Cloud computing
A simple definition of cloud computing involves delivering different types of services over the Internet. From software and analytics to secure and safe data storage and networking resources, everything can be delivered via the cloud.
You probably use different cloud-based applications every day. You are benefiting from cloud solutions every time you send a file to your colleague via Skype, when you use a mobile app, download an image, watch a Netflix show, watch Youtube, or when you play an online video game. All these services are stored in the cloud and exist in some digital space.
For example, storing your information on OneDrive, SharePoint, or an email server is much different from keeping that data on a desktop hard drive or a USB stick. You can access it from just about any computer that has internet access.
But what does this mean for businesses?
Cloud computing means improved collaboration and productivity, as well as significant cost reductions. It means better data protection, improved availability, and expanded access to cutting-edge technologies.
Types of cloud computing
1) Public cloud services are designed for development systems and web servers. Your cloud computing provider will give you a slice of their digital space that they must share with other tenants.
These types of clouds are usually cost-efficient because they operate on a pay-as-you-go model. In a nutshell, you pay for the number of hours you need to use the cloud and can exit whenever you complete your work. There are no obligations that require you to pay more than you need. Simples.
2) Private clouds offer what their name suggests: privacy. You do not have to share your digital space with anyone else. Private cloud platforms are typically built in-house, and they belong to you and your business. They can also be configured in a third-party data center and still provide an advanced level of privacy.
Larger organizations and clients who are concerned about security tend to prefer these private clouds. The main reason for this is primarily the fact that these clouds offer more defense than their public counterparts. Companies that need to protect sensitive information like customer data rely on private clouds.
If you are using a private cloud, you know who has access to the data, know if anyone made changes, and know what to do in case of an emergency. This basically means that you have full control over what happens and don’t have to worry about some third-party vendor making changes that would negatively affect you. A firewall protects everything in your cloud from outsiders.
3) Hybrid clouds are the best of both worlds. If you are using a hybrid cloud, you can control an internal database and use the public cloud when needed. There might be times when you will need to move data and applications from the private cloud to the public cloud, such as scheduled maintenance, blackouts, and natural disasters. The ability to seamlessly migrate information is perfect for cloud-based disaster recovery and preventing data loss.
The flexibility of hybrid clouds is excellent for scaling as any overflow can regulate in the public cloud. Furthermore, you can keep all non-sensitive tasks in the public cloud while safeguarding the essential data in the private cloud.
What are the benefits of cloud computing?
1) Storage that is always-on
In other words, you can always access the storage, as long as you have an internet connection. You can rent cloud storage at a low price and scale it according to your demands. And you no longer have to use an external hard drive or build an in-house data center.
2) Recovery solutions in case of a disaster
Preventing as much data loss as possible is critical regarding time, money, and efficiency. Cloud provides a much faster, and cost-effective disaster recovery than traditional solutions could ever offer.
3) Lower costs
Think about not having to buy a ton of external hard drives to keep your critical information. Companies can save a lot of money by migrating virtualized operating system instances in the cloud. In addition to that, the cloud gives you access to professional staff, advanced security systems, and cutting-edge hardware and software, which adds up to the projected savings.
What types of cloud services are there?
1) Infrastructure as a service (IaaS) – This is a pay-as-you-go approach, and you’re only paying for as long as you need to use the service. It is the simplest form of cloud service(s).
2) Platform as a service (PaaS) – This comes complete with infrastructures such as networking, online storage, and servers, as well as database management systems, development tools, and more. PaaS is designed to help create, test, develop, and update your application.
3) Software as a service (SaaS) – This is basically what you get whenever you download a new app for your phone. In a nutshell, companies create and develop their software and then lend it out to buyers.
To sum up
There’s no way around this – the cloud is here to stay. We no longer need dial-up, CDs, maps, floppy discs, movie rental stores, maps, etc anymore. Those technologies have all been outdated and made obsolete by newer and better inventions. We are not saying that the same will happen with cloud computing, but honestly, we wouldn’t be surprised if it did.
There may still be applications for USB drives and similar devices, but you will probably always back them up on your cloud anyways.
No matter how you look at it, cloud computing is the future