Cloud Computing Explained

Cloud Computing is the use of hardware and software to deliver a service over a network (typically the Internet). With cloud computing, users can access files and use applications from any device that can access the Internet. An example of a Cloud Computing provider is Google’s Gmail.

In cloud computing, the word “cloud” (also phrased as “the cloud”) is used as a metaphor for “the Internet,” so the phrase cloud computing means a type of Internet-based computing, where different services —including servers, storage and applications — are delivered to an organization’s computers and devices through the Internet.

Cloud computing is an on-demand service that has obtained mass appeal in corporate data centers. The cloud enables the data center to operate like the Internet and computing resources to be accessed and shared as virtual resources in a secure and scalable manner. Like most technologies, trends start in the enterprise and shift to adoption by small business owners.

Types of Cloud Computing:

Cloud Computing Basics Concepts:

IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service) – A computer infrastructure, typically presented in the form of virtualization. Is a service within the concept of cloud hosting.
PaaS (Platform as a Service) – An integrated platform for the development, deployment, testing and support of web-applications. Presented as a service on the basis of the concept of cloud hosting.
SaaS (Software as a service) – Is the business model of software license, which involves the development and support of the software vendor. Customers also have the opportunity of paid use of it, usually through the Internet.
DaaS (Desktop as a Service) – Another business model license the software, which is a slightly improved model of SaaS, mostly involving the use of multiple services at the same time necessary to complete the work. Was first introduced in the early 2000s.

In addition to the above within the concept of cloud hosting technology, there are also common notion Data as a service and Everything as a service respectively. Both concepts show that, through the World Wide Web using Cloud Hosting, can meet any requirements in the processing of information. This is the main advantage of cloud computing hosting in the IT-based business solutions.

Key Components of Cloud Computing Technology:

There are two key elements at the core of cloud computing technology, which are: SOA (Service Oriented Architecture) and cloud virtualization, which are described in further detail below:

• SOA Architecture – this element of cloud technology allows organizations to access cloud based computing solutions with features that can be modified on demand, as business needs change. Service Oriented Architecture allows independent web services to communicate with each other via the Internet in real time, providing the flexibility that is required to rapidly reconfigure the service delivery for a specific cloud computing offering. SOA places the responsibility and costs of development, deployment and maintenance of web service components on the web services provider, which allows a web services consumer to access various web services with out the expense or overhead that is associated with traditional methods of IT services delivery. SOA is a powerful technological component of cloud computing because it facilitates centralized distribution and component reuse, which significantly drives down the cost of software development and delivery.
• Cloud Virtualization is another important aspect of a cloud system that facilitates the efficient delivery of cloud computing services. The implementation of virtual computing resources in the cloud, that mimic the functionality of physical computing resources, serves as a flexible load balancing management tool that allows for the swift adjustment of computing services delivery on demand. Virtualization technology provides organizations with a tool that promotes high levels of availability, scalability and reliability; in terms of the cloud systems or cloud computing technology that an enterprise can access to meet its information technology needs. Virtualization is also a very important component of cloud computing technology for the purposes of disaster recovery and fail-over support.

Advantages of Could Computing:

1. Worldwide Access. Cloud computing increases mobility, as you can access your documents from any device in any part of the world. For businesses, this means that employees can work from home or on business trips, without having to carry around documents. This increases productivity and allows faster exchange of information. Employees can also work on the same document without having to be in the same place.
2. More Storage. In the past, memory was limited by the particular device in question. If you ran out of memory, you would need a USB drive to backup your current device. Cloud computing provides increased storage, so you won’t have to worry about running out of space on your hard drive.
3. Easy Set-Up. You can set up a cloud computing service in a matter of minutes. Adjusting your individual settings, such as choosing a password or selecting which devices you want to connect to the network, is similarly simple. After that, you can immediately start using the resources, software, or information in question.
4. Automatic Updates. The cloud computing provider is responsible for making sure that updates are available – you just have to download them. This saves you time, and furthermore, you don’t need to be an expert to update your device; the cloud computing provider will automatically notify you and provide you with instructions.
5. Reduced Cost. If you need to pay for a cloud computing service, it is paid for incrementally on a monthly or yearly basis. By choosing a plan that has no contract, you can terminate your use of the services at any time; therefore, you only pay for the services when you need them.

Learn why to switch to Cloud here.

Cloud Business Solutions:

• Microsoft 365 – Boost your productivity with reliable access anywhere with services like email, calendar, file sharing, online conferencing, instant messaging, and Office Online.
• Exchange Online – Exchange Online is available as part of an Microsoft 365 plan that includes Office, SharePoint, and Skype for Business.