Cloud computing is the provision of different services over the Internet. These resources include tools and applications such as data storage, servers, databases, networks and software.
Instead of saving files to a home hard drive or local storage device, cloud based storage allows them to be saved to a remote database. As long as an electronic device has access to the web, it has access to the data and the software programs to run it.
Cloud computing is a popular choice for individuals and businesses for a number of reasons, including cost savings, increased productivity, speed and efficiency, performance and security.
In a Nutshell
- The distribution of several services via the Internet is known as cloud computing.
- It is made up of three services: platform as a service, infrastructure as a service, and software as a service (SaaS) (PaaS).
- For people who need extra storage space and for companies searching for a reliable offsite data backup option, cloud storage has grown in popularity.
- Files can be kept in a distant database and quickly accessed with cloud storage.
- Both public and private services are available; the former are offered online for a fee, while the latter are housed on a network for particular clients.
- Cost savings, enhanced productivity, speed and efficiency, performance, and security are a few benefits of cloud computing.
- The cloud has drawbacks like security threats, natural catastrophes, internal problems, and power outages.
- Two factor authentication (2FA), the use of VPNs, security tokens, data encryption, and firewall services are all examples of cloud security methods.
Understanding Cloud Computing
Cloud computing is so named because the information accessed is located remotely in the cloud or in a virtual space. Companies that offer cloud services allow users to store files and applications on remote servers and then access all the data over the Internet. This means that the user does not need to be in a specific location to access it, allowing them to work remotely.
Cloud computing takes all the heavy lifting of processing data away from the device you carry or sit at to work. It also moves all that work to huge computer clusters in cyberspace. The Internet becomes the cloud, and voilà: your data, work and applications are available from any device you can connect to the Internet, anywhere in the world.
“Cloud computing is the next step in the evolution of the internet.”
Marc Benioff
Cloud computing can be either public or private. Public cloud services provide their services over the Internet for a fee. Private cloud services, on the other hand, only provide their services to a certain number of people. These services are a system of networks that provide hosted services. There is also a hybrid option, which combines elements of public and private services.
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Types of Cloud Services
Regardless of the type of service, cloud computing services provide users with a number of features including:
- Data storage, backup and recovery
- Application creation and testing
- Data analysis
- Audio and video streaming
- On demand software delivery
Cloud computing is still a relatively new service, but it is used by a diverse range of organizations, including large corporations, small businesses, non profits, government agencies, and even individual consumers.
Implementation Models
There are several types of clouds, each different from the other. Public clouds provide their services on servers and store their data on the Internet. They are managed by third party companies, which manage and control all hardware, software, and the overall infrastructure. Customers access services through accounts that can be accessed by virtually anyone.
Private clouds are reserved for a specific clientele, usually a company or organization. The company’s data services center may host the cloud computing service. Many private cloud computing services are delivered over a private network.
Hybrid clouds are, as the name suggests, a combination of public and private services. This type of model allows the user more flexibility and helps to optimize their infrastructure and security.New forms of cloud computing services include community cloud, big data cloud and multi cloud.
Types of Cloud Computing
Cloud computing is not a single piece of technology like a microchip or a cell phone. It is a system composed mainly of three services: software as a service (SaaS), infrastructure as a service (IaaS) and platform as a service (PaaS).
- Software as a Service (SaaS) involves licensing a software application to customers. Licenses are typically provided through a pay as you go or on demand model. This type of system can be found in Microsoft Office 365.
- Infrastructure as a service (IaaS) involves a method of providing everything from operating systems to servers to storage through IP based connectivity as part of an on demand service. Customers can avoid the need to purchase software or servers and instead acquire these resources in an outsourced, on demand service. Popular examples of IaaS include IBM Cloud and Microsoft Azure.
- Platform as a Service (PaaS) is considered the most complex of the three layers of cloud computing. PaaS shares some similarities with SaaS, the main difference being that instead of delivering software online, it is actually a platform for creating software that is delivered over the Internet. This model includes platforms such as Salesforce.com and Heroku.
Advantages of Cloud Computing
Cloud based software offers companies in all industries a number of advantages, such as the ability to use it from any device, either through a native application or a browser. Because of this, users can easily move their files and settings to other devices.
Cloud computing is much more than just accessing files on multiple devices. Thanks to cloud computing services, users can check their email on any computer and even store files using services such as Dropbox and Google Drive. Cloud computing services also make it possible for users to back up their music, files and photos, ensuring that those files are immediately available in the event of a hard drive crash.
It also offers large enterprises enormous cost saving potential. Before the cloud became a viable alternative, companies had to buy, build and maintain expensive information management technologies and infrastructure. Companies can trade costly server centers and IT departments for fast Internet connections, where employees interact with the cloud online to complete their tasks.
