Before cloud computing, companies had to store all their data and software on their hard drives and servers. The bigger the company, the more storage it needed. This way of treating data is not scalable at speed. For example, if word started spreading about your business and you suddenly had a lot of online orders, your servers would probably crash.
It's not just businesses that benefit from cloud computing. The cloud has transformed our lives as individuals as well. Many of us use cloud services every day. When we update our status on social media, binge a new streaming series, or check our bank accounts we're most likely using applications that are hosted by cloud services. These apps are accessed through an internet connection rather than installed on our hard drives or devices.
Today, cloud technology means that companies can scale and adapt at speed and scale, accelerate innovation, drive business agility, streamline operations, and reduce costs.
What is Cloud?
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) describes the basics of cloud computing this way:
Cloud computing is a model for enabling ubiquitous, convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g., networks, servers, storage, applications, and services) that can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort or service provider interaction.
Still not understand?
Basically, Cloud is the internet and cloud computing that describes the software and services run through the internet rather than private servers and hard drives.
Cloud computing is an on-demand, utility-based model of computing.
Why use the cloud?
Some of the main reasons to use the cloud are convenience and reliability. For example, if you've ever used a web-based email service, such as Gmail or Yahoo! Mail, you've already used the cloud. All of the emails in a web-based service are stored on servers rather than on your computer's hard drive. This means you can access your email from any computer with an Internet connection.
Are Cloud and Cloud Computing Different?
Yes, cloud and cloud computing are related concepts but they are not the same thing. The cloud refers to the infrastructure itself, cloud computing is about using that infrastructure to deliver IT services in a flexible and scalable way.
Characteristics of Cloud Computing
On-demand self-service
Users can access computing services via the cloud when they need to without interaction from the service provider. The computing services should be fully on-demand so that users have control and agility to meet their evolving needs.
Broad network access
Cloud computing services are widely available via the network through users’ preferred tools (e.g., laptops, desktops, smartphones, etc.).
Resource pooling
One of the most attractive elements of cloud computing is the pooling of resources to deliver computing services at scale. Resources, such as storage, memory, processing, and network bandwidth, are pooled and assigned to multiple consumers based on demand.
Rapid elasticity
Successful resource allocation requires elasticity. Resources must be assigned accurately and quickly with the ability to absorb significant increases and decrease in demand without service interruption or quality degradation.
Cloud Services models
There are three types of services:-Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS).
IaaS
IaaS gives users access to storage, networking, servers, and other computing resources via the cloud. While the user is still responsible for managing their applications, data, middleware, etc., IaaS provides automated and scalable environments that provide a high degree of control and flexibility for the user.
For example, many businesses use IaaS to support workload spikes during busy seasons (like holidays).
Popular IaaS providers include:
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Microsoft Azure
Google Compute Engine (GCE), the IaaS component of Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
PaaS
This service layer is primarily geared toward developers and operations professionals. Service providers rent out cloud-based platforms for users to develop and deliver applications. In other words, PaaS provides a framework that makes it easier and more efficient to build, customize, and deploy applications.
SaaS
Cloud application services are the most well-known of the cloud service models. The software is hosted, packaged, and delivered by a third party through the Internet (typically on a browser-based interface). By delivering the software application over the Internet, enterprises can offload the costs of management and maintenance to the vendor(s).
Popular SaaS options include email and customer relationship management software.
There are three main cloud service options: private, public, and hybrid clouds. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages and which one you (or your business) choose will depend on your data as well as the level of security and management you need.
Public Cloud
A public cloud is probably the most commonly understood cloud computing option. This is where all the services and supporting infrastructure are managed off-site over the Internet and shared across multiple users (or tenants They create a middle layer of organization between a Cloud Platform project and your uploaded data.).
A good example of a public cloud at the individual consumer level is a streaming service like Netflix. Users subscribe to the service through an individual account but access the same services across the platform through the Internet.
The advantage of using a public cloud is the increased efficiency and subsequent cost-effectiveness of shared resources. Public clouds are typically cheaper than private and hybrid cloud solutions (as well as traditional on-premise computing) because they rely on economies of scale.
Private Cloud
A private cloud provides IT services through the Internet or a private network to select users, rather than to the general public. Instead of having multiple tenants, as a public cloud does, a private cloud typically has only one tenant. All the data is protected behind a firewall. This is a popular choice for many businesses that want the agility of the cloud with greater customization and security.
Private clouds can reside on-site or off-site. The distinguishing feature is the single, private tenant who maintains greater control over the IT services. Private clouds are popular choices for organizations that have high priorities on security and compliance.
Hybrid Cloud
A hybrid cloud environment combines both private and public cloud elements to varying degrees. Despite operating independently, the clouds in a hybrid environment communicate over an encrypted connection and allow for the portability of data and applications.
This is an increasingly popular cloud solution because it allows organizations greater flexibility to meet their IT needs.
Benefits of using the cloud for your business
There are many potential advantages to adopting cloud-based solutions for your business. Depending on your business and data needs, migrating to a cloud environment can result in the following benefits:
Cost savings
Although the initial price tag for migrating to the cloud can give some businesses sticker shock. Operating on the cloud typically means adopting a pay-as-you-go model, which means you no longer have to pay for IT you’re not using.
Plus, cloud solutions are particularly affordable for smaller businesses who don’t have the capital to build out and manage their own IT infrastructures. Greater efficiencies and economies of scale mean more money in your pocket in the long run.
Reliability
A managed cloud platform is generally much more reliable than an in-house IT infrastructure, with fewer instances of downtime or service interruptions. Most providers offer 24/7 support and over 99.9% availability.
With backups for their backups, you can rest assured your data and applications will be available whenever you need them.
Mobility
The cloud brings a level of portability unheard of with traditional IT delivery. By managing your data and software on the cloud, employees can access the necessary information and communicate with each other whenever and wherever they want from their laptops, smartphone, or other Internet-connected devices.
Cloud-based solutions open up opportunities for more remote work and higher productivity and efficiency as everyone is assured access to the same updated information at the touch of a button.
Summary
cloud computing has revolutionized modern computing infrastructure and will continue to play a crucial role in powering the digital economy in the years to come.