A brief introduction to cloud computing

We’ve all heard about the elusive “cloud,” but what is it, really? If you still aren’t sure what cloud computing is, don’t worry—it’s not too late to ask.

Cloud computing refers to the sharing and storing of resources through the internet rather than physical hardware and servers. Often characterized as a more modern and updated form of digital services, cloud computing allows access to any file or resource with an internet connection. It’s a simple as that. Well, sort of…

Types of cloud computing

Despite the increasingly more common expression, “The Cloud,” there is not one collective cloud that everyone uses, though that would be pretty cool. There are dozens of different types of cloud computing, but there are two main categories that make up the cloud. These are deployment models and service categories.

Let’s dig a little deeper into them, shall we?

Deployment models

There are three main cloud deployment models: public, private and hybrid. Public cloud computing uses a third-party cloud service provider, allowing a business to outsource cloud maintenance. Private clouds, on the other hand, are owned and operated by an individual business, allowing for optimal privacy and security. And, finally, hybrid clouds are a combination of the two. After all, two can be better than one.

Cloud service categories

There are three service categories within cloud computing, each of them fitting different companies’ needs. They are:

• Software as a Service (SaaS)—SaaS can be accessed anywhere and from any device with an internet connection.
• Platform as a Service (PaaS)—PaaS allows a company to use a platform to create its own applications.
• Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)—With IaaS, a company rents servers and storage in the cloud. An on-demand third party can provide access to this type of cloud.

Why should we use the cloud?

Companies that embrace cloud computing have twice the revenue growth of companies that use more outdated systems. But how does the cloud help them achieve this growth?

Because employees can access data and software anywhere with an internet connection, it takes much less time and resources to complete tasks. Everyone in the company is connected through the cloud, fostering seamless collaboration.

Cloud computing can also be more cost-effective for most companies. Many cloud services operate on a pay-as-you-go model, so you only pay for the storage and servers you use. For example, if your shopping website suddenly receives a big burst of traffic, your cloud service provider will increase your storage with no danger of crashed servers. Cloud to the rescue!

Major moves: Unpacking cloud migration

Now, let’s say you decide to make the leap to cloud computing. First, you’ll jump into a transition process known as cloud migration. Simply put, it’s the moving of digital resources to the cloud.

As a business, it’s wise to decide what kind of outcomes you want to achieve by migrating to the cloud. You’ll also want to assess risks and security threats that may occur when transitioning. The good news: Enlisting the help of automation speeds up the process by between 30% and 50%.

Know before you go: Don’t expect to start cloud migration from scratch. Remember, the goal is to take existing applications and modify them to increase efficiency.

The flexible future of the office

During the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses that used cloud computing had a massive advantage over those that didn’t. In fact, that gap is widening even more as innovations like edge computing emerge. Use this unique opportunity to close the gap between cloud leaders and “laggards” and join a growing $565 billion industry. In a work-from-home world, the cloud is a necessity.

Read more about cloud computing here and find out how to successfully carry out cloud migration here.