A very basic definition of cloud computing is the delivery of computer services over the Internet. Computer services can include servers, databases, software, analytics, storage, networking, and intelligence. The cloud helps deliver these services quickly, reliably, and cost-effectively. Below are definitions and examples for a quick guide to cloud computing.
Cloud computing defined
Cloud describes a network of computers, operating programs and applications. Known as virtual hosting solutions, they operate on connected servers rather than a local computer. The software, computing power and data storage are provided from a remote location. All information files and application programs in cloud computing remain secure in remote data centers.
Sharing and collaborating can be seamless and effortless, regardless of the user’s location or device.
Types of Cloud Computing
To start this guide to cloud computing, we need to mention the different types. Many different Cloud Computing Models exist, and they meet the diverse needs of different businesses. Certainly, different models, types, and services in cloud computing have evolved over the years. So determine your cloud computing architecture to enjoy optimal cloud services.
Public cloud
The public cloud is owned by third-party cloud service providers. They also own the resources such as hardware, software, and supporting infrastructure. In addition, these services can be accessed and managed via the web browser. That public cloud follows multi-tenant architecture supported by pay-as-you-go pricing model.
private cloud
The private cloud offers a range of cloud computing resources. They are used exclusively by one company or organization. The cloud may reside in a user’s on-premises data center. In addition, a private network manages and maintains the services and infrastructure. Only the user can directly access and control the underlying cloud infrastructure.
hybrid cloud
A hybrid cloud is a combination of public and private cloud services. If desired, the data can be moved between the two clouds. A key aspect of this solution is its greater flexibility and broader deployment options. It also optimizes the user’s existing infrastructure and security. It also ensures full compliance.
Types of services offered by cloud computing
IaaS [Infrastructure as a Service]
IaaS or Infrastructure as a Service is delivered and managed over the Internet. In addition, users can scale it up and down as needed. You can achieve significant savings on the investment in purchasing and managing physical servers and other infrastructure. The cloud computing service provider manages the infrastructure, software system and OS middleware, and applications. Also, you only pay rent to use the service component you need.
PaaS [Platform as a Service]
PaaS offers a development and deployment environment in the cloud. Resources can be purchased on a pay-as-you-go model. In fact, this service includes IaaS, middleware, business intelligence services, database management solutions, and deployment tools. You don’t have to invest in expensive software licenses. When you subscribe to PaaS, the cloud service provider manages everything.
SaaS [Software as a Service]
SaaS offers a comprehensive software solution on a pay-as-you-go basis. Users can connect to the system and access the cloud-based applications over the Internet. The provider also offers SLAs or Service Level Agreements to provide access to rented software and hardware.
Serverless Computing
Serverless computing is a plan where developers build applications faster. You don’t have to worry about managing the underlying infrastructure. The tasks related to infrastructure provisioning and management are also the responsibility of the provider.
Benefits of Using Cloud Computing
Cloud computing and its various delivery models have helped streamline or eliminate many common business problems.
- Businesses don’t need to invest in high-performance servers or equipment rooms. You can manually save and back up data to hard drives and external devices.
- You don’t need to hire expensive in-house experts to manage and troubleshoot the server systems.
- Vendor or provider handles all backups, maintenance and troubleshooting.
- Access to resources is not affected by users’ geographic location.
- You don’t have to be forced to use the original software systems and manually update the latest versions. The cloud-based software adapts to the needs of the users.
- With cloud computing, your data remains completely safe and secure at all times. Even in major disasters, there is no risk of losing important business data.
- Sharing and working on cloud-based files is the best way to achieve perfect coordination between remote workers and teams.
- Cloud computing saves you money because you don’t have to buy expensive software or hardware systems. If contracted through the vendor, you may also save on the salaries of IT professionals for installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
Anyone using the internet most likely already is Use of cloud computing in some ways. We use the system when we send emails, visit multimedia platforms, save files or play online video games. Cloud computing has many other interesting applications. These include
- Storage, backup and recovery of data
- Building, testing and building applications
- data analysis
- Creating content for social media and other entertainment platforms
- mobile banking
- Customer Relationship Management
- Warehouse management and logistics
- accounting
Misconceptions about Cloud Computing
In our Cloud Computing guide we would like to mention the numerous technical and economic advantages of cloud computing, but there are still some trust issues in the acceptance and implementation of the technology. People have some misconceptions related to cloud computing.
Of course, the cloud provider can have access to all data.
Fact: All information stored in the cloud remains fully encrypted. They are also encrypted during transmission. Nobody can access or decrypt the data.
The cloud takes control of your data and processes away from you.
Fact: Cloud services can be used on a pay-as-you-go basis. This allows you to scale usage based on your needs. Data migration to and from the cloud is also quick and easy. You can download the information whenever you need it.
Cloud solutions are risky as they are vulnerable to security breaches.
Fact: quite the opposite. Security improves once data is migrated to the cloud. A two-factor authentication method is used to verify user identity and increase security. Security breaches generally occur due to human error.
Moving to the cloud can cost you time and money.
Fact: Cloud migration is fast and inexpensive. You do not need any support from IT experts during and after the migration.
Conclusion
This is a technology that is here to stay, so this is just a quick guide to cloud computing. In fact, you can enjoy the full range of benefits by following the best practices of using cloud computing services. However, your cloud computing experience is only as good as the reputation and efficiency of the cloud service provider you use. So make sure you do extensive research and choose the best cloud computing service provider to get the most out of your investment.
