Cloud computing is the provision of resources and services via the internet. The cloud is quicker, more flexible and doesn’t take up physical space on your hard drive.
Types of cloud computing
Cloud computing can be used in different forms that include public, private and hybrid.
Public clouds belong to third parties that offer cloud services to you, like storage and servers. A private cloud is one that is owned by your business and operated internally, so it will be located in your own data centre. Hybrid clouds, as the name suggests, are a mixture of both, offering businesses more flexible options.
The cloud can offer businesses infrastructure (IaaS), platforms (PaaS), servers and software (SaaS). When it comes to infrastructure, the cloud offers operating systems, networks, storage and servers usually on a pay as you go plan.
Platform services are typically used by developers who need an environment that’s on-demand to test software. PaaS can offer serverless computing as well as software.
In terms of SaaS, data will be hosted and handled on infrastructure owned by those who provide the cloud to you. From the setup to the capacity planning and management, everything will be taken care of. Software services involve offering you apps and software online to an audience on-demand. This is often a subscription service with flexibility around the amount of resources your organisation requires. The cloud provider you also choose will take care of updates and security for you.
Business benefits of cloud computing
When it comes to the benefits of cloud computing, being able to manage resources and access software over the internet (and therefore from any location) makes cloud computing a cost-effective and flexible business solution.
New software can be updated and upgraded quickly and automatically without needing to facilitate a mass implementation which otherwise takes time out of users’ days and means downtime for your business.
Plus, cloud-based services can easily be scaled to accommodate the needs of a business as it grows, with many SaaS providers offering customers options to quickly increase or decrease their requirements.
Because cloud software can be accessed remotely, it’s also ideal for flexible working, meaning that staff can work anywhere. Cloud solutions can also facilitate more collaborative working, permitting simultaneous working on files.
And it is more convenient in terms of protecting business data. Robust security measures such as regularly updated firewalls, intrusion detection and virus prevention can all be implemented within the cloud to cover all computers.
And with data, systems and resources within the cloud, it’s easy to ensure regular synchronised backups without the space, time and financial constraints associated with managing physical property.
In all, cloud technologies represent a flexible and often cheaper IT solution that organisations of all sizes can benefit from.
Akita provides a wide variety of cloud solutions for organisations. Find out more by viewing our Services:
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