Cloud computing is the provision of computing services that includes servers, storage, databases, networks, software, analytics, and intelligence over the Internet (“cloud “). These services accelerate innovation, increase resource availability and save cost through higher scalability. You usually only pay for cloud services, which can help you reduce maintenance costs and improve the maintenance and upgrade of infrastructure to suit your business needs.
The cloud is a powerful innovation tool in all configurations- private, public, and hybrid- and is a fundamental pillar in business transformation strategy. There are various key insights, risks, and challenges that organizations are facing as they implement and maintain cloud solutions.
Cloud computing is used by companies of all sizes and types as well as in industries.
Companies of all types, sizes, and industries use the cloud in a wide range of applications such as data backup, disaster recovery, email, virtual desktops, software development, and testing, big data analytics, and web applications targeting customers.
For example, healthcare companies use the cloud to develop more personalized treatments for their patients. Financial services companies use the cloud as the basis for their fraud detection and prevention systems. Game makers use the cloud to develop online games for millions of players worldwide.
Advantages include performance, reliability, productivity, cost, speed, global scale.
PERFORMANCE- the biggest cloud computing services run on a worldwide network of secure data centers giving fast and efficient computing hardware.
RELIABILITY- cloud computing makes data backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity easier and less expensive.
PRODUCTIVITY- cloud computing removes the need for many tasks, so teams can spend time on achieving more important business goals.
COST- eliminates the capital cost of buying hardware and software, setup, running, and round the clock power and cooling cost.
SPEED- just a few mouse clicks, giving businesses a lot of flexibility and taking the pressure off capacity planning.
GLOBAL SCALE- the ability to scale elastically in cloud speak, which means delivering the right amount of IT resources.
Cloud computing has three different types
Not all clouds are the same and any type of cloud computing may not be compatible with everyone. Many different models, types, and services have been developed to provide the right solution for your needs.
First, you need to identify the type of cloud expansion or cloud computing architecture on which cloud services will be implemented. There are three ways to implement cloud services: public cloud, private cloud, and hybrid cloud. Learn more about public, private and hybrid clouds.
Public cloud storage
Public clouds are owned and managed by third-party cloud service providers who provide their computing resources (servers and storage) over the Internet. An example of Microsoft Azure Public Cloud. In the public cloud, all hardware, software, and other supporting infrastructure are owned and operated by the cloud provider. You access these services and manage your account through a web browser.
Private cloud storage
Private cloud storage is a cloud computing resource that is used only by one company or organization. The private cloud can be physically housed in a corporate on-premises data center. Some companies pay third-party service providers to host their private cloud. A private cloud is one that operates services and infrastructure on a private network.
Hybrid cloud storage
Hybrid cloud storage is a combination of public and private clouds that are interconnected using technology that provides shared access to data and applications. Data and applications can be moved between private and public clouds. Therefore, the hybrid cloud improves business acumen, expands expansion options, and helps optimize existing infrastructure, security and compliance.
Cloud computing with a real-life example and usage
You are currently using cloud computing without your knowledge. If you use an online service to send an email, edit documents, watch movies or TV, listen to music, play games, or store photos and other files, cloud computing can provide it all. The first cloud computing services arrived just 10 years ago. However, a large number of companies – from small start-ups to global corporations, government agencies, and non-profit organizations– are already using the technology for a variety of reasons.
Here are some real-life examples that demonstrate the cloud service capabilities of usage of cloud service providers:
Application testing and building
Reduce application development costs and time with cloud infrastructure that can be easily scaled up or down.
Data analysis
Integrate your data into groups, sections, and locations in the cloud. Get action-packed insights to make better decisions using cloud services such as machine learning and artificial intelligence solutions.
Audio and video streaming
Connect with your audience any time of the day from anywhere in the world on any device with high-definition video and audio playback using the Global Distribution Function.
Implementation of diagnostic tools.
Use clever models to engage customers and draw insights from the data you collect.
Create your own cloud apps
Quickly build, run and scale web, API, and mobile apps. Influence policies such as cloud-centric technologies and containers, Kubernetes, MicroServices architecture, API-based communication, and DevOps. Also, watch the news.
Data storage, backup, and recovery
Protect your data at a lower cost and on a scale – move it to remote cloud storage over the Internet, accessible from anywhere and on any device.
The use of cloud computing has already been explored, with enterprise applications migrating to the public cloud and organizations becoming more cloud-native in their deployments. Cloud computing can easily be classified as one of the largest game-changers in computing history. It easily stores and access data and programs over the internet instead of your computer's hard drive.
A wide range of services is delivered on-demand to companies and customers over the internet. These services are designed to provide easy, affordable access to applications and resources, without the need for internal infrastructure or hardware.