The computing and IT industry has evolved a lot in the past decade. The introduction of Cloud Computing has completely shifted the market dynamics and has offered people a lot of different benefits.
It mainly involves using remote computing resources according to your needs and requirements. Understanding this term has become a necessity these days. So, in this guide, I’ll explain what Cloud Computing actually is along with its different aspects. Let’s start.
What is Cloud Computing?
Cloud Computing is a term that explains the usage of computing services such as storage, IT infrastructure, information, etc., over the Internet. These facilities are usually provided by service companies that own servers and databases. These companies provide cloud services on-demand and users do not have to manage or maintain them.
Instead of storing files and information on physical drives and storage devices, people can now store them on remote servers. They get to access this data no matter where they are in the world as long as they have an Internet connection. It has made conducting business and dealing with personal computing needs a lot easier. It’s an efficient and cost-effective way of handling data and information.
How Does Cloud Computing Work?
Understanding how Cloud Computing works is very simple. It is just like storing and accessing files on your personal computer. However, instead of opening your own hard drive and accessing data files, you open the server folders on the Internet and get the required files. The following points sum up the whole procedure:
- You purchase or subscribe to a cloud storage/service (such as iCloud).
- Then, the data and information (such as your iPhone pictures) are uploaded to the server.
- The server keeps these files safe and secure for as long as required.
- To get the files (pictures) back, you simply have to open the cloud storage via the Internet and access them easily.
Every network is primarily based on this working mechanism. However, there are a lot of variations depending on the nature of the service.
Layers of Cloud Computing
Cloud Computing has two main layers as Front-end layer and the Back-end layer. Let’s explore:
- Front-end layer: The front-end layer consists of the things that the user gets to interact with. It is actually the user interface of the service.
- Back-end layer: The back-end layer is the foundation of this computing. It consists of the technical and hardware-related parts such as remote servers and databases.
Types of Cloud Computing
Cloud Computing types can be defined in two ways Based on Deployment and Based on Service Model. Learn more about types of cloud computing:
1 – Infrastructure as a Service
There are many companies that need to run their own cloud-based apps and have storage as well. They use Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS). It gives them remote access to an infrastructure of hardware, software, servers, etc.
In this type, the infrastructure is hosted by the provider but the user gets complete control over the services. The user can utilize the services according to his requirements and needs.
3 – Platform as a Service
Platform as a Service (PaaS) provides development companies a cloud environment in order to build and deploy their applications. Companies and individuals use it in order to make, test, run, and deploy apps and programs in it without having to deal with an infrastructure on their own.
3 – Software as a Service
Another popular type is Software as a Service (Saas). It allows people to access a vendor’s software and use it to perform their tasks remotely. They do not have to install or maintain the software on their own. The features and updating are performed by the owner and the user only gets to enjoy and maintain its available features.
4 – Private Cloud
A Private Cloud is the type that is used by a specific single organization to handle its internal IT and computing infrastructure. The service provider designs this type according to the needs and requirements of the company.
The provider also adds room for customization in case the company wants to remove or add new features. It is a more secure and safe type since only the people related to the organization can access it.
5 – Public Cloud
A Public Cloud is a little different from the private one. It is given by a third-party provider and is available for anyone who wants to purchase it. People or businesses only get to pay according to the amount of data or services they use. This type is also able to provide an extended amount of remote hardware such as RAM and storage for people who want it.
6 – Hybrid Cloud
This one is a combination of both private and public clouds. It is used by organizations who want cost-effective yet secure remote servers. For example, whenever the workload is high on a private server, they shift it to a public one temporarily instead of purchasing another private server. Since public one costs less, they get to save some money.
Benefits of Cloud Computing
Cloud computing is rapidly rising just because of its various benefits for companies. It not only minimizes the business need for a physical IT structure but also saves time to do more productivity. Let’s take a look at cloud computing benefits:
Cost-Effectiveness
Remote computing services are very cost-effective for both individuals and businesses. Building and owning your own hardware and servers is a very expensive task. Building an individual infrastructure is even more expensive. Accessing cloud-based services allows companies to reduce such costs by purchasing only the services they use.
Scalability
Cloud Computing is highly scalable. Its extent of use can be tailored according to the needs and requirements of the user. Service providers allow organizations and people to expand their usage as much as they want to. It’s a huge benefit for companies that are growing constantly and need to keep on expanding their resource usage level.
Safe and Secure
Almost all the major Cloud Computing services use strong security protocols in order to keep user’s data safe and secure. The files and sensitive information are secure from any type of data breach or cybersecurity threat. Also, users can create copies of data on these services in order to keep them available in case the original files are lost or destroyed.
Easy Access
These types of services have made accessing data a lot easier. People do not have to actually access their physical hardware to get files anymore. They can upload data on the service and access it from any part of the world without facing any issues.
Collaboration
Another huge benefit of this service is collaboration. Many people need to work with each other in order to get projects done. This type of computing allows them to use a single service together in order to perform whatever action they want to. Such facilities have made remote working a lot easier for companies.
Challenges Related to Cloud Computing
Cloud Computing isn’t all fun. There are some challenges that people face as well. I’ve listed some of the main ones below:
- Companies have to face downtime. It’s the period when a server is down for maintenance or any other technical issue.
- Although it’s an easy way of accessing data, it is still dependent on the Internet. So, no Internet means no access to the data.
- Despite the usage of effective security encryptions, some services are still vulnerable to security threats and attacks.
- A user usually does not have a lot of control over the features and facilities of the service. He will have to request the provider in order to add a feature they’d like to use.
The Finale
Cloud Computing is all about using services like storage and app deployment environments remotely. Many cloud service providers have entirely changed the way people conduct business and deal with their data.
There are several types of these services and each one is designed for a different type of user. Despite the differences, all of them offer similar features that are extremely helpful for users.
