Cloud is the Internet and everything you can access remotely on the World Wide Web. Anything in the cloud is on servers on the Internet instead of on your computer hard drive. Cloud computing depends on sharing resources instead of having personal devices or local servers to manage applications.
Providers pool computing resources in order to serve many consumers with a multi-tenant model. This enables them to use the same interfaces and software to configure resources as well as isolate customer data and traffic. A huge benefit is several users who do not share or see each other’s information can share applications while running on the same operating system. They can also use the same data storage mechanism and hardware. More details about the benefits of multi-tenancy are below:
Simplified Data Mining: It stores all information for all customers in a single database formation. It also simplifies data mining and the identification of trends.
Streamlined Release Management: It streamlines the process of release management. You can install packages containing code and database changes on a single server.
Most cloud computing services are accessible through a web browser. Some are also accessible through a dedicated mobile application or smartphone browser. The 3 basic types of cloud are:
• Infrastructure as a Service is the foundation layer of cloud computing. It includes backup, storage, and security services.
• Platform as a Service is the next cloud level. Vendors provide a framework and a set of functions you can customize.
• Software as a Service is any Internet-based service or software that you can rent. It is the most common type that small offices use.
One huge advantage of using the cloud is many of the tools enable new levels of collaboration.
Other advantages are:
Reduced Hardware and Support Needs: There probably is no need to upgrade your computers as frequently because computing does not occur on them.
Eco-Friendly: The solutions are more environmentally friendly than traditional information technology. Datacenters use a lot of electricity, but the amount is significantly less than thousands of office-grade computers needed to perform the same large tasks.
A common conception about the cloud is it is an either-or-proposition. The truth is the most effective way for your organization to see benefits is to use your current setup with physical servers along with the cloud.
Other misconceptions are:
The Cloud is Easy to Breach: According to JP Morgenthal, it is publicly attainable, but it does not mean your infrastructure is available to the public Internet.
It is Virtualization: Virtualization can help you focus on workload and server consolidation, but cloud computing involves complex integration of various information and other automation processes.
It Improves Productivity: The cloud may enhance business productivity, but the improvement is not automatic. You must manage and train your workers to use the new tools properly during the transition.
A large portion of your IT staff’s time is devoted to managing, maintaining, and troubleshooting equipment. Cloud computing providers offer infrastructure as well as management services, allowing you to offload those tasks to the provider, thus freeing up IT staff to work on other important projects. Some of the services are free, but you may have to pay a flat fee for a certain amount of storage. Sometimes providers offer a sliding scale as well.
The price for online storage has fallen recently as more companies have entered the industry. Even many of the companies that charge for digital storage offer at least a certain amount for free. Advancements in computing systems, hardware, Internet and communication technologies, have changed the IT landscape drastically.
If you have questions or need more information please contact us.
