CLOUD COMPUTING – WHAT IS IT?

Cloud computing has been a topic that is spoken oftenly among many people today.Have you ever looked around your office and wondered – gosh, there are a lot of wires! Desktops, laptops, workstations and servers – they all come with a lot of wiring, not to mention the fact that they are very important aspects of an organization focused on technology.

If you’re reading this, you’ve probably worked with a bunch of different technologies and data storage options and are keen on discovering the true potentials of Cloud Computing – a sector that is predicted to grow rapidly in the upcoming years.

So, what is Cloud? Why should I use it? What does it offer and where do I start? This article will explain Cloud Computing and its influence in modern technology.

WHAT IS CLOUD?

Simply put, Cloud Computing refers to anything involving the supply of service over the Internet. Whether that may be a database, a server or a storage medium, Cloud Computing allows devices to interact with necessary systems and architecture without the need for physical contact.

Yes, you heard me! You wouldn’t be too wrong if you thought of the Cloud as something existing in space! Anyway, coming to the point – Cloud Computing allows you to host your applications and services onto, well, the Cloud and allow for a more robust state of communication between systems and the services hosted on the web.

TYPES OF CLOUD COMPUTING SERVICES

IaaS – Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS obviously!), is the first of the three models provided by a cloud service provider. It focuses on storing in the Cloud the infrastructural component that are typically present in a company. This would include servers, networking components and storage mediums in addition to many more.

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PaaS – Platform as a Service (PaaS), is the second of the three models and it focuses mainly on the ability of cloud service providers to deliver environments on which applications can be run without the need of having to buy the otherwise necessary hardware equipment. A PaaS provider usually hosts the components required on their infrastructure.

SaaS – Software as a Service (SaaS), is the easiest to understand as it is used by nearly every user of the internet. The applications developed by a provider/company are hosted on the web and by doing this, money spent on purchasing hardware is avoided.

WHY USE CLOUD?

Now that we’ve gone over the basics, it’s time to take a look at why you should choose cloud.

For starters, switching to cloud is comparatively cheaper than owning half a dozen computers – each running a server! But in addition to this, Cloud Computing has a lot of interesting perks and pros that will definitely interest you! Read on to find out more…

FLEXIBILITY –
The Cloud can adapt to your changes, no matter how demanding! It’s true – users can scale and organize their required cloud services and access the cloud at any time, anywhere!

EFFICIENCY –
Thinking of developing high profile applications? Have a great idea in your mind? Thinking of diving into the depths of Image Recognition and Machine Learning?

Have no fear! Cloud Computing will allow you to develop applications and run them online without having to worry about heavy infrastructure costs and management. Yes, you heard me – the Cloud will manage all your data!

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MAINTENANCE –
The Cloud allows you to store all your data and information in one secure location. Cloud Computing makes it easier to keep data and the system organized. It allows for easy updating of assets and turns the process of application development, deployment and management much easier!

This is just a tiny fraction of how advantageous Cloud Computing can be and there are a hundred more reasons! New services and technologies are being integrated with Cloud Computing as the option grows in popularity.

HOW TO GET STARTED WITH CLOUD COMPUTING?

Currently, the three most influential cloud computing providers are Microsoft (Azure) , Amazon (AWS) and Google (Google Cloud). All three are providers of services that involve IaaS, PaaS & SaaS and are the top choices for growing businesses and organizations.

Whether it be cloud storage, application development, application deployment, hosting or any other kind of cloud service, you can be sure that at least one of these three big tech monsters provide what you’re looking for!