Pearson Service Technology Series

Cloud Computing: Concepts, Technology & Architecture

Thomas Erl • Zaigham Mahmood • Ricardo Puttini

A structured and vendor-neutral guide to understanding the technologies, mechanisms, models and architectures that form modern cloud computing environments.

A Comprehensive Guide to Cloud Computing

Cloud computing has transformed the way organizations acquire, deploy, manage and consume information technology resources. Instead of depending entirely on locally hosted computing infrastructure, organizations can utilize remotely accessible and highly scalable cloud environments to support applications, data, storage, processing and business services.

This book provides a structured approach to understanding the foundations behind cloud computing. Rather than focusing on one particular cloud provider, it examines cloud computing from an industry-centric and vendor-neutral perspective, making it useful for readers who want to understand the underlying concepts and architectural building blocks that apply across different cloud environments.

What You Will Explore

Cloud Fundamentals

Understand the fundamental characteristics, concepts, terminology and models associated with cloud computing.

Cloud Technologies

Examine technologies that enable scalable, resilient and remotely accessible cloud environments.

Cloud Architecture

Explore fundamental, advanced and specialized cloud architecture models and their underlying mechanisms.

Cloud Security

Learn about fundamental security considerations and mechanisms used within cloud environments.

Core Topics Covered

Cloud Computing Concepts
Fundamental principles, characteristics and models of cloud computing.

Cloud-Enabling Technology
Technologies and infrastructure that make cloud environments possible.

Cloud Infrastructure
Infrastructure mechanisms supporting scalable and resilient cloud resources.

Cloud Management
Mechanisms for administration, monitoring, provisioning and resource management.

Cloud Security
Security concepts and mechanisms relevant to cloud-based environments.

Cloud Delivery Models
Examination of SaaS, PaaS, IaaS and related cloud service considerations.

Pricing & Cost Metrics
Understanding financial assessment and pricing considerations for cloud resources.

SLAs & Service Quality
Service quality metrics, SLA considerations and cloud service performance.

Structured Learning Approach

Part I — Fundamental Cloud Computing

Introduces cloud computing fundamentals, concepts and models, cloud-enabling technologies and fundamental security.

Part II — Cloud Computing Mechanisms

Explores infrastructure mechanisms, specialized mechanisms, management mechanisms and cloud security mechanisms.

Part III — Cloud Computing Architecture

Examines fundamental, advanced and specialized cloud architectures and how different architectural components work together.

Part IV — Working with Clouds

Covers cloud delivery model considerations, cost metrics, pricing models, service quality metrics and Service Level Agreements.

Who Is This Book For?

Students

Suitable for students studying cloud computing, networking, information technology and computer science.

IT Professionals

Useful for professionals developing their understanding of cloud infrastructure and technology.

Cloud Architects

Provides architectural concepts and mechanisms useful for understanding cloud solution design.

Technology Decision-Makers

Helps connect technical cloud capabilities with business, financial and service-quality considerations.

Key Features

Industry-centric and vendor-neutral treatment of cloud computing.
Structured explanations of cloud concepts, models and mechanisms.
Detailed coverage of cloud infrastructure and enabling technologies.
Dedicated coverage of cloud security concepts and mechanisms.
Exploration of fundamental, advanced and specialized cloud architectures.
Coverage of SaaS, PaaS and IaaS delivery models.
Business and economic considerations for evaluating cloud resources.
Service quality metrics and Service Level Agreement considerations.

Book Details

Authors
Thomas Erl, Zaigham Mahmood & Ricardo Puttini

Publisher
Pearson

Series
The Pearson Service Technology Series from Thomas Erl

Edition
1st Edition

Pages
528 Pages

ISBN-13
9780133387520

Why This Book Matters

Cloud computing involves much more than moving applications or data to remote servers. Effective cloud adoption requires an understanding of infrastructure, architecture, resource management, security, service models, scalability, resilience and economic factors.

This book brings these subjects together into a structured technical reference, helping readers understand how the different components of cloud computing relate to one another. Its organized approach makes it particularly valuable for academic study, professional development and anyone seeking a deeper technical foundation in cloud-based systems.

Strengthen Your Cloud Computing Knowledge

A valuable reference for understanding cloud computing concepts, technologies, architectures, security, service models, management and business considerations in a structured and professional way.

Build a Strong Foundation in Cloud Computing