisation that it serves. A hybrid cloud is a combination of the public and private cloud. Whereas, a community cloud involves resources which are shared across various organisations.

2. Service Models

There are three types of service models—infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS), platform-as-a-service (PaaS) and Software-as-a-service (SaaS).

1. Infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS)
   In this service model, the users are responsible for managing the applications, data and runtime.

b. Platform-as-a-service (PaaS)
With the help of PaaS you can develop and customise applications and hence this is a service model which is used for development. The development, testing and deployment have all been made easy with the help of PaaS.

c. Software-as-a-service (SaaS)
The SaaS service model does not involve any operating system and allows access only to software. Through this service model, a complete software is provided to the client.

These are a few basic concepts related to cloud computing which you must know and study if you are appearing for any competitive exams like the IBPS SO and the SBI SO. This is because the computer section in these competitive exams may involve questions based on the cloud computing concepts.

Benefits of Cloud Computing

The history of cloud computing has its roots way back in the 1950s and the 1970s. Now with the evolution of technology, cloud computing has become one of the most useful computer concepts with many benefits, which are as follows:

• You can access data and applications online.
• There is no need to download software on your PC to access it.
• You can easily modify and manipulate applications through the internet.
• Cloud computing is platform independent and you access it anytime.
• Cloud computing is a highly reliable, flexible and efficient concept.

Cloud computing is one of the important topics involved in the computer section of your IBPS SO and SBI SO examinations. You need to focus on the basic concepts and benefits of cloud computing as most questions would be asked on these topics.