What is Cloud Computing?
What is Cloud Computing?
Cloud computing such as those provided by Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Digital Ocean is the process of computing technology or operation services and hosting files on remote servers which are connected using the internet. Cloud computing allows you to:
- Access or share information any time from different devices
- Rapidly use computing services even without buying hardware
- Leverage huge computing power temporarily
Two main advantages of cloud computing are that it’s cost-effective and nimbler.
Examples of cloud computing are:
- Cloud storage, for instance, storing pictures
- Online services such as servers that deliver websites. These services can be scaled down or up depending on traffic fluctuations.
Service Models
There are four cloud computing service models and they are:
SaaS (Software as a Service)
SaaS allows access to a provider’s services while running on the infrastructure of the provider from different devices. Examples of SaaS applications are Snapchat, Gmail, and Facebook.
IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service)
Cloud IT primary building blocks are contained in IaaS. Infrastructure as a Service provides access to data storage space, networking features, and computers (either on dedicated hardware or virtual). An example of an IaaS application is the Google Cloud Platform.
PaaS (Platform as a Service)
PaaS eliminates the need for firms to manage servers, operating systems, and other infrastructure. It lets them focus on deploying and managing their applications. An example of a PaaS application is the Google App Engine.
Serverless Computing
Serverless computing entails setting up app functionality without having to constantly spend time managing the infrastructure and servers needed to do so. It is the cloud provider who handles server management, the setup, and capacity planning for you. Serverless applications are event-driven and highly scalable, only utilizing resources when a particular trigger or function occurs.
Cloud Types
Cloud computing comprises three main deployment models, and they are as follows:
- Public Clouds
Public clouds are commercially provided and accessed using the internet. The infrastructure of public clouds is developed to take advantage of massive scale and it is shared with several clients.
- Private Clouds
Private clouds have a secure and distinct cloud-based environment where only a specified client is able to operate.
- Hybrid Clouds
Hybrid clouds incorporate the elements of public and private clouds. For instance, a hybrid cloud can use a private cloud for confidential and sensitive data and use a public cloud for non-sensitive information.
How Does Cloud Computing Work?
Although the various services provided by cloud computing don’t work quite the same, many of them have an easy-to-use browser-based dashboard. IT developers and professionals can easily manage their multiple accounts and order resources using the dashboard. Other cloud computing services are compatible with a CLI (command-line interface) and REST APIs, giving the developers a variety of options.
What Are the Applications of Cloud Computing?
Some uses of cloud computing are:
- Testing and Building Applications
By scaling cloud infrastructures, either down or up, you can reduce the time and cost of application development.
- Creating New Services and Apps
You can quickly and easily build, deploy or scale applications on different platforms. You can also access various resources to help you meet the security, compliance, and performance requirements.
- Streaming Video and Audio
You can connect with your viewers and listeners anytime, anywhere, using any device that has a high-definition audio and video with universal distribution.
- Analyze Data
You can integrate your data over locations, divisions, and teams in the cloud. You can also make use of various cloud services such as artificial intelligence and machine learning to uncover valuable insights for better-informed decisions.
What Are the Advantages of Using Cloud Computing?
Below are some of the reasons companies are shifting to cloud computing services:
Speed. You can either get on demand or self-service cloud computing services. It is, therefore, possible to access extensive computer resources in just a matter of minutes.
Cost. Cloud computing helps you to significantly cut down on costs. You don’t have to incur expenses such as purchasing software and hardware, setting up data centers, and running the on-site data centers.
Productivity. Cloud computing eliminates the need for software patching, hardware set-up, and other tedious IT management tasks. Thus, the IT team has ample time to focus on other important goals of the organization.
Global Scale. Cloud computing can scale elastically. For instance, less or more bandwidth, power, andstorage from the right location and when it is needed.
Security and Protection. Most cloud service providers offer their clients controls, policies, and technologies aimed at strengthening their overall security posture, helping them secure their infrastructure, data, and apps from various potential threats.
If you would like to speak to us about how cloud computing can benefit your company, please contact us today.