Many
hosted services are offered over the web for a variety of business
needs. The general term used to refer to all of these is cloud
computing. Cloud computing allows online companies to use resources over
the internet rather than build and maintain their own in-house
infrastructures.
Cloud computing is a trendy term that can be
heard everywhere these days. Simply put, it refers to storing and
accessing information and applications over the web instead of getting
them all stored on the hard drive of your computer.
Storing or
running programs from your hard drive is called local storage. This
means that everything you need is physically there with you, making
access to data easy and fast, especially for the one computer and the
others connected to it through a local network. This was how many
industries functioned for a long time before the cloud came along.
The
“cloud” refers to the internet. This calls back to the times in office
presentations when the internet was represented by a puffy cloud that
accepts and gives information as it hovers above everything.
You
may be using cloud computing at some aspect of life without realising
it. This applies to online services that you use to send email, edit
your documents, stream films or TV shows, listen to music, play games
online, or store files and images. Cloud computinga makes all these
things possible behind it all.
The first services to use cloud
computing are a couple of decades old, rising fast so that a wide range
of organisations are already using the service. This includes startups
to big corporations as well as non-profits and government agencies.
Cloud computing at a glance
According
to a study by the IDC, 50% of information technology will transition to
the cloud within 5-10 years. Among the industries that rely heavily on
data are the financial sector, telecommunications, technology, health
care, government, advertising, retail, gaming, energy and data services.
Furthermore,
82% of companies have found significant savings in moving to the cloud.
60% of businesses already make use of cloud-based IT for operations.
82% of companies are also planning for a multi-cloud strategy.
These
stats show that cloud computing holds much promise as a rising industry
as well as a valuable resource for companies to take advantage of.
Cloud solutions for business
There
are three different types of cloud solutions that businesses can choose
from to find the best fit – private cloud, hybrid cloud and public
cloud. Each offer different features and benefits. But with each type,
the end result stays the same: cloud computing can be done wherever you
are, at any time.
Private cloud
Private
cloud works in industries with concerns for privacy, including medium
businesses and more established enterprises that need to meet standards
for security and compliance.
One example is IoT companies, such as
those who trace customers through their phones. Other examples include
health data companies, e-commerce sites that store credit card data,
industries with high intellectual property concerns, and companies that
emphasise data sovereignty.
Private cloud is managed by an in-house team of IT personnel or by a private host.
Private
cloud offers complete control and flexibility, enabling businesses to
manage their own dedicated resources within a third party datacentre.
Hybrid cloud
Hybrid
cloud is for companies that prefer the security offered by private
cloud. This type of cloud solution is best for workloads that are highly
dynamic and prone to changeability. This includes enterprises that can
be split into two spheres, sensitive and non-sensitive.
Hybrid
cloud also works best for businesses with seasonal data spikes, big data
processing, and those with workloads involving API compatibility and
requiring solid connection to a network. Hybrid cloud takes its name
from the fact that it is managed by both in-house and external
resources.
This mix of private and public clouds offer blending of
such services as Office 365 for email with other applications that
businesses don’t want to be made available in a shared environment.
Public cloud
Public
cloud is for industries that have a significant amount of data with no
major concerns for privacy. Companies that use this service opt for a
pay-as-you-go structure. This type of cloud solution is managed by third
party providers.
Industries that use public cloud include those
in development and testing, development platform, training servers,
one-off big data projects and websites with public information, product
descriptions and brochures.
Public cloud is perfect for services,
applications and storage that are made publicly available as well as
those that use shared resources that are managed by the cloud provider.
More benefits in the cloud
Now
that you know the different types of cloud solutions available, it’s
time to go over the benefits of moving to the cloud. As a growing trend,
cloud computing offers many. Here are five of them.
1. Time-saving, on-demand services
Cloud
computing features self-service delivery for different types of
workloads and needs. What makes it so attractive to businesses is that
any service can be available on-demand. This effectively removes the
need for companies to maintain in-house IT staff, especially for small
businesses, or manage physical computer resources.
Cloud hosting
allows users to get access to their files from any device, anywhere and
at any time. This means that files don’t get stored in just one
computer, enabling faster operations and availability. Storing in the
cloud also makes it safer for businesses to protect their files, with
faster backup options and recovery in cases of breaches or similar
scenarios.
According to TSG, 45% of companies that use private
cloud solution in their operations have enjoyed significant reduction of
the time it takes to install applications. This time-saving feature
enables companies to enjoy faster processes and improve productivity for
employees.
