Posted by Data Stems ● Feb 16, 2021 11:30:00 AM

What Is Cloud Computing: Everything You Need To Know

Cloud computing is a method to store and save data on the internet. Later on, stored data can be easily accessed from a laptop, computer, tablet, and mobile anytime from anywhere. Cloud computing has become the dominant environment for numerous new and existing applications, enhancing the flexibility of components, tools, and infrastructures for the agile progress of services. 

Attentive technician using laptop in server room

Cloud storage can be public or private. In public cloud storage, the providers store the data in their data center, and they are responsible for all the maintenance and management. This type of cloud service appeals to several businesses because it minimizes the processing time in testing and installing new products. However, private cloud storage, also referred to as the enterprise cloud, stores data on its hosted data center, where all the data is securely stored behind a firewall. This is an excellent option for enterprises that need strong security, guaranteed resource availability, flexibility, and regulatory compliance. On the other hand, in a private cloud environment, the company is responsible for all the maintenance and management.

Types Of Cloud Computing:

  • Infrastructure as a service (IaaS)
Infrastructure as a service (IaaS) is a fundamental building block that offers virtual or physical servers for storage and determines the services based on pay-per-use. This is a perfect option for companies that want to build and control every application's element. However, the firms must have all the technical knowledge and expertise to orchestrate services at such a level. The prime goal of IaaS is to allow companies to concentrate on essential business activities instead of computing resources and IT infrastructure.

  • Platform as a service (PaaS)

Platform as a service (PaaS) offers on-demand tools and workflows to increase the development, testing, and implementation of applications. PaaS targets IT architects and developers specifically who can employ shared tools to create scalable applications without being concerned about managing or setting up the underlying infrastructure of storage, server, databases, and networks needed for development. The significant benefit PaaS provides is time savings as all the back-end processes can be automated. Moreover, heavy security, high-tech data centers, and tools are provided by PaaS providers. 

  • Software as a service (SaaS)

Software as a service (SaaS) is an internet-based type of cloud computing that provides software applications that can be retrieved through a web browser. A remote cloud environment is used to store these software applications, and users have to pay to use these services for a specific period of time. The great advantage of SaaS is time-saving as all the applications are already configured, installed, and ready to use. Maintenance costs are also less because a SaaS provider owns the environment, and costs are distributed among all users. Furthermore, SaaS providers upgrade software and hardware updates at their end, removing this responsibility and workload from users.

Why Is Cloud Computing Important For Businesses?

Image of businessman in black suit against dark background

The fanciest technological invention of the 21st century is perhaps cloud computing. Not only this trendy application is used by people to store their videos and photos online, but it is also changing the way how businesses operate. Cloud computing offers tremendous benefits to businesses, including flexibility, efficiency, security, and strategic value. 

Effective and efficient business scaling is of crucial importance nowadays. Companies that are capable of scaling up and down rapidly can guarantee a competitive benefit in the market. That’s why cloud computing is an excellent method for businesses with unstable workloads since infrastructure scales depend on the business' requirements.

Businesses can also gain a strategic edge using cloud computing, such as increased productivity since the providers manage underlying infrastructures, allowing employers to save their energy for complex tasks. 

Examples Of Cloud Computing:

  • Adobe Creative Cloud

It offers multiple services and applications that subscribers can use for video editing, graphic designing, photography, web designing, and many more.

  • Zoom

Zoom is the most common cloud-based software for video and audio conferencing. It records meetings and stores them over the cloud so users can access them anytime via the internet.

  • Slack

It is a collaboration tool for companies. Slack allows group messages, video chatting, and pdf sharing, and a team can discuss any project or topic to ensure that the whole team is on the same page.

  • Dropbox

Dropbox allows users to store up to one Terabyte of data and access it through any device.

  • SlideRocket

SlideRocket is the most appealing cloud-based application to students as it allows them to create, submit and present their presentations.

Close up of hand with laptop and media icons-1

Considering the umpteen benefits of cloud computing, a final verdict can be made that it is becoming the new normal. The adaptability of cloud computing  to devices like mobile and laptops has increased its use. Cloud computing is serving to confront future problems, for instance, cyber security, managing big data, and quality control. It has helped businesses in multiple jurisdictions to provide their services and products in a better way than before. Moreover, emerging technologies like distrusted ledger technology, artificial intelligence, etc., are becoming accessible as services via cloud computing. 

Topics: digital transformation, software, Cloud Computing