Fundamentals of Cloud Computing and its implications on your business.

 

 

What is cloud computing?

 

The greatest impact of changing technology may be perhaps on the business fraternity. IT has revolutionized the nature of doing business. Before the computer, all important data were written on paper, filed, and stored. Computers stopped this hilarious task making it very simple. A huge quantity of data can be stored not only inside the computer but also in the common server. The advantage is that we can process and retrieve this huge amount of data quickly, within a few seconds.

 

However, both hard disk and the use of servers has many limitations compared to the facilities that a business house is getting now with the help of technological advancements. Today’s market is global and hence global giants were in the look for better options. They do not wish to limit their data contained in a server. It is here, the concept of cloud computing came to limelight. 

 

Companies no longer required to maintain a server room, buy costly hardware or software, or hire experienced professionals to manage this.  Setting up and maintaining a server room had huge financial costs. It takes up the bulk of the company’s space and should be properly air-conditioned.  Even a small power cut can damage the server.

 

Let’s learn how cloud computing is helping to avoid this. What exactly is cloud computing? Let us now dive into different aspects of cloud computing and if you are a business enthusiast, this blog will read interesting to you.

Providers of Cloud computing are renting various IT services. Without installing a separate one, you can make use of these rented services and pay for what you use.  When your requirement is over, you can stop this. The resources here may be the use of the common server, software, or hardware. You can use their storage facilities, new tools, and software that you require just by paying rent for them.

 

Cloud computing vs traditional web hosting. Who should prefer cloud computing?

Let’s understand who requires a cloud platform and who should prefer traditional web hosting. There is a misconception that only very large business houses should go for cloud platforms. The reality is, it is more suited to small and medium-level businesses because it helps them to reduce heavy initial investment in inventory. Also, can abstain from recruiting professional techies. just with a laptop in hand and a proper internet connection, you can start your business. More important thing is, you can devote all your time to the core of your business. 

 

 It is most suited for those who believe in the ease of doing business and want to limit their infrastructure investment, can mind the increased running cost. But those businesses who are ready to invest in infrastructure, do not want to diversify their business, who can foresee their future of business and most importantly, do not wish to increase their monthly spending can opt for a traditional way of web hosting. This is because the business must pay periodical rent to the cloud service provider.

 

Advantages of cloud services

 

·         Elasticity

On traditional web hosting, one should foresee their business and plan accordingly. In cloud computing, you do not require this. Whenever you feel for expansion, you can do so by renting more.   The day you feel to change or reduce your workload, you can do it easily. You can easily scale up and scale down as per the market trends. This will reduce spending on investment and manpower.

 

·         Maximum security.

Security of the data remains the ultimate priority of the service provider, especially in public cloud platforms. Since these platforms are used by many, providers employ too much checking and filtering from deep inside so that your data is not leaked, and significant isolation is provided. The account login credentials are very sophisticated and error-proof. 

 

The vivid proof of this is the increased use of cloud platforms nowadays. Even those who were vocal against this started using this. The resistance against this is fading day by day as users are finding it more reliable and secure.

 

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·         Minimal professional help is required

 The hiring of professional services is always a costly affair and cloud services require very minimal professionals compared to traditional hosting. It also avoids the inelastic labour force. When your nature of business is changing, you require changed skillsets and tools and your existing professionals may not have proficiency in the new tools in use. It is also a very difficult and hilarious effort for a company to keep its labour force keep updated on the change in technologies. 

 

·         Pay per use

It is the biggest highlight of cloud computing. Your unnecessary expenditure is controlled.  You are paying only for the tools you use or the space you consume. It also helps keep track of your usage and limit the usage and save money.

 

·         Better service

Maintaining a server room is a careful task done by professionals. Necessary coolness should be maintained inside the room using a high-performance air conditioner. Any power cut can become unless you have a power backup. CSP providers implement very concise resources that ensure resilient and error-free services that ensure guaranteed and uninterrupted services without any downtime. Because of this, companies do not have to spend time and money to fix downtime-related issues.

 

·         Migration flexibility and broad network access

Organizations may require the transfer of data from one platform to another. It is done for cost savings or to use new services that help their business. They may also require accessing the cloud data anywhere in the world by using any device. Both these are possible with cloud computing. 

 

·         Shared or pooling services

CSP provides a unique feature to use their common platform wherein numerous customers can share the same physical platform without compromising the privacy and security of their data. It gives the customers more cost advantage than taking a personalized platform.

 

·         Cost management

Organizations do not have to invest heavily in buying and maintaining equipment that increases their capital investment. It reduces their initial expenditure on hardware, facilities, utilities, or building a large Data Centre. When the business is growing no additional investment is required to upgrade its facilities. 

Disaster recovery and business continuity

Storing data in the cloud guarantees access to their data at any time and make it secure. It is also helpful in recovering data from your inoperative smartphone or laptop. Even in the least-case scenarios like natural disasters or other calamities like fire, theft, or earthquake, your data will be safe.

 

Types of cloud computing

Based on the choice of services, cloud computing can be categorized into three.

 

·         IaaS

IaaS lets the users migrate their workloads to the virtual server of the IaaS provider. They can make use of the storage of the data and application programming interfaces (API).  Each user will be allocated a certain storage capacity as they choose. Capacity can be small, medium, large, or extra-large storage facilities. In addition, they can also opt for customized services if they wish to.

 

·         PaaS

In the PaaS model, users are getting the option of accessing numerous tools and software. Many PaaS providers host an updated list of the latest software and bring it to the shelf immediately after they are developed.  It gives the users unlimited options for changing the tools they use without spending any money to buy them.

 

·         SaaS

SaaS provides software applications that are often called web services. Users can access it at any location using a computer or mobile device. Microsoft 365 is an example for this.

 

Cloud computing – Deployment models

 

·         Private cloud services

Certain business houses like to create and use their private cloud platform. Cloud service providers help them to build and maintain a private platform that is unique and accessible for them only. The benefit is fool proof security compared to local data centres. It also helps them preserve their management identity and greater convenience of operations.  

 

·         Public cloud services

It is the process of using the cloud services of a third-party service provider. It is acquired on demand from the service provider by paying for what you use. It can be the server space or the applications available that help to stimulate your business.

 

·         Hybrid Cloud services

It is the combination of both facilities of private and public thereby the end user gets the benefit of both platforms. They can give more security to very sensitive data using the private platform and at the same time using the public for the rest. Through this, the user gets the unique opportunity to take advantage of the facilities they get in public cloud infrastructure and at the same time does not compromise any minute possibility of a critical data breach.

 

 

Cloud computing – Examples

For some, the term cloud platforms seem distant, but the reality is that everyone is using this platform daily. Applications like WhatsApp, Google Docs, Microsoft 365, email, calendar, etc. are cloud-based. What’s more, even the zoom or skype meet tools that we used for online classes during covid time greatly use cloud technology. When we are participating in a video or audio conference and recorded them for future use, we are knowingly or unknowingly using the cloud facility.

 

Who can use Cloud computing

Organizations of any size and type can use cloud platforms.  Starting from small business models like retail shops to more sophisticated models of healthcare, security services or financial service providers are using cloud services. It is helpful in monitoring, detecting, and preventing fraudulent transactions. 

 

Future of cloud computing

 

Although this concept has moved a long and came a long way already, it is just in the initial stage. The future is bright and is sure of getting exponential advancements in its processing capabilities using quantum computing and artificial intelligence. Industries like automotive, aviation and e-commerce industries will find it more useful in integrating it with their business. How far it can change future business is a very difficult question to answer but no business will certainly be there to see who does not use cloud computing.