The cloud structure allows users to save storage space on their desktops or laptops. It also allows users to update software more quickly because software companies can deliver their products over the web rather than through more traditional, tangible methods involving disks or flash drives. For example, Adobe customers can access their Creative Cloud applications through a web based subscription. This allows users to easily download new versions and fixes to their programs.
Disadvantages of the Cloud
With all the speed, efficiency, and innovations that come with cloud computing, there are, of course, risks.
Security has always been a major concern in the cloud, especially when it comes to sensitive medical records and financial information. Even though regulations are making cloud computing services improve their security and compliance measures, the problem is still there. Encryption protects vital information, but if the encryption key is lost, the data is gone.
Servers maintained by cloud computing companies can also fall victim to natural disasters, internal failures and power outages. The geographic reach of cloud computing is twofold: An outage in California could paralyze users in New York, and a company in Texas could lose its data if something causes its Maine based provider to go down.As with any technology, there is a learning curve for both employees and managers. But with many people accessing and manipulating information through a single portal, unintentional errors can carry over to an entire system.
The Business World
Companies can employ cloud computing in different ways. Some users keep all applications and data in the cloud, while others use a hybrid model, keeping certain applications and data on private servers and others in the cloud.In terms of service provision, major players in enterprise computing include:
- Google Cloud
- Amazon Web Services (AWS)
- Microsoft Azure
- IBM Cloud
- Alibaba Cloud
Amazon Web Services is 100% public and includes an outsourced pay per use model. Once on the platform, additional applications and services can be contracted. Microsoft Azure allows customers to keep some data on premises. For its part, Alibaba Cloud is a subsidiary of Alibaba Group.
What is an Example of Cloud Computing?
Today there are several examples of cloud computing applications used by both businesses and individuals. One type of cloud service is audio or video streaming platforms, where multimedia files are stored remotely. Another would be data storage platforms such as Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive or Box.
What are the Main Types of Cloud Computing?
The main types of cloud computing services are infrastructure as a service (IaaS), platforms as a service (PaaS) and software as a service (SaaS).
- IaaS provides IT infrastructure to end users over the Internet and is commonly associated with serverless computing.
- PaaS serves both software and hardware to end users, who are typically software developers. PaaS allows the user to develop, run and manage their own applications without having to build and maintain infrastructure.
- SaaS is a software licensing model, which allows access to subscription based software using external servers without having to download and install them locally.
Is cloud Computing Secure?
Since software and data are stored remotely in the cloud, data and platform security is a major concern. Cloud security is the protection of digital assets and data stored in cloud based services. Measures to protect this data include two factor authorization (2FA), use of VPNs, security tokens, data encryption, and firewall services, among others
Wrap Up
For a variety of reasons, including cost savings, enhanced productivity, speed and efficiency, performance, and security, cloud computing is a popular alternative for both individuals and corporations. Numerous organizations, including big enterprises, small businesses, nonprofits, governmental institutions, and even individual consumers, use it.
Email, data storage, backup and recovery, application development and testing, data analysis, audio and video streaming, and on demand software delivery are just a few of the features that consumers can access through cloud computing services. While cloud computing has numerous benefits, it also carries some risks, including those related to power outages, natural disasters, internal malfunctions, and security issues.
Cloud security techniques like two factor authentication (2FA), VPN use, security tokens, data encryption, and firewall services should be used to secure data and digital assets.
FAQs
A type of computing known as “cloud computing” makes use of shared computing resources, including servers, storage, and applications, which are hosted remotely and accessed via the Internet.
The advantages and disadvantages of various cloud service types vary depending on the service being used. Generally speaking, cloud services include benefits including scalability, cost effectiveness, and flexibility. They may, however, also come with negatives like security concerns, a lack of management, and significant downtime.
The main types of cloud computing services are infrastructure as a service (IaaS), platforms as a service (PaaS) and software as a service (SaaS).
Since software and data are stored remotely in the cloud, data and platform security is a major concern. Cloud security is the protection of digital assets and data stored in cloud based services. Measures to protect this data include two factor authorization (2FA), use of VPNs, security tokens, data encryption, and firewall services, among others
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- RedHat – Types of cloud computing
- Microsoft – What Is SaaS?
- IBM – IBM Cloud Infrastructure as a Service
- Heroku – The Heroku Platform
- Salesforce – What Is PaaS (Platform as a Service)?
- Google – Google Drive, Easy and Secure Access to Your Content
- Dropbox – Smart Workspace
- Adobe – Creative Cloud
- Amazon – AWS Free Tier
- Alibaba Cloud – Alibaba Cloud
