LESSON 2: Cloud Computing (KM-03-KT02)

Lesson Outcomes

By the end of this lesson, learners will be able to:

  • Describe cloud computing functionality
  • Explain the benefits of cloud computing
  • Identify risks associated with cloud computing
  • Understand how data is managed and used in modern systems

Lesson Overview

Cloud computing is a key concept in modern computing environments. It allows individuals and organizations to access computing resources such as storage, applications, and processing power over the internet instead of relying on local machines.

This lesson focuses on how cloud computing works, why it is important, and the risks associated with it, especially in data-driven environments.

1. Understanding Cloud Computing

Cloud computing refers to the delivery of computing services over the internet. These services include:

  • Storage (saving data online)
  • Processing power (running applications remotely)
  • Software applications (accessed via browsers)

Instead of storing data on a personal computer, users can store and access data through cloud platforms.

2. Data and Its Importance in Cloud Computing

Data plays a central role in cloud computing.

  • Data must be organized so machines can process it
  • Humans must understand and interpret the data
  • As data grows, managing it becomes more critical

The document highlights that:

  • Data must follow a structured format for computers to process it
  • Humans must cleanse and map data to extract meaningful insights
  • The importance of data increases as the volume of data grows exponentially

3. Growth of Data and Its Impact

As organizations collect more data:

  • Systems must process large volumes efficiently
  • Storage requirements increase
  • Cloud solutions become necessary

This growth affects:

  • Business decision-making
  • System performance
  • Data security

4. Internet and Cloud Access

Cloud computing depends on internet access.

Internet access allows:

  • Individuals and organizations to connect to systems
  • Access services such as email and the web
  • Use cloud-based applications

Key points:

  • Internet access is provided by Internet Service Providers (ISPs)
  • It uses various technologies (broadband, wireless, etc.)
  • It has grown significantly over time

Example from the document:

  • In 1995 → only 0.04% of the world had internet access
  • By 2014 → about 41% of the world had access
  • Speeds improved significantly with broadband technology

5. Benefits of Cloud Computing

Cloud computing offers several advantages:

1. Accessibility

  • Access systems from anywhere with internet

2. Scalability

  • Easily increase or decrease resources

3. Cost Efficiency

  • No need for expensive hardware

4. Data Management

  • Centralized storage and processing

5. Collaboration

  • Multiple users can work on the same system

6. Risks of Cloud Computing

Despite its benefits, cloud computing has risks:

1. Security Risks

  • Data breaches

  • Unauthorized access

2. Data Loss

  • System failures

  • Poor backup management

3. Dependency on Internet

  • No internet = no access

4. Privacy Issues

  • Sensitive data stored externally

7. Real-World Application

Example:

A company stores customer data in the cloud.

Benefits:

  • Employees can access data remotely

  • Data is centralized

Risks:

  • If security is weak → data breach

  • If internet fails → operations stop

8. Cloud Computing in RPA

In Robotic Process Automation:

  • Bots may use cloud systems to access data
  • Automation processes depend on cloud platforms
  • Data processing is often done in the cloud

Example:

  • An RPA bot extracts invoices from a cloud-based system

Lesson Summary

Cloud computing enables the storage, processing, and access of data over the internet. As data continues to grow, cloud systems become essential for managing and analyzing information. While cloud computing offers flexibility, scalability, and efficiency, it also introduces risks such as security threats and dependency on internet connectivity.

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