Cloud computing is significantly changing the way businesses view IT resources. Here are six key reasons why organizations are interested in cloud computing services:
Moving to the cloud allows companies to optimize their IT costs. Because, cloud computing; It eliminates capital expenses such as purchasing hardware and software, building and operating on-premises data centers (server racks, ongoing electricity for power and cooling, and IT professionals employed to manage the infrastructure). This provides immediate benefits.
With many cloud computing services being self-service and on-demand, even massive computing resources can be provisioned in minutes with just a few clicks, giving businesses greater flexibility and relief from the pressure of capacity planning.
Cloud computing services also offer the ability to scale flexibly. In terms of cloud concepts, this means delivering the right amount of IT resources (e.g., more or less computing power, storage, bandwidth) at the time they are needed and in the desired geographic location.
On-premises data centers often require a lot of “racking and stacking.” These include tuning hardware, patching software, and other time-consuming IT management tasks. Cloud computing eliminates the need for many of these tasks, freeing IT teams to use the time for more important business goals.
Most major cloud computing services operate in a network of secure data centers around the world. These data centers are regularly upgraded to the latest, fast and efficient computing hardware. This offers many advantages over a single enterprise data center, including lower network latency for applications and much more economical scaling.
Cloud computing makes data backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity easier and more affordable, thanks to the ability to mirror data across multiple redundant locations on the cloud provider's network.
Most cloud providers help you protect your data, applications, and infrastructure from potential threats by offering a variety of policies, technologies, and controls that strengthen your overall security posture.
Types of cloud computing
Not all clouds are the same, and there is no single type of cloud computing that works for everyone. Many different models, types and services have been developed that can help deliver the solution that suits your needs.
First you need to determine the type of cloud deployment or cloud computing architecture in which your cloud services will be implemented. Cloud services can be deployed in three different ways: in the public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud. Learn more about public, private and hybrid clouds.
Public cloud
Public clouds are owned and operated by third-party cloud service providers. These service providers offer computing resources such as servers and storage over the Internet. Microsoft Azure is an example of a public cloud. In the public cloud, all hardware, software, and other supporting infrastructure is owned and managed by the cloud provider. You must use a web browser to access these services and manage your account.
Private cloud
Private cloud means the use of cloud computing resources exclusively by a single business or institution. A private cloud can be physically located in a company's own data center. Some companies may work with a third-party service provider to host their private cloud. In private cloud, services and infrastructure are provided over a private network.
Hybrid cloud
Hybrid clouds combine public and private cloud by connecting them through a technology that allows data and application sharing between the two. Hybrid cloud allows data and applications to be moved between private and public clouds, giving your business greater flexibility, more deployment options, and helping you improve your existing infrastructure, security, and compliance.
Cloud service types: IaaS, PaaS, serverless and SaaS
Most cloud computing services fall into one of four categories: infrastructure as a service (IaaS), platform as a service (PaaS), serverless, and software as a service (SaaS). These are sometimes referred to as cloud computing "stacks". This is because they form a structure by adding on top of each other. Knowing what these are and how they differ from each other makes it easier to achieve your business goals.
IaaS
It is the most basic category of cloud computing services. With infrastructure as a service (IaaS), you can rent IT infrastructure (servers and virtual machines (VMs), storage, networking, operating systems) from a cloud provider on a pay-as-you-go basis.
PaaS
Platform as a service (PaaS) is defined as cloud computing services that provide an on-demand environment to develop, test, deliver and manage software applications. PaaS is designed to make it easier for developers to quickly build web or mobile applications without worrying about setting up or managing the underlying infrastructure of servers, storage, networking, and databases required for development.
SaaS
Software as a service (SaaS) is a method of distributing software applications over the Internet on-demand, usually through a subscription. With SaaS, cloud providers host and manage software applications and underlying infrastructure, as well as handle maintenance such as software upgrades and security patching. Users connect to the application over the Internet, usually with a web browser on their phone, tablet or computer.
Serverless computing
Serverless computing, which overlaps with PaaS, focuses on developing application functionality and building the infrastructure needed to do so, without spending time constantly managing servers. The cloud provider takes care of the installation, capacity planning and server management for you. Serverless architectures are highly scalable and event-driven, using resources only when a specific function or trigger occurs.
Usage areas of cloud computing
You're probably using cloud computing, even if you don't realize it right now. If you use an online service to send emails, edit documents, watch movies or TV, listen to music, play games, or store pictures or other files, the infrastructure for all of this is likely powered by cloud computing. Many organizations, from small-scale businesses to global institutions, government agencies and non-governmental organizations, have adopted cloud computing technology for different purposes.
Here are examples of what you can do with the cloud services offered by the cloud provider:
Building cloud-native apps
Quickly build, deploy, and scale applications, including web, mobile, and API. Leverage cloud-native[RM1] technologies and approaches such as containers, Kubernetes, microservices architecture, API-enabled communications, and DevOps.
Storage, backup and recovery of data
Protect your data more cost-effectively and at scale by transferring it over the internet to a cloud storage system accessible from any location and device.
Stream audio and video
Connect with your audience anytime, anywhere, on any device, with high-definition video and audio delivered globally.
Distribute optional software
On-demand software, also known as software as a service (SaaS), allows you to offer customers the latest software versions and updates whenever and wherever they need them.
App testing and building
Reduce application development cost and time by using cloud infrastructures that can be easily scaled up or down.
Analyze data
Unify your data across teams, departments and locations in the cloud. Then use cloud services like machine learning and artificial intelligence to uncover insights for more informed decisions.
Add intelligence
Use intelligent models to help engage customers and provide valuable insights from captured data.
Choosing a cloud provider
