The basics.
As businesses expand, they begin to experience some really difficult and expensive information technology (IT) challenges. Maintaining hardware and software installations can be a hassle with traditional business computing systems. Cloud technologies and services present a smart and easy-to-use solution. It is also cheaper than traditional systems and increases the productivity and workflow of the company.
Cloud computing, by definition, is a technology that uses the Internet and centralized servers in remote data centers to store and maintain data and applications. Therefore, cloud technology makes computing more efficient by centralizing data storage, processing, and bandwidth.
Cloud services and products also allow users to make use of applications and software without installing the application on their personal computers or mobile devices. Users can access their personal files and documents using any computer or device with Internet access. The costs in effort and money spent on maintaining an in-house IT infrastructure are gradually being replaced with a cloud-based infrastructure. While cloud-based services are perfect for large companies, they have also proven to be ideal for small and medium-sized businesses.
Private cloud or public cloud
Software as a Service (SaaS): Examples of SaaS include SalesForce, Microsoft Office 365, Dropbox, Gmail, etc. With these services, just log in with your credentials and get full access to the app and your previously stored information. With SaaS services, you can access your information anytime, anywhere, as long as you have Internet access.
Private Cloud: The term “cloud computing” or “the cloud” also includes the use of outsourced hosting environments for remote storage of data and files. There are mainly two cloud hosting scenarios to consider. These are shared virtual servers or dedicated private cloud servers. A private cloud consists of servers that are dedicated to your business and data. Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services are the largest providers of cloud hosting solutions.
Why should you use the cloud?
Saving money: Cloud computing saves you a substantial amount of money, the cost of cloud computing is much more flexible than traditional methods. If it is necessary to pay for any services, you should only pay for the services that you are using.
Disaster recovery: With cloud computing, it is very easy to recover any file, as long as they have a backup in the cloud. So if your physical devices malfunction, are lost or stolen, your data is still safe and can be easily recovered.
Work anywhere: Cloud computing allows you to access your files from anywhere as long as you are connected to the Internet. Many cloud services also offer mobile apps so you can access your files no matter what device you’re using.
Reduce hardware: The use of cloud computing reduces the amount of hardware used and the size of data centers. Some organizations eliminate physical data storage altogether by running their business entirely in the cloud.
Improved collaboration: Cloud computing improves collaboration by allowing groups to meet virtually. You can view and edit shared documents and materials with controlled access. This capability reduces time to market and increases product development and customer service.