Cloud computing can make integration easier for you. A
lot of cloud computing applications include an Application Programming
Interface (API) where you can find apps that are compatible instead of
having to pay to have them customised for you so you can integrate them.
2. Flexibility
One
of the biggest benefits offered by cloud computing is its flexibility.
People on your team can access files and information that are relevant
to work anywhere and on any device. In a highly mobile world, this is
especially important.
Moreover, many companies now offer flexible
working arrangements, such as remote workers and telecommuting. With
cloud computing, employees can access work files even when they are not
in the office, making it easier for them to work wherever they are. For
small businesses, this also makes it easier for them to easily manage
their operations wherever they are.
Increased flexibility and
mobility enable businesses to let their employees use the devices they
are comfortable with. This can include tablets, laptops and smartphones,
helping employees improve their personal productivity.
With this
type of elasticity, companies are able to scale up as their computing
needs increase as well as scale down when they decrease. This saves them
from having to invest in infrastructure that may not be needed later on
in time.
3. Lower costs with pay per use
One
of the best immediate benefits of moving your business to the cloud is
that there is significant financial savings involved. Cloud computing
fully makes use of hardware. With virtualisation, the value of the
physical server is increased, giving businesses the opportunity to do
more with less.
Cloud computing enables businesses, especially
startups, to decrease the need for physical space, power usage, IT
resources and more. As a result, there is a lower need for installation,
maintenance, upgrades and costs for support and hardware. For SMBs,
this is a valuable way of saving resources so they can concentrate on
online growth.
Cloud-based resources are measured at granular
level, which means that users only pay for the workloads and resources
that they use. You also don’t need to buy software anymore or pay for
someone or a team to update or install the software, manage email or
file servers or run backups.
The benefit of cloud computing is
that all of the applications and services are taken over by the cloud
vendor, instead of you having to be responsible for any of it.
4. Improved collaboration
Productivity
is increased by cloud computing due to its accessibility. Since
everyone who needs access to files and data can get them wherever they
are, there is less need for employees to be in the same room. This is
especially relevant for workers or employees who need to travel a lot.
Teams
in different locations all over the globe can readily collaborate on
projects without needing to actually meet. Easy sharing and real time
updates on files are facilitated, and more things will get done with web
conferencing for meetings.
Cloud computing lets small businesses
grow quickly online. It’s faster, easier and more convenient to sign up
for a cloud-based app than to purchase a server, run it, and install
software on it. Expansion is cheaper as there is no need to invest in
hardware and software for the startup.
Cloud-based applications
can also be accessed on common web browsers at any time. This means that
users across the company can adopt to the applications without the need
for intensive training. This is especially valuable for businesses with
employees in different locations.
5. Enhanced security with instant updates
There is increased security for companies as software is automatically updated, bugs are fixed and content is remotely stored.
Those
who have doubts on what the cloud has to offer are concerned about the
safety of data outside the company’s internal firewall. The truth is,
due to the robust security standards established by ISO, safety is
increased when cloud solutions are used. Moreover, cloud providers are
strictly required to follow the rules.
As a result, risks are
reduced when it comes to loss of laptops containing confidential
information as well as the threats of hackers. You can also remotely
wipe sensitive data from lost laptops and gadgets so nobody else can
access them.
When it comes to ensuring security with the cloud
service you choose, you need to know first where your data is stored.
Firewalls, detection and prevention tools as well as data encryption can
help prevent intruders from getting at your information. However, you
still need to know where your data goes when you stop with the service
or in cases where the cloud provider closes down. Dedicated hardware is
what cloud computing providers need to pass the highest security
guidelines.
Data backup is recommended to make sure that you can
increase your control over your data. Ensure that the data centre you’re
using takes security seriously. Find out what security measures are in
place in the server and data centre where your data is stored.
Managed
services are also a valuable option in making your data and apps
stronger. This includes managed antivirus, firewalls and detection
tools. High quality cloud providers offer these to allow for better
security.
On top of it all, updates, including on security, are automated.
Cloud
service providers can regularly update offers, giving customers the
most up to date technology possible. This can include software, servers
and computer processing power. Customers can avoid wasting their time
maintaining systems and updating them once new features roll out.
Suppliers take care of those themselves, out of sight.
As a result, businesses can focus on growing their business while enjoying the best that the latest technology has to offer.
To round up, the top benefits you get from cloud computing include:
– Saving time resources with services that you can enjoy on-demand
– Flexibility and mobility of access
– More affordable services with pay per use
– Better collaboration within teams, especially for overseas or traveling employees
– Heightened security measures in place plus automated updates