Database Reference
In-Depth Information
C H A P T E R 1
Getting Started with SQL Azure
Born only a few years ago, cloud computing is capturing the imagination of startups and large
corporations alike. In its simplest form, cloud computing is an evolution of traditional hosting models;
as such, it isn't necessarily a new technology. Rather, it's a new concept that offers new opportunities
and challenges not found in existing business models. Much as agile programming provided a new
software development paradigm, cloud computing provides a new delivery model for Internet-based
solutions.
Introduction to Cloud Computing
Let's begin with what cloud computing has to offer compared to traditional hosting services. The
following capabilities are generally expected from large cloud-computing providers:
•
Automatic and unlimited scalability.
The promise that if your service needs more
resources, more resources will be provisioned automatically or with limited effort.
For example, if you deploy a web service, and you experience a sudden surge in
processing needs, your services will automatically expand to additional servers to
handle the temporary surge and contract to fewer servers during off-peak activity.
•
Unassisted deployment.
The promise that if you need to deploy additional
services or databases, you don't have to call anyone or open a service ticket. The
cloud service provider will give you the necessary tools to perform self-service.
•
Built-in failover
. The promise that if one of your servers fails, no one will ever
notice. For example, if the server on which your service is installed crashes, a new
server immediately takes over.
•
Grow as you need; pay for what you use.
The promise that you only pay for the
resources you use. For example, if your service experiences a sudden surge in
processing needs for a day, but it scales down to its usual usage for the rest of the
month, you're only charged marginally more than usual for the temporary surge.
Who Is Doing What in the Cloud?
Smaller companies, including startups, are building services that can run in the cloud, whereas larger
companies are investing in building cloud-enabled infrastructure. Some corporations are building
consulting services and offering to assist customers implement cloud-enabled solutions; others, like
Microsoft, are investing in the core infrastructure and services that make the cloud a reality.
