The Future of Business is Cloud Computing.
Cloud computing has existed in some form or another since the early 2000s, but the goal remains the same.
The cloud service intends to minimise costs and eliminate inconvenient IT issues in your business systems.
Cloud computing allows businesses to be more secure, cost-effective, and agile.
Join I-WebLogic as we delve into the basics of cloud computing.
Fundamentals of Cloud Computing
Cloud computing refers to the provision of various services through the Internet.
These resources include:
- data storage
- servers
- databases
- networking
- software
Did you know that your Google or Microsoft Drives are a type of cloud computing service?
They’re called cloud storage, and they act as a virtual storage centre!
Cloud computing integrates the hard labour of crunching and processing data from your devices into the cloud infrastructure.
Users only need a computer, an operating system, and an internet connection to use cloud services to access their data, work or apps from anywhere in the world.
How convenient is that!
Understanding How Cloud Computing Services Work
Cloud providers remove the need for local storage devices by designing a cloud infrastructure.
Cloud Infrastructure VS Cloud Architecture
So, what is the cloud infrastructure? They’re definitely not the ones you see in the sky!
Cloud services begin with cloud infrastructure, designed by cloud architects to ensure all hardware is integrated correctly.
A cloud infrastructure typically consists of hardware, virtualisation, storage and network.
By separating resources from hardware, cloud service providers can pool these resources into a “cloud.” This process is known as virtualisation.
Here are some computing capabilities that cloud providers extract from hardware:
- Central processing units provide processing power (CPUs).
- Random-access memory (RAM) chips provide active memory.
- Graphics processing units (GPUs) provide graphics computing power.
- Datacenters or hard drives provide data storage.
Let’s consider the cloud infrastructure as the tools needed to build the cloud; then, the blueprint would be the cloud architecture.
Cloud architecture seamlessly connects these tools to act as a functioning cloud.
Now that we know what the cloud is let’s check out what are the available cloud services!
Types of Cloud Computing
Indeed, not all cloud services would work for everyone. Businesses have different needs!
Cloud providers will first need to know your requirements before proposing the right cloud service.
Learn how to identify the right cloud service by reading below!
Cloud Deployment Models
Every cloud needs a deployment model, which determines which network it will be hosted on.
The types of deployment models are:
Public Cloud
Public cloud services are run by third-party cloud service providers, such as Microsoft Azure, for example.
The cloud provider owns and manages all hardware, software, and other supporting infrastructure in a public cloud.
Public cloud users only need an account to access their choice of a public cloud service provider.
Private Cloud
How does private cloud differ from the public cloud then?
Usually reserved for sole businesses, these resources are hosted on a private network to ensure security.
Private cloud services can be maintained either by third-party service providers remotely or can be located on-site in the company’s data centre.
That’s not all!
Hybrid Cloud
Hybrid clouds combine public and private clouds, bound together by technology that allows data and applications to be shared between them.
By allowing data and applications to move between private and public clouds, a hybrid cloud gives your business greater flexibility and helps optimise your existing infrastructure, security, and compliance.
Types of Cloud Services
Infrastructure as a service (IaaS)
IaaS is the most cloud computing service.
IaaS allows you to rent IT infrastructure from a cloud provider on a pay-as-you-go basis, including:
- servers
- virtual machines (VMs)
- storage
- networks,
- operating systems
Platform as a service (PaaS)
Platform as a service (PaaS) is a cloud service that provides development, testing, delivery, and environment management for software apps.
PaaS was created to make it easier for developers to construct web or mobile apps swiftly without having to worry about the underlying infrastructure of servers, storage, network, and databases.
Serverless computing
Serverless computing, which overlaps with PaaS, focuses on developing app functionality.
Setup, capacity planning, and server management are all handled by the cloud provider.
Serverless architectures are scalable and event-driven, meaning they only use resources when a specified function or trigger occurs.
Software as a service (SaaS)
Software as a service (SaaS) is the distribution of software programmes usually by subscription.
SaaS allows cloud providers to host and manage software applications, as well as handle maintenance such as software upgrades and security patches.
Users can access the app through a web browser on their phone, tablet, or computer.
Overview of Cloud Functionality
Although the popularity of cloud computing services are still on the rise, a wide range of organizations—from small businesses to multinational corporations are already adopting the technology for a number of reasons.
Here’s why:
Benefits of Cloud Computing Services
Cost Saving
Cloud computing helps businesses reduce IT costs by offering pay-as-you-go options.
Since maintaining cloud infrastructure can eat into a company’s expenses, most businesses opt for cloud services.
Automated Backup System
Most cloud providers offer automated backup services too!
Companies can avoid suffering huge losses by backing up their data into cloud-based storage.
Cloud providers store the company’s data in cloud servers, allowing access in the event of a system failure, outage, or natural disaster.
Improved Mobility
When it comes to cloud services, forget about being confined behind a desk.
Users can access apps, data, and files from any device and location, as long as they have a reliable internet connection.
Data transfer between devices is also eased with the cloud!
Since the beginning of the pandemic, cloud computing has become highly sought after to ensure companies can operate by working from home.
Cloud computing is already proven to be beneficial to a wide range of industries, providing a seamless work transition during the pandemic.
Upgrade Your Business Today!
Cloud computing services aren’t the only way to streamline your IT systems.
i-Weblogic specialises in providing effective business solutions for various needs.
Take your business systems to another level with i-Weblogic.
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