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Cloud computing, what is it and how can it help your business? Put simply, cloud computing refers to the storing, handling, and processing of data using a network that is hosted on the internet rather than on-premises. This network is called “the cloud.” As it is online, you do not need any on-premises hardware.
From data backup, to storing substantial amounts of data, to serving an app, people use the cloud for a lot of different purposes cloud computing services providers (CSP) are named companies that provide cloud computing, they include some of the biggest names in tech. They include Google (Google Cloud), Amazon (AWS) and Microsoft (Azure).
The Different Types of Cloud Computing
The uses for cloud computing mainly fall into three categories. IaaS, PaaS & SaaS.
SaaS (Software-as-a-Service)
- SaaS typically uses a subscription service to offer software on demand over the Internet. Overall, the software framework and infrastructure are hosted and operated by SaaS cloud providers. Users are then able to access the application via a browser on any connected device (like a PC or Tablet)
IaaS (Infrastructure-as-a-Service)
- The most prevalent kind of cloud computing in the business world is IaaS. You rent IT infrastructure, such as servers, that would typically exist either on site or in your physical data center. However, in an IaaS environment, the technology is hosted by the IaaS provider in its own data center, so you don’t have to think about it. IaaS solutions are highly scalable, but they require a lot of planning and expertise to implement effectively.
PaaS (Platform-as-a-Service)
- PaaS vendors provide an online environment for development. Products and services such as software creation, testing and maintenance all operate in PaaS environments. Google is a popular choice for PaaS as it’s onboard machine learning tools can help with the development and analysis process.
5 Benefits of Cloud Computing
Here are the benefits of cloud computing :
Lower Cost
- Cloud computing operates on a pay-as-you-go model you only pay for what you use. There are no maintenance costs nor is there the capital outlay that would be required if you were to set up your own data center or on-premises solution.
Highly Scalable
- Cloud computing is highly scalable. Essentially, your app, infrastructure or data backup will always have the requisite amount of bandwidth, storage and computing power when it needs it but you aren’t paying for it when it doesn’t need it.
Improved Performance
- As cloud resources are maintained by professional specialists, they are always operating at peak performance.
Accessible From Anywhere
- Cloud Services can be accessed from anywhere so long as the user has a stable internet connection. This makes cloud solutions perfect for companies with offices in multiple locations or who have a lot of remote workers.
Reliability
- Most cloud providers also operate at a certain level of redundancy, so even if a data center goes offline, a backup will activate so that the overall health of the network remain consistent
Different Type Of Cloud Deployment
There are three main varieties of cloud deployment:
Public Cloud
- The infrastructure an underlying tech is owned by the cloud service provider. Users rent space and processing power from the public cloud. The services are then accessed either through a web browser or the provider’s own desktop application. All interaction with the public cloud happens over an internet connection. This almost always the most cost-effective choice for cloud computing.
Private Cloud
- A private cloud is exclusively for the use of a single business. It is operated and maintained by that businesses themselves, either on their own premises or through renting space in a data center. Private clouds are normally accessed over a private network/leased line rather than over the wider internet.
Hybrid Cloud
- A hybrid cloud implements both private and public cloud systems for a common goal. Some businesses may use a public cloud for their data backup and disaster recovery while using a private cloud for their infrastructure or platform needs.
How To Get Started
You first need to decide what your goals are for cloud computing. Is this the best method of achieving them. You should also think a year or two into the future to make sure you choose a package that is scalable and future-proof.
Consider which of the major cloud vendors would best suit your needs or whether you may be better served by a private cloud. For companies in certain industries, regulatory and legislative factors may affect whether they choose public, private or hybrid cloud solutions.
You may wish to contract a third-party managed IT support provider which specializes in cloud computing. They will help to plan and implement your chosen cloud computing solution and will also help to manage it on an ongoing basis.