The Benefits of Hosted Cloud Services

Cloud computing has revolutionised the way businesses operate, providing scalable, cost-effective, and secure alternatives to traditional on-premises IT infrastructure. Hosted cloud services play a crucial role in this transformation, enabling organisations to access computing power, software, and storage over the internet without the need to manage physical infrastructure.

By outsourcing IT resources to a trusted provider, businesses can reduce costs, enhance security, and improve operational efficiency. In this article, we’ll explore the different types of cloud computing, examples of hosted cloud services, the advantages they offer, and how businesses can choose between public and private cloud solutions.

Types of Cloud Computing

Cloud computing can be broadly categorised into four key service models:

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)

IaaS provides businesses with virtualised computing resources such as servers, storage, and networking on a pay-as-you-go basis. This eliminates the need for on-premises hardware while allowing for rapid scalability.

Example: Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Google Cloud provide virtual servers and storage that businesses can configure based on their needs.

Platform as a Service (PaaS)

PaaS offers a complete development environment, including operating systems, databases, and development tools, so businesses can build, test, and deploy applications without managing underlying infrastructure.

Example: Microsoft Azure App Services and Google App Engine enable developers to create and host web applications without worrying about server management.

Software as a Service (SaaS)

SaaS delivers software applications over the internet, removing the need for local installation. Businesses benefit from automatic updates, security patches, and accessibility across devices.

Example: Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and Salesforce provide productivity and business applications that are accessed through a browser.

Serverless Computing

Serverless computing (also known as Function as a Service – FaaS) allows businesses to run code in response to events without provisioning or managing servers. It scales automatically based on demand.

Example: AWS Lambda and Azure Functions enable developers to run functions that execute only when triggered, reducing infrastructure costs.

What Are Examples of Hosted Cloud Services?

Hosted cloud services encompass a wide range of solutions, all managed by a third-party provider. Examples include:

• Web Hosting – Websites are hosted on a provider’s servers, removing the need for businesses to maintain their own infrastructure.
• Hosted Email Services – Solutions such as Microsoft Exchange Online and Google Workspace offer cloud-hosted email management, eliminating the need for on-premises mail servers.
• Hosted Backup and Disaster Recovery – Cloud backup providers ensure critical business data is automatically backed up and can be restored in case of hardware failure or cyber incidents.
• Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) – Hosted virtual desktops allow employees to access their work environment securely from any device, supporting remote and hybrid work.
• Managed Security Services – Providers offer hosted firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and endpoint protection to safeguard businesses from cyber threats.

These hosted services allow businesses to benefit from enterprise-grade IT solutions without the need for in-house expertise or expensive infrastructure investments.

Business Benefits of Hosted Cloud Services

Adopting hosted cloud services can drive efficiency, security, and cost savings for businesses:

1. Cost Efficiency

• Eliminates the need for upfront investment in hardware and software.
• Reduces IT maintenance costs, as updates and security patches are handled by the provider.
• Operates on a predictable subscription or pay-as-you-go model, reducing financial risk.

2. Scalability and Flexibility

• Businesses can increase or decrease computing resources as needed.
• Supports business expansion without major infrastructure upgrades.
• Ideal for companies experiencing seasonal demand fluctuations.

3. Enhanced Security and Compliance

• Hosted services include enterprise-grade security measures such as encryption, firewalls, and multi-factor authentication.
• Providers adhere to industry-specific compliance standards (ISO 27001, GDPR, Cyber Essentials).
• Cloud-based backup solutions enhance disaster recovery and business continuity.

4. Remote Accessibility and Collaboration

• Employees can access applications and data from anywhere with an internet connection.
• Supports remote and hybrid working models with secure access to company resources.
• Facilitates seamless collaboration through cloud-based file sharing (e.g., SharePoint, OneDrive).

5. Reduced IT Management Burden

• Hosted solutions remove the need for in-house IT teams to manage infrastructure.
• Providers ensure continuous monitoring, maintenance, and support.
• Businesses can focus on core operations rather than IT troubleshooting.

Public Or Private Cloud: Which Is Right for Your Business?

When adopting hosted cloud services, businesses must choose between public and private cloud solutions, each offering distinct advantages:

Public Cloud

Public cloud services are hosted by third-party providers such as Microsoft Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud. These platforms provide shared computing resources on a multi-tenant infrastructure.

Advantages:

• Cost-effective: No need to purchase or maintain hardware.
• Highly scalable: Ideal for businesses with fluctuating demands.
• Global accessibility: Resources can be accessed from anywhere.

Considerations:

• Data is stored on shared infrastructure, which may raise security concerns for industries with strict compliance requirements.
• Limited customisation compared to private cloud solutions.

Private Cloud

Private cloud solutions are dedicated to a single organisation, offering greater control and security. These can be hosted on-premises or managed by a private cloud provider like Akita.

Advantages:

• Enhanced security: No shared infrastructure, reducing risk of unauthorised access.
• Customisable: Tailored to meet industry-specific requirements.
• Better performance: Dedicated resources ensure optimal speed and reliability.

Considerations:

• Higher costs than public cloud due to dedicated infrastructure.
• Requires IT expertise for configuration and management (unless outsourced).

Cloud Hosting: Secure, Scalable, and Reliable

Hosted cloud services provide businesses with cost-effective, secure, and scalable IT solutions that enhance efficiency and reduce operational burdens. Whether leveraging public cloud solutions for flexibility or private cloud infrastructure for enhanced security, businesses can benefit from outsourcing IT services to a trusted provider.

At Akita, we help organisations navigate their cloud journey by offering tailored hosted cloud solutions to meet their unique needs.

Get in touch today to discover how our private cloud hosting can support your business: