Cloud Technology In Simple Terms
Cloud computing is a cloud technology that uses the internet for managing and storing data on remote servers. It also involves accessing those data via the internet. Cloud computing customers do not own the physical infrastructure. They only rent the usage from a third-party provider.
Cloud technology is so successful because of its simplicity in its usage. It is also a cost-effective solution for enterprises.
1.
What is Cloud Technology?
What is the cloud? Where is the cloud? Do you have these questions like others? Are we in the cloud right now? All these questions are common these days. The term “cloud computing” is everywhere.
In simple terms, cloud computing means accessing and storing data and programs over the Internet instead of your computer’s hard drive.
You can think of cloud technology – it is just a metaphor for the Internet.
Note that cloud computing is not about your local storage. That is when you run programs or store data on your hard drive. When everything you need is physically close to you, you are accessing your data on the local network. Working off your local drive is cloud computing. It is how the computer industry is functioning today.
If you consider “cloud computing,” you need to access your data or your programs over the Internet. You can do cloud computing anywhere, anytime, with an internet connection.
There are primarily 4 main types of cloud computing: public clouds, private clouds, hybrid clouds, and multi clouds. There are also 3 major types of cloud computing services: Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), and Platforms-as-a-Service (PaaS).
Choosing a cloud service or cloud type is a unique decision. Note that no two cloud services are used to solve the same problem. But by understanding the similarities and differences, you can be more informed about how to select each cloud computing type and cloud services that may impact your business.
2.
Cloud Technology Examples
When it comes to using Cloud at home, there is a very slight difference between local computing and cloud computing. That is because the cloud is part of almost everything on your computer.
Do you know that a local piece of software, for instance, Microsoft Office, utilizes cloud computing for storage, that is, Microsoft OneDrive?
Microsoft also offers a whole range of web-based apps apart from Cloud computing. There are web-based versions of Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and OneNote accessed via your web browser without installing anything. Basically, these are also a type of cloud computing. So it is web-based=cloud.
Some other significant examples that use cloud technology:
1 Google DriveGoogle Drive
This application is a pure cloud computing service. All its cloud storage is found online, so it can work with the cloud productivity apps: Google Sheets, Docs, and Slides.
Note that Google Drive is available on more than just desktop computers. You can easily use it on tablets like the iPad or on smartphones. In fact, you can consider Google services as cloud computing such as Gmail, Google Maps, Google Calendar, and more.
2 Apple iCloudApple iCloud
As you might know, Apple’s cloud service is primarily used for online backup, storage, and synchronization of your mail, calendar, contacts, and more. The cloud service also helps sync files between your Macs and iOS devices. All the data you need is generally available on your iOS, macOS, iPadOS, or Windows devices.
3 Dropbox
This service has been a simple, reliable file-sync and storage service for years. It is also cloud-based.
3.
Cloud Computing Services
The next element of cloud technology is the service category. It primarily includes services like Saas (Software as a Service), Iaas (Infrastructure as a service), and Paas (Platform as a Service).
When a big business considers its cloud migration strategy, it must consider all the factors.
Here is a brief on how these services work and what they mean for your business.
Here we discuss – how they work and what they mean for you.
1 SaaS (Software-as-a-Service)
SaaS is one of the commonly used cloud application services. It is becoming an important way for businesses to access software applications. Using SaaS, your enterprise can access a specific software application hosted on a remote server. The third-party provider often manages the hosted application.
You may ask, what is a software as a service SaaS? Your company can easily access the application through a web browser, but it is often subscription-based. Some popular SaaS products include Microsoft Office 365, Salesforce, or Workday.
As a business, you may use SaaS if you are looking for a simple way to enable cloud system access with minimal database management. SaaS is rightly suited for applications that often require mobile and web access. The solution is also good for short-term projects. It is also good for startups that need to launch eCommerce websites urgently.
2 PaaS (Platform-as-a-Service)
Large businesses prefer PaaS. It is primarily for companies who want to create large applications without significant financial investments.
