Cloud Computing

Cloud is about providing different services over the Internet. This includes tools and applications such as data storage, servers, databases, networks and software.

Instead of keeping files on a proprietary hard drive or local storage device, cloud-based storage enables them to be saved to a remote database. As long as an electronic device has access to the Web, it has access to data and software to make it function.

Cloud computing is a popular option for individuals and companies for a number of reasons, including cost savings, increased productivity, speed and efficiency, performance and security.

 

Types of cloud computing

Not every cloud is the same and not a single type of cloud is good for everybody. Various models, types and services have evolved to help you offer the solution that meets your needs.

First, you should determine the type of cloud deployment, or cloud computing architecture, on which your cloud services will be implemented. There are three different ways you can deploy cloud services: on a public cloud, a private cloud, or a hybrid cloud.

Public cloud

Public clouds are owned and operated by third-party cloud service providers, which provide their computing resources, like servers and storage, over the Internet. With a public cloud, all hardware, software and other infrastructures are owned and operated by the cloud provider. You access these services and manage your account by means of a web browser.

Private cloud

A private cloud refers to cloud computing resources used only by one company or organization. A private cloud may be physically located on the company's data center. Some organizations also pay third-party service providers for hosting their private cloud. A private cloud is one where services and infrastructure are maintained within a private network.

Hybrid cloud

Hybrid clouds combine public and private clouds, linked by technology that allows data and applications to be shared with one another. By allowing data and applications to move between private and public clouds, a hybrid cloud gives your business greater flexibility, more deployment options, and helps optimize your existing infrastructure, security, and compliance.

 

Types of cloud services

Most cloud services fall into four general categories: infrastructure as a service (IaaS), platform as a service (PaaS), server and software as a service (SaaS). These are sometimes called the cloud computing “stack" because they build on top of one another. Knowing what they are and how they are different makes it easier to achieve your commercial goals.

Infrastructure as a service (IaaS)

The most basic category of cloud computing services. With IaaS, you rent IT infrastructure—servers and virtual machines (VMs), storage, networks, operating systems—from a cloud provider on a pay-as-you-go basis.

Platform as a service (PaaS)

The platform as a service means cloud computing services that provide an on-demand environment for developing, testing, delivering and managing software applications. PaaS is designed to make it easier for developers to quickly create web or mobile apps, without worrying about setting up or managing the underlying infrastructure of servers, storage, network, and databases needed for development.

Serverless computing

Overlapping with PaaS, server-free computing focuses on creating application features without spending time continually managing the servers and infrastructure required to do so. The cloud provider manages the setup, capacity planning, and server management for you. Server-less architecture is highly scalable and event-driven, using only resources when a specific function or trigger occurs.

Software as a service (SaaS)

Software as a service is a method to provide software applications over the Internet, on request and generally on a subscription basis. With SaaS, cloud providers host and manage the software application and underlying infrastructure, and manage any maintenance, such as software upgrades and security fixes. Users connect to the app on the Internet, usually via a web browser on their phone, tablet or PC.

Uses of cloud computing

You're probably using cloud computing right now, even though you're not aware of it. If you use an online service to send email, edit documents, view movies or TV, listen to music, play games, or store photos and other files, cloud computing is very certainly at the heart of it. The first cloud computing services are barely a decade old, but already a variety of organizations—from tiny startups to global corporations, government agencies to non-profits—are embracing the technology for all sorts of reasons.

These are the few examples of it;

• Email
• Storage, backup, and data retrieval
• Creating and testing apps
• Analyzing data
• Audio and video streaming
• Delivering software on demand

Although cloud computing is still a relatively new technology, it is being used by a variety of organisations, including large enterprises, small enterprises, nonprofits, government agencies, and even individual consumers.

Advantages of Cloud Computing

Cloud-based software offers businesses in all industries a number of advantages, including the ability to use software from any device via a native application or browser. As a result, end-users can carry their files and settings over to other devices in a completely seamless manner.

Cloud computing is more than a simple access to files on multiple devices. Thanks to cloud computing services, users can check their email on any device and even store files using services such as Dropbox and Google Drive. Users can also use cloud computing services to back up their music, files, and images, ensuring that they are available promptly in the event of a hard drive failure.

It also offers large companies enormous cost-saving potential. Before the cloud became a viable alternative, businesses had to purchase, build and maintain costly information management technologies and infrastructure. Organizations can exchange costly server centers and IT departments for fast Internet connections, where employees interact with the online cloud to accomplish their tasks.

The cloud structure helps people save storage space on their desktops or laptops. It also allows users to update the software faster because software companies can offer their products via the Web rather than using more traditional and tangible methods involving disks or flash drives. For example, Adobe clients can access Creative Cloud applications via an Internet subscription8. This allows the users to download new versions and easily fix their programs.

 

Disadvantages of the Cloud

With all the speed, efficiency and innovations that come with cloud computing, there are natural risks.

Security has always been a major concern with cloud computing, especially when it comes to sensitive medical records and financial data. While regulations force cloud computing services to strengthen their security and compliance measures, it remains an ongoing issue. Encryption protects vital information, but if this encryption key is lost, data will disappear.

Natural calamities, internal problems, and power outages can all affect servers operated by cloud computing firms. The geographical reach of cloud computing cuts both ways: A blackout in Berlin could paralyze users in Delhi, and a firm in Texas could lose its data if something causes its Maine-based provider to crash.

Like all technology, there is a learning curve for employees and managers. However, as many people access and manipulate information through a single portal, unintended errors may be transmitted to the entire system.

 

The World of Business

There are a number of ways that companies can use cloud computing. Some customers keep all of their services and data in the cloud, while others choose a hybrid model, keeping some on private servers and others in the cloud.

The major players in the corporate computing sphere, when it comes to providing services, include:

• Google Cloud
• Amazon Web Services (AWS)
• Microsoft Azure
• IBM Cloud
• Alibaba Cloud