Cloud Service Management

Professional Cloud Service Manager Training

Cloud computing is not a new concept—its principles date back to the 1950s and 1960s with the use of mainframes. Although cloud computing is often viewed as a business model for utilising underlying technologies, rather than a technology itself, these technologies, such as virtualisation, form the foundation for cloud computing practices.

Cloud Computing – Purpose and Scope

The purpose and scope of Cloud Service Management are outlined below:

Purpose:

• Develop effective methods for managing and operating cloud-based services.
• Integrate cloud service management practices into existing IT development and support structures.

Scope:

• Oversee the design, development, and transition of cloud-based services.
• Manage and operate cloud-based services effectively.

Cloud Computing – Features

Cloud computing is a model where scalable and elastic IT resources are delivered as a service to consumers via internet technologies. It is not defined by specific technologies, but rather by a delivery model that simplifies the management and consumption of IT resources and services.

Cloud Computing – Definition

Cloud computing is defined as a model that provides convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources, such as networks, servers, storage, applications, and services. These resources can be quickly provisioned and released with minimal management effort or interaction from service providers.

This model is built on five essential characteristics, three service models, and four deployment models, as defined by NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology).

Five Essential Operational Characteristics:

1. On-Demand Self-Service: Consumers can search, select, and provision services automatically without human intervention.
2. Measured Service: Cloud usage is metered, with monitoring, reporting, and billing mechanisms in place.
3. Broad Network Access: Services are accessible via a wide range of devices and networks.
4. Resource Pooling: Cloud resources are pooled to serve multiple consumers, with dynamic allocation based on demand.
5. Rapid Elasticity: Cloud resources can be scaled up or down quickly to meet fluctuating demands.

The Three Service Models:

1. Software as a Service (SaaS): Delivers applications over the cloud that provide business value to end users.
2. Platform as a Service (PaaS): Offers platforms that provide specialised software components and programming tools for development.
3. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): Provides fundamental computing infrastructure resources (e.g., networks, storage, and servers) as a service.

The Four Cloud Deployment Models:

1. Private Cloud: Infrastructure provisioned for exclusive use by a single organisation, typically supporting multiple business units.
2. Community Cloud: Infrastructure provisioned for a community of consumers from organisations with shared concerns (e.g., security or compliance).
3. Public Cloud: Infrastructure available to the general public, owned and managed by a business, academic, or government entity.
4. Hybrid Cloud: A combination of two or more distinct cloud infrastructures (e.g., private and public) bound together by technology that enables data and application portability.