Cloud computing is the distribution of different computing services or resources (storage, networking, analytics, software, intelligence, servers, disaster recovery technology, security, etc.) through the Internet.
Cloud computing changed the model of hiring these services. Clients don’t have to buy, own and maintain data centers and servers. Instead, they can have access to the specific services they require on-demand. As a result, clients’ operation costs can be lowered, and they can access an efficient and modern infrastructure.
Benefits of cloud computing.
- Efficient your budget. Cloud computing supplies the necessary infrastructure without you purchasing hardware, *software (*in some cases), servers, data centers, maintenance, etc.
- Easy access to top-notch technology. There is a wide variety of technologies available for you to access and boost your business. In addition, the price will probably be lower than if you buy them because their cost is shared by different clients.
- Fast deployment. No matter the geographical location of your business’s branches, the software can be deployed worldwide in just minutes. Your application or service can get the necessary infrastructure to be available globally. To be close to your potential clients around the world is possible.
- Scalability. To calculate the resources you will need in the future, provisioning resources in case of peak activity levels is not that crucial on the cloud. You can simply get and pay what you need today (bandwidth, storage, computing power, etc.), during peak activity moments, and so on. You can go up or down in demand for services.
- Security. Trustable cloud providers have policies, guarantees, advanced technology, and controls to strengthen your security, protect your data, applications, etc., from threats. A team of hundreds of IT specialists of the cloud provider can defend a lot better your server than your company’s IT team of a few people.
- Trustability. Cloud providers have a robust infrastructure and redundancy enough to offer you an efficient backup, disaster recovery, guarantees for their services, etc.
- More productivity. Cloud computing solves many of the daily tasks IT teams manage (maintenance of software, hardware, patching, updating, etc.). Your collaborators can invest this time in key projects and the development of your business.
Types of cloud computing.
Cloud computing services are generally divided into three categories. Infrastructure as a service (IaaS), platform as a service (PaaS), and software as a service (SaaS). Let’s check them out!
- Infrastructure as a service (IaaS). What it supplies you it’s the necessary IT infrastructure to run your business. Virtual or dedicated hardware (virtual machines or servers), operating systems, storage, networks, etc. it offers a high level of flexibility and control over the IT resources. You pay for every resource as long as you use it.
- Platform as a service (PaaS). These are the type of cloud computing services that provide you the environment you need for designing, creating, testing, managing, and delivering software applications. Developers don’t have to get servers, storage, databases, network, etc., required for their work.
- Software as a Service (SaaS). It offers you a vast menu of software applications delivered through the Internet, on-demand. SaaS providers host, maintain (update, upgrade, patch, fix errors, etc.), and manage the software for you. Clients only have to connect to the application they require through a common browser or application, no matter their location or device (computer, tablet, phone, etc.).
SaaS vs PaaS vs IaaS – What is the difference?
Conclusion
Cloud computing makes things easier for business owners like you. The money and time it saves you makes it a choice to be considered. Define clearly your business needs to choose the type of service that suits you better.