What Is Cloud Computing?

What Is Cloud Computing?: The term “cloud computing” isn’t new. However, what is cloud computing actually?

Generally, cloud computing is about renting a space in the cloud to contain all your personal or company data. You can also use it to run an application or build a website.

One of the numerous benefits of cloud computing is easy collaboration. This technology makes working from home more convenient, perfect amidst the pandemic. And that’s one of the reasons why more and more companies base most of their daily operations on the cloud.

To date, 92% of all businesses utilize the multi-cloud strategy. If you haven’t used this technology, it may be time to give it a try. 

In this article, you’ll find the definition of cloud computing, how it works, and what are the benefits of using it.

What Is Cloud Computing?

Cloud computing refers to any delivery of IT resources over an internet connection. Typically, cloud computing providers offer and maintain resources like:

  • processing power
  • storage space
  • databases
  • networking
  • software
  • servers

Those services often come with pay-as-you-go pricing. Meaning, clients will only pay based on the resources they use.

How Does Cloud Computing Work?

Cloud computing is made up of networks of servers that transfer data over the internet. This allows users to store, retrieve, and modify their files anywhere and from any device as long as they have internet access.

Cloud computing clients, like mobile phones, tablets, and computers, will interact with the cloud environment via a medium. The mediums themselves can be cloud-based applications or web browsers. 

When a client makes a request to cloud-based software, the cloud environment will send signals to the cloud storage. It then delivers the request to the nearest servers based on the clients’ location. This is to make sure users are able to access the information faster.

There are three types of cloud computing:

  • Software as a Service (SaaS). Allows software to load on applications and web browsers. Some of the great examples of this service include Google Workspace, Slack, and Dropbox.
  • Platform as a Service (PaaS). A cloud environment where developers can build, test, modify, and deploy a website or a web app. Two of the most popular examples of PaaS are Microsoft Azure and AWS Elastic Beanstalk. 
  • Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS). Grants basic computer infrastructures, like data storage and servers, over the internet. Rackspace and Digital Ocean are among the excellent IaaS examples.

If you want to build your business website on the cloud, choose your web host wisely. One of the best cloud hosting services comes from web hosting Hostinger. With it, you’ll get: 

  • a free domain name
  • SSL certificate
  • domain-based email addresses
  • CDN integration 

It also packs abundant resources to make sure excellent website performance.

Benefits of Cloud Computing

As we’ve discussed, cloud computing allows companies and organizations to store their files or host their websites using cloud-based resources. Now, let’s look at the six benefits of doing so.

Cost-Effectiveness

Using cloud computing helps cut down your company’s IT-related costs. Once you’re on the cloud, you don’t need to invest in expensive equipment. Therefore, it can also help you cut down your energy consumption and system maintenance costs.

On top of that, most cloud computing providers allow you to pay on the go. This system ensures that you only pay for the resources you use. Thus, there’s no need to worry about spending too much on services you don’t take advantage of.

Improved Security

With cloud computing, the cloud provider’s security experts will run periodic security checks for your system. However, finding a reliable cloud host can be challenging. If you choose the wrong host, it’s your company’s future that you’re betting on. 

Therefore, choose your provider wisely. Also, make sure it has a broad set of security policies to help keep your company’s data safe. Here are some of the criteria to look for:

  • Certifications. Check if your chosen web hosting provider has the ISO 27001 or the Cyber Essential Scheme accreditations. These certificates show if the providers practice excellent security measures.
  • Encryption policy. Whether your files are being transmitted over the network or stored in the databases, an excellent host will encrypt them. 
  • Technology and service compatibility. Ensure your selected cloud provider has compatible platforms and technologies to your system.
  • Business health. Assessing the cloud provider’s company profile is vital to get a more detailed insight into its track record. The profile will help you check the company’s stability and financial position, ensuring a good fit for your business.

Additionally, storing your files on the cloud grants a more secure environment than a local drive. Hard disk drives are prone to physical damage. Aside from that, files stored on it are also more vulnerable to viruses and malware.

Scalability

In the cloud infrastructure, scalability is the ability to increase and decrease cloud resources to cater to changing demands. Suppose you ever run out of resources or see some dips in your website traffic. Then, you can scale your cloud computing resources up or down.

With the cloud, there’s no need to purchase and install new hardware to add resources. To scale your resources, all you need to do is call your provider and ask them to handle it for you.

Enhanced Collaboration

Cloud computing simplifies collaboration within your organization. Whether your company consists of two or two hundred employees, it needs solid collaboration mediums to ensure effective communication.

Cloud computing lets you give file access to your employees, collaborators, and supervisors. It records every change made on the file in real-time. Therefore, even if more than one person is making changes to the shared file, everything is recorded and can be traced.

On top of that, effective collaboration is among the critical factors for remote working. With cloud computing, your remote employees can participate in your company projects more effectively. 

Quick Deployment

Most cloud computing services are on-demand. The system makes the cloud environment able to provide a vast amount of computing resources at an excellent speed. Therefore, setting up space for clients to migrate to the cloud may only need a few clicks.

If you want to expand your business globally, cloud computing can also help you make it happen. Some cloud service providers have their cloud infrastructure all around the world. That makes launching your application or website in new geographical locations easier.

Conclusion

Cloud computing is the on-demand IT resource delivery over the internet. This technology enables users to store files, build applications, and host websites on the cloud. Also, it’s one of the fastest-growing technologies we have today.

When using cloud computing, here are the benefits you will get:

  • Cost-effectiveness. Cloud computing reduces your company expenses on energy consumption and hardware maintenance.
  • Security. The cloud environment secures your data more effectively.
  • Scalability. Upgrading your cloud resources only needs a few clicks or a phone call.
  • Enhanced collaboration. Cloud computing lets users share files and invite their colleagues to collaborate.
  • Quick deployment. The on-demand system makes cloud computing easy to set up.

All in all, cloud computing allows a company to prevent problems that arise from on-premises infrastructure. Moving to the cloud is definitely worth consideration, especially if your business is constantly growing and needs more resources.

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