Cloud Computing Lab

Assignment-2

Submitted by
Pajjuru Raghavendra Reddy
2021IMT-071
1. Web Services in Cloud Computing
Sol: Web services play a pivotal role in the realm of cloud computing, serving
as the backbone for the seamless integration and communication between
distributed applications and systems. Cloud computing, a paradigm that
enables on-demand access to a pool of computing resources over the
internet, relies heavily on web services to facilitate the delivery of various
services and applications to users across the globe.

At its core, a web service is a standardized way of communication between

software applications over the internet. It enables interoperability between
diverse systems, allowing them to communicate and exchange data
seamlessly. In the context of cloud computing, web services serve as the
building blocks that enable the creation, deployment, and consumption of
cloud-based applications and services.

One of the key advantages of web services in cloud computing is their

platform-independent nature. Web services use standard web protocols and
formats, such as HTTP and XML, making them agnostic to the underlying
hardware and operating systems. This means that applications running on
different platforms can interact with each other through web services
without compatibility issues. This interoperability is crucial in the cloud
environment, where diverse systems and services need to work together
cohesively.

The architecture of web services in cloud computing typically follows the

principles of Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA). SOA is an architectural
approach that structures software as a collection of loosely coupled services,
which can be independently developed, deployed, and scaled. Web services
provide a practical implementation of SOA, enabling the creation of modular,
reusable services that can be easily integrated to build complex applications
in the cloud.

Web services in the cloud also facilitate the concept of microservices, an

architectural style where an application is composed of small, independent
services that communicate with each other through APIs. Microservices offer
benefits such as scalability, resilience, and faster development cycles. Web
services play a crucial role in enabling communication between these
microservices, allowing them to work together to deliver a unified
application.

Security is a paramount concern in cloud computing, and web services

incorporate various mechanisms to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and
availability of data. Secure protocols like HTTPS are commonly employed to
encrypt data in transit, while authentication and authorization mechanisms
are implemented to control access to services. Additionally, web services in
the cloud often leverage identity and access management (IAM) systems to
manage user permissions and ensure secure interactions between services.

The REST (Representational State Transfer) architectural style is widely

adopted in the design of web services in the cloud. RESTful web services us e
standard HTTP methods (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE) to perform operations on
resources, making them simple, scalable, and easy to consume. The RESTful
approach aligns well with the principles of cloud computing, emphasizing
simplicity and flexibility in service communication.

Web services in cloud computing are instrumental in enabling the three

primary service models of cloud computing: Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS),
Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS). In the IaaS
model, web services facilitate the provisioning and management of
virtualized infrastructure components, such as computing power and
storage. PaaS leverages web services to provide a platform for developers to
build, deploy, and scale applications without managing the underlying
infrastructure. SaaS relies on web services for the delivery of software
applications over the internet, allowing users to access and use the software
without the need for installation or maintenance.
2. A Case Study on Amazon EC2
Sol: Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) stands as a pioneering and pivotal
service in the cloud computing landscape, offering scalable and flexible
virtualized computing resources to businesses and individuals. This case
study delves into the key aspects of Amazon EC2, its impact on the industry,
and how organizations leverage its capabilities to meet their computing
needs.
Introduction to Amazon EC2:
Amazon EC2, launched by Amazon Web Services (AWS) in 2006,
revolutionized the way businesses access and utilize computing resources.
EC2 provides resizable compute capacity in the cloud, allowing users to
quickly scale up or down based on demand. The service enables users to
launch virtual servers, known as instances, within minutes, providing a cost -
effective and efficient solution for diverse computing workloads.

Use Cases and Scalability:

One of the standout features of Amazon EC2 is its versatility in catering to a
wide range of use cases. Organizations across various industries utilize EC2
instances for tasks such as web hosting, application development and
testing, data processing, machine learning, and more. The ability to choose
from a variety of instance types, each optimized for different workloads,
allows users to tailor their computing resources to specific requirements.

Scalability is a critical factor in the success of any cloud service, and Amazon
EC2 excels in this regard. Users can easily scale their compute capacity up or
down based on fluctuating demands, ensuring optimal performance and
cost-efficiency. This elasticity is particularly beneficial for businesses with
dynamic workloads or those experiencing rapid growth, as they can scale
resources seamlessly without the need for significant upfront investments in
hardware.

Elastic Load Balancing and Auto Scaling:

Amazon EC2 provides tools like Elastic Load Balancing (ELB) and Auto Scaling
to enhance the reliability and availability of applications. ELB distributes
incoming traffic across multiple EC2 instances, improving fault tolerance and
ensuring that no single instance bears the entire load. Auto Scaling, on the
other hand, automatically adjusts the number of instances based on user -
defined policies, ensuring that the application can handle varying levels of
traffic while optimizing costs.

Cost-Efficiency and Pay-as-You-Go Model:

Amazon EC2 operates on a pay-as-you-go pricing model, providing cost
flexibility for users. This model allows organizations to pay only for the
compute capacity they consume, eliminating the need for upfront capital
investment in physical infrastructure. Additionally, the ability to stop, start,
and terminate instances on-demand further contributes to cost savings, as
users only pay for resources when they are actively in use.

Security and Compliance:

Security is a paramount concern in cloud computing, and Amazon EC2
implements a robust set of security measures. Users can leverage Virtual
Private Cloud (VPC) to isolate their instances, control inbound and outbound
traffic, and integrate with on-premises networks securely. EC2 instances also
support various encryption options for data at rest and in transit, addressing
compliance requirements and ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of
sensitive information.

Real-world Impact:
Numerous organizations, from startups to enterprise-level entities, have
harnessed the power of Amazon EC2 to drive innovation, enhance scalability,
and optimize costs. Startups appreciate the agility and speed with which they
can launch new services, while established enterprises leverage EC2 to meet
fluctuating demands without overprovisioning resources.

For example, popular content delivery platform Netflix relies heavily on

Amazon EC2 to deliver streaming content to millions of users worldwide. The
ability to scale up during peak usage periods and scale down during lulls in
demand ensures a seamless streaming experience for users while optimizing
costs for the company.