Cloud Computing – Your New Business Frontier
Businesses across industries and size are moving towards cloud computing. Market studies have already shown that businesses who moved to cloud computing have experienced improved revenue growth. Most people using Google Drive, Gmail, Facebook do not even realize they are using cloud-based applications. However, many businesses still hesitate to move away from a traditional way of operating. We have listed out below the advantages of moving to a cloud infrastructure that address the common concerns that businesses usually have.
What is cloud computing
Traditionally, applications or programs are run from software on a physical computer or server on-site. In cloud computing, these functions are performed through a network (usually the Internet). The main computing is done on remote servers by hosting databases (Infrastructure as a Service – IaaS), platforms (Platform as a Service – PaaS), and software (Software as a Service – SaaS). This frees up the memory and computing power of individual devices accessing the cloud server and is one of the main advantages of cloud computing for a business.
Types of cloud servers
Public cloud services are delivered by a third-party cloud service provider via the Internet to anyone who needs their services.
Private cloud services are delivered by a business’s data centre over the Internet or a private internal network to select users only.
Hybrid cloud services combine public and private clouds by sharing data and applications between them.
Types of Cloud Computing Models
- IaaS: Internet as a service (IaaS) provides you with an infrastructure complete with storage and server to build technologies on the cloud. Amazon Web Services (AWS) is a popular IaaS tool.
- PaaS: Platform as a service (PaaS) gives its users a framework to build and manage new applications. Google App Engine is a good example of PaaS.
- SaaS: Software as a service (SaaS) offers cloud-based applications which you use on a pay-per-use basis. Google Docs is an example of SaaS.
Uses of cloud computing
Here are some applications of cloud computing services that a cloud provider can offer:
- Build cloud-native applications – You can easily design, develop, and scale cloud-native applications for web, mobile, and API. It enables you to use cloud-native technologies like containers, API-driven communication, Kubernetes, microservices architecture etc.
- Data analysis – Allows you to consolidate your data across teams, divisions and locations in the cloud. The cloud services like machine learning and artificial intelligence can provide you with detailed insights to help you devise business and marketing strategies.
- Audio and video streaming – You can connect with your audience from anywhere, at any time, using any device with HD video and audio.
- Integrate intelligence – You can use intelligent designs to promote customer engagement and provide valuable insights from the data obtained.
- Deliver on-demand software – On-demand software or software as a service (SaaS) allows you to offer the latest versions and updates of software to customers whenever and wherever they need it.
- Data storage, back up and recovery – You can store a large amount of data securely by transferring it over the Internet to an offsite cloud storage system. Also, you can retrieve the stored data from any location and any device.
So, now lets see what are the advantages of cloud computing.
Cost Efficiency – You will be reducing costs on many fronts.
- You don’t need to spend on facilities, hardware and building a data centre.
- You don’t need to maintain and train a large IT team.
- Reduced energy consumption and costs.
- Low costs on fixing downtime as they are very rare in cloud environments.
Data Security – This is a major concern for businesses hesitating for a cloud environment. Cloud servers offer advanced security features to ensure secure storage and handling of your data. They provide identity and access management tools, and encryption for your data. You can log into the cloud only with the credentials provided by the service provider. You can also go for additional security measures of your own.
Disaster Recovery– Cloud service providers can get you quick data recovery for any kind of situation – malware/virus attacks, power outages, local PC damage or natural disasters. And you can prevent data loss as your data is stored on a remote server and not on a local computer. So, you can always access your data if you have a device with an internet connection.
Scalability–With cloud computing, you can easily scale up or down the services. You pay only for what you use, so if you scale down, you pay lesser. If you need to scale up your cloud capacity, you can do that quickly without having to pay for additional physical infrastructure. This is a huge advantage for companies whose business model involves fluctuating computing and bandwidth demands.
Accessibility – Cloud servers can be accessed by smartphones, laptops, and devices from anywhere, anytime as long as you have internet connectivity. Since the data is stored at a single place, it ensures that all users are accessing the same data in real time and makes sharing of data easier. This ensures data quality and data accessibility for all users irrespective of where they are at that moment.
Competitive edge – While more and more companies are turning to cloud services, there are still companies who prefer the traditional computing way. But sooner than later, they will get there, as they become aware of the top-class technology and high performance, they will have access to, on a cloud environment. Moving to cloud computing now will give your business the advantage of being ahead of your competitors.
Computing Australia has a wide experience with cloud computing technology. Talk to our consultants to know how you can move to a cloud service ensuring reduced costs and better access to the computing needs of your business. To get expert advice contact us or email us at helpdesk@computingaustralia.group.
Computing Australia is a member of The Computing Australia Group of Companies
Jargon Buster
Cloud – A virtual server that can run and function as independent units in a cloud computing environment and can be accessed remotely.
API – Application Programming Interface – a software intermediary that allows data transmission between one software product and another.
Revised by Peter Machalski on 13/08/2021
Added new sections:
Types of cloud computing
Uses of cloud computing
Jargon Buster
Peter is the Systems Operations Manager at The Computing Australia Group, he is responsible for managing and maintaining uptime for thousands of client servers. It is a busy portfolio with a lot of responsibility because clients depend on their systems being accessible practically 24 hours a day. It is a far cry from when he started in the industry when most people just worked Monday to Friday, 9 to 5 and we had plenty of time to maintain systems after hours. He also works across other portfolios at CAG, including projects and service delivery.
