The term “cloud computing” is everywhere in this digital age, but what does it truly stand for? If you are one of the few naïve about the subject, do not worry; you are not alone. Cloud computing is changing the way we do work, save data, and offer resources. Your understanding of cloud computing is the first step toward its maximum benefit.
Cloud computing denotes, in simple terms, the use of the Internet or “the cloud” for the delivery of computing services, including but not limited to servers, storage, databases, networking, software, and so forth. The users need not buy and maintain physical hardware but pay for the services they need and use-very much like pay-as-you-go.
That would be a fair analogy, as it is renting power from a power company versus owning a power generator.
How Does Cloud Computing Work?
In essence, cloud computing functions via a network of data centers placed all over the world. Data centers are buildings where hardware and software are hosts and managed for the use of clients over an internet connection. Clients would log in to their accounts to have a hassle-free experience working with applications and data while not bothering with any underlying technology infrastructure.
Types of Cloud Computing Services
a. IaaS: The outsourcing of infrastructure; basically an infrastructure service. For instance: Amazon Web Services.
b. PaaS: Anything that gives a customer a platform to build, test and deploy their applications, say Google Cloud Platform.
c. SaaS: Cloud-hosted software which is accessed through a web browser. For example: Microsoft 365.
Types of Cloud Deployment Models
1. Public clouds: Services which are shared by many customers and operated by a third-party vendor.
2. Private Clouds: The cloud that is owned and operated solely for one corporate entity to have better control and privacy.
3. Hybrid Clouds: A hybrid solution allows greater flexibility and scalability to the system by combining public and private clouds.
Advantages of Cloud Computing
• It Is Cost-Effective: Pay for what you use instead of unwanted and pricey hardware.
• Being Scalable: Increases or decreases resources according to demand.
• Very Accessible: Any data and applications can be accessed with an internet connection.
• Very Reliable: Most providers use redundancy for data security and availability.
• Environment-Friendly-Achieves resource efficiency thereby lowering carbon footprint.
Some Frequent Cloud Computing Applications
1. Data Storage and Backup: Google Drive or Dropbox would be for file storage and backup.
2. Collaborative Work: Microsoft Teams, Slack, etc. useful for teamwork.
3. Web Hosting: For Websites and Applications.