Mostly everyone has heard of the cloud. It has become part of the information technology jargon and is rather common. But what is it? Cloud computing solutions, in the simplest of terms, cloud computing services entail companies providing various information technology duties across an Internet connection.
This could include but is not limited to the following:
- Networking
- Analytics
- Intelligence
- Storage
- Servers
- Backups
- Databases
There are three variations to deploying cloud-based services:
- Public Cloud
- Private Cloud
- Hybrid Cloud
The Public Cloud
These are computing resources operated by a third-party cloud computing solutions provider which provides servers and storage over an Internet connection. All hardware, software, and infrastructure are owned and managed by the cloud provider. Managing these services and connecting to your account occurs through a web browser over an Internet connection.
The Private Cloud
This is an exclusive cloud connection for a single business or company. It can be physically located on-site or at a remote site, accessed over the Internet. Private cloud hosting Toronto can host the services and infrastructure on a private network and is only accessible to by approved users. In some circumstances, the private cloud providers Toronto are hired as a third-party service providers to manage the private cloud.
Hybrid Cloud
As the name indicates, this is a mix of private and public clouds. It utilizes technology that allows data and applications to be shared between both types of clouds. This offers your business more flexibility, as well as, deployment options, and helps to optimize the following:
- Security
- Compliance
- Infrastructure
Benefits
While this is a shift in traditional information technology layouts, the benefits are enormous. Listed below are some of the biggest benefits:
- Cost
- Speed
- Scalability
- Productivity
- Performance
- Reliability
- Security
Cost
Eliminating cost is one of the biggest benefits of cloud computing solutions. How does it save money? Easy. It eliminates the expense of buying hardware and software and managing on-site datacenter which includes:
- Servers
- Data Switches
- Backup Systems
- Storage Space
- Power/Cooling
Speed
Cloud computing solutions offer flexible solutions, often provided in an on-demand setting. This allows computing resources to be allocated and provisioned within minutes with a few simple mouse clicks. This allows the addition of adding storage, server processing power, or backup schedules.
Scalability
This allows businesses to be altered depending upon the IT needs. This means resources can be added or taken away to meet the computing needs for power, storage and bandwidth. If more is needed, it can be added.
Productivity
On-site datacenters require a great deal of upkeep. There is a lot of work setting up hardware, configuring new technology, patching existing software and hardware components, as well as, other time-consuming tasks. With cloud computing solutions, all of that is taken care of by the service provider.
Performance
When operating in a cloud environment, the server load can be spread across many servers or a single one. The data centers are constantly being upgraded with the latest, most efficient computing hardware. This helps to keep you and your business operating on cutting-edge technology without the expense of having to constantly upgrade an in-house datacenter.
Reliability
Businesses can rest assured with cloud computing solutions providers that disaster recovery, data backups, and mirrored data solutions can ensure that your business is online 24/7, providing redundancy at all levels.
Security
Implementing various security technologies, policies, and controls that help to strengthen the level of security for your cloud enterprise.
Types of Cloud Services
Typically, cloud computing services fall into four categories:
- Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
- Platform as a Service (PaaS)
- Serverless Computing
- Software as a service (Saas)
Infrastructure as a Service
This is a basic category of cloud computing services. Leasing or renting infrastructure falls into this category. This includes the following:
- Storage
- Servers
- Virtual Machines
- Storage
- Networks
- Operating Systems
Platform as a Service
This is part of the on-demand environments which help developers to create applications without needing to set up the infrastructure needed to test, deliver and manage software.
Serverless Computing
This overlaps with the PaaS aspect providing functionality without the need for servers or the infrastructure necessary to do so. This means setup, capacity planning, and server management are all handled for you. This provides highly scalable solutions which are event-driven. This means that resources are only utilized when a specific event or trigger happens.
Software as a Service
This is a method of delivering software programs across the Internet. This is usually organized in an on-demand setting and is usually part of a subscription. Cloud computing solutions providers host and manage the infrastructure and handle the maintenance of the computer technology. Users can connect to the applications over the Internet via web browser, phone, tablet, or PC.
Cloud Computing Uses
Most people utilize cloud computing solutions and likely don’t realize it. Any online service whether it be to send an email, watch movies via streaming services, TV, playing games, likely uses cloud computing to make it all possible. It touches all aspects of our lives, whether it be during our work day or at home during our leisure time.
Cloud computing is still in its infancy, less than a decade old. However, it has taken the information technology world by storm, infiltrating industries of all kinds. If you have questions about upgrading your cloud-based system, reach out to Pathway Communications. We can provide any and all cloud computing services your business needs. Reach out to Pathway Communications today.