What is cloud computing, and what are its advantages and applications? Simply put, cloud computing means delivering computing services such as servers, storage, databases, networks, software, analytics, and information over the Internet to provide faster innovation, flexible resources, and economies of scale. In fact, instead of having their computing infrastructure or data centers, companies can access everything from applications to storage using cloud services.
Cloud Computing provides various services using the Internet. These services include tools and applications such as data storage, servers, databases, networking, and software. Cloud-based storage allows you to store files in a remote database instead of storing them on a dedicated hard drive or local storage device. With cloud computing, you can access data and software applications at any time and place just by using an Internet connection.
One of the important advantages of cloud computing that has made it a popular option among users and businesses is cost-effectiveness, increased productivity, speed, efficiency, performance, and security. The reason for naming cloud computing is that it enables access to information through the cloud or virtual space.
Companies that provide cloud services allow users to store their files and applications on remote servers and access their information using the Internet at their desired time and place. This means that the user does not need to be in a specific place for access and can easily control and manage his stored data remotely.
Cloud computing does all the heavy work related to data processing and transfers all this work to very distant computers in virtual space; As a result, the Internet becomes a cloud space, and you can access your data and files anywhere in the world with any device.
Important points about cloud computing
Cloud computing provides various Internet services, including data storage, servers, databases, networks, and application software.
Cloud-based storage allows files to be stored in a remote database and retrieved. Cloud computing services are both public and private. Public services are provided online for a fee, But private services are hosted on the network for specific customers.
How does cloud computing work?
In summary, cloud computing includes three basic parts:
Cloud service providers store data and applications on physical machines, known as data centers.
Users have access to these data and applications.
The Internet quickly connects companies, providers, and users, even long distances.
These sections are simple, But the technology that brings them together is complex. Consider how these things were done before cloud computing technology to understand this better. Corporate IT teams managed their data centers in a location requiring regular hardware upgrades, high power, and vast real estate.
It was expensive, impractical, and inefficient, But with the advent of cloud computing, this is no longer needed. Companies that previously operated their data centers no longer need to worry about securing, scaling, maintaining, and upgrading infrastructure; So, unlike technical logistics, they only focus on creating great customer experiences.
Cloud computing is dramatically changing and simplifying how businesses approach IT resources. For example, many cloud providers offer subscription-based services, where customers can access all the computing resources they need for a monthly fee. This means they don’t have to purchase software licenses, upgrade old servers, buy more machines when they run out of storage, or install software updates to keep up with evolving security threats.
Thus, cloud computing is like renting a car. The user can use the vehicle, repairing, replacing new cars with old cars, etc., is the car owner’s responsibility. If the user needs a car with more features, it is enough to sign a new contract and hand over the keys.
Different models of cloud computing
There are different types of clouds, each of which differs from the other. In general, cloud computing is divided into three categories: “public,” “private,” and “combined,” which we will examine of them in the following.
1. public cloud
Public clouds offer their services on servers and storage space on the Internet. These clouds are managed by third-party companies that manage and control all hardware, software, and overall infrastructure. Users can access these services using accounts that are available to almost anyone.
2. Private clouds
Private clouds are provided for specific customers (usually businesses or organizations). A company’s data center may host a cloud computing service. Many private cloud computing services are provided on a private network. Companies, universities, and organizations can host private clouds for their exclusive use. When they do, they own the underlying cloud infrastructure and host it in a remote location.
3. Mixed clouds
Hybrid clouds, as their name suggests, combine public and private services. This model gives the user more flexibility and helps optimize his infrastructure and security. Generally, organizations use private clouds for critical functions and public clouds to accommodate increased computing demand. Data and programs are often switched between them automatically. This gives organizations greater flexibility without requiring them to abandon existing infrastructure and security.
4. Multicloud
Multicloud occurs when organizations use multiple clouds from multiple providers. This has many advantages. Using several different cloud providers means you can mix and match their features and functionality.
For example, if you have a sensitive project, you can run it on a cloud with many security features. If you’re a multinational company, teams in Asia and North America can use different cloud providers based on who offers the best service in their region. Salesforce recently partnered with all major public clouds to launch Hyperforce, our next-generation infrastructure architecture, helping businesses worldwide grow securely at scale.
Three important cloud computing services that have many uses and fans
Cloud computing is not a single technology like a microchip or cell phone; Rather, it is a system that consists of three services: 1. software as a service (SaaS); 2. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS); 3. Platform as a Service (PaaS). Next, we will introduce you to these services.
1. Software as a Service (SaaS)
Software as a Service (SaaS) is the most common type of cloud computing. SaaS provides complete and ready-made applications to users through the Internet, and users no longer need to download and install software on their computers. Using this service helps users to access the desired software in a short period.