With PaaS, your company can easily access a pre-defined env for software development. You can use the env to build, test, and run applications. The env is ideal for developers who do not need to start from scratch while creating apps.
Therefore, PaaS is suitable for developers as they can focus on the creative side of software development. They do not need to work on tedious tasks like writing extensive code or managing security patches or software updates. PaaS product examples include Google App Engine, web servers, and SQL servers.
3 IaaS (Infrastructure-as-a-Service)
IaaS is the most straightforward option for companies and businesses. With IaaS, your business can migrate its hardware. Your company can easily rent servers and data storage in the cloud rather than purchasing and maintaining its infrastructure.
IaaS services in cloud technology are very similar to traditional data centers. Your company’s system administrators will manage the databases, applications, runtime, security, etc. On the other hand, the cloud provider manages the hardware and software, hard drives, disaster recovery setup, servers, networking, operating systems, storage, etc.
4.
Types of Cloud Computing
Today many people are already using cloud technology in some form or another. IT has become an integral part of our daily lives. But have you ever thought about where all this data actually lives and who runs it?
Can you deploy cloud computing in different ways? It primarily depends on what services a business may need. Based on this, the deployment model includes – private cloud, public cloud, hybrid cloud, and multi-cloud.
Below are the different types.
1 Public Cloud
When you connect to a public cloud, it simply means you use an internet connection to access the cloud env. You are accessing computing resources hosted on data centers. Third-party cloud service providers often manage these data centers.
The major difference is you do not own or maintain these resources on-premise. You should understand that a public cloud may have many organizations sharing the same infrastructure.
The largest cloud service providers are referred to as MAAGs. Common among them are Microsoft Azure, Alibaba (Alicloud), Amazon (Amazon Web Services or AWS), and Google (Google Cloud). Other cloud providers include IBM and Oracle.
2 Private Cloud
This cloud model is great for businesses concerned about sharing resources on a public cloud. Its cloud env is implemented on servers owned and maintained by the organization. The env is accessed over the Internet or through a private internal network that the public cannot access. A private env gives you complete control over your security and data.
3 Hybrid Cloud
Many businesses often use a combination of these cloud envs. You can refer to it as a hybrid cloud approach. In a hybrid cloud, enterprises often include a private and public cloud combination.
4 Multi-cloud
This approach is similar to a hybrid cloud. It is an approach – a hybrid cloud in which a company may use services from multiple public cloud providers.
5.
Key Benefits of Cloud Technology
As you might be aware, the benefits of cloud computing are changing the business landscape. We live in a world where customers demand personalizing marketing and service.
Cloud technology is fast becoming not just the best way to drive successful and innovative businesses but the only way to adopt new technologies.
Here are cloud computing’s key benefits:
1. Save time
With cloud technology, time investments for getting the system up and running are minimal. Moreover, there is no equipment to set up, and neither is there any equipment to maintain. Cloud service providers handle the maintenance of physical components, security, and software updates.
2. Instant access to critical data
As you might have noticed – one of the most time-consuming bottlenecks in business today is to get data into the hands of team members who need it. By implementing cloud technology, everyone will have access to the devices they already use, anywhere they need them. Your team also has access to stuff that has a higher speed, which ensures faster collaboration.
3. Little to no upfront investment
There is no equipment or hardware to buy, no software to install. Moreover, there are no licensing fees to pay.
4. Improve your bottom line
While time savings automatically boost productivity. Also, note that cloud computing has financial benefits as well that may have direct benefits.
Final Thoughts
The power of cloud technology is amplified when paired with mobile technology. Because there is no physical software or equipment to install, you can sign in to the cloud env and work from any computer, anywhere. Even with apps, you can access important files from mobile devices. It means wherever you go, higher productivity will follow.
With all the advantages of cloud technology, one that stands out most: The technology gives companies the freedom to focus on their clients and customers. When you switch to new technologies and everyone in your company is on the same page – your customers’ needs are met faster.