It is worth noting that the maintenance and troubleshooting of this service is entirely the responsibility of the cloud computing provider. Also, software as a service (SaaS) involves licensing software programs to users. Licenses are usually offered through a paid or on-demand model. This type of system can be found in Microsoft Office 365.
2. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) offers the approach of choice for computing. It is assumed that you already have the basic IT infrastructure and can enhance it with various building blocks if needed. This approach works best for organizations with their operating system, But over time, they need tools to support those systems. Connecting to servers, firewalls, hardware, and another infrastructure gives companies the freedom to design at scale using prefabricated components.
IaaS can act as the scaffolding on which specific projects with unique IT requirements run. For example, a business developing new software might use IaaS to create a test environment before launching it. Additionally, an e-commerce company may use IaaS to host its website.
This service includes a way to provide everything, From the operating system to servers and storage via IP-based connectivity as part of the on-demand service. Using the IaaS service, users no longer need to buy software or servers and can provide these resources in the outsourcing service and on demand. Famous examples of IaaS systems include IBM Cloud and Microsoft Azure.
3. Platform as a Service (PaaS)
Platform as a Service (PaaS) provides important software design and development tools. The service includes development tools, code libraries, servers, programming environments, and preconfigured application components. With PaaS, cloud computing providers manage backend concerns such as security, infrastructure, and data integration; As a result, users can focus on building, hosting, and testing applications faster and cheaper. This service is the most complex layer of the three layers of cloud-based computing.
The important thing is that PaaS has similarities with SaaS. Still, their main difference is that instead of providing software online, it is a platform for software development provided through the Internet. This model includes platforms such as Salesforce.com and Heroku.
Advantages of cloud computing
Now that you understand how cloud computing technology works, you can easily see that cloud computing has many benefits. The important advantages of cloud computing are:
1. Easy and convenient to use
Cloud computing makes storing, retrieving and sharing information quick and easy. Also, it is possible to mention the ability to use the software through various native application devices or a browser. As a result, users can transfer their files and settings to other devices.
2. flexibility
As information flows across locations and devices, employees can work safely and securely anywhere. This makes them more successful and satisfied in their work.
3. Cost
At the core of cloud computing is the idea of ”multi-continuity,”; the cloud service provider has many customers using the same computing resources. It’s just like an apartment building. Although residents share facilities and infrastructure, everyone is free to decorate their apartment as they wish.
Also, cloud computing plays an effective role in reducing the huge cost for businesses. Before cloud computing, companies were required to buy, build and maintain expensive information management technology and infrastructure. While today, companies can replace expensive server centers and IT departments with fast internet connections, and employees can communicate with each other online to perform their tasks.
4. Reliability
Cloud service providers continuously refine their architecture to provide the best standards of performance and availability. Meanwhile, the third parties that host their services keep them constantly updated and provide easy access to customer support. This commitment to continuous improvement makes them reliable at superior standards.
5. Scalability
Cloud vendors typically allow customers to increase or decrease computing resources as needed. This means that the amount of cloud computing can increase or decrease depending on your business; That is, you can add more bandwidth, users and services, and even more service providers. Additionally, many cloud providers automate this scaling on your behalf so that teams can spend more time on customer experience and less on capacity planning.
6. Backup
Cloud computing is much more than accessing files on different devices. Thanks to cloud computing, users can check their email on any computer and save files using services like Dropbox and Google Drive. Cloud computing services also provide users with the possibility of backing up music, photo, and video files; As a result, if the hard disk is damaged, they can easily access all their information.
7. high speed
The cloud structure allows people to save storage space on their desktop or laptop and upgrade software faster; Because software companies can offer their products through the web instead of more traditional and tangible methods, including hard disks or flash drives. For example, Adobe users can access their Creative Cloud applications through an Internet-based subscription. This allows users to download and install new versions of their applications easily.
Weaknesses of cloud computing
In addition to its many advantages, cloud computing has disadvantages, which we will mention below.
Security has always been and will be one of the most important concerns about the cloud space, especially regarding medical records and sensitive financial information. Regulation forces cloud computing services to strengthen their security and compliance measures. Encryption protects critical information, But if that encryption key is lost, the data is gone.
Servers maintained by cloud computing companies may fall victim to natural disasters, internal bugs, and power outages; As a result, it reduces the geographical scope of cloud computing on both sides. For example, a blackout in California might cripple users in New York, and a company in Texas might lose data.
As with any technology, there is a learning curve for both employees and managers. But since many people access and manipulate information through a portal, inadvertent errors may spread throughout the system.
Conclusion
Today, we are facing the significant growth of information technology, and new technologies are being used daily, each of which offers its function. Cloud computing is one of the technologies that has grown significantly in the last few years. This technology enables the storage of files and information in a remote database; So that you can access data and software programs at any time and place, just by using an Internet connection.