What is Cloud Computing? And How Can It Help Your Business?

In this post, I’ll be deep diving into my particular domain, cloud computing!

According to 74% of global IT decision-makers, about 95% of all workloads will exist on the cloud within the next five years. More businesses are recognizing the benefits of cloud technology. With the best cloud services, businesses can boost productivity, cut costs, and more.

So what exactly are cloud services, and how can they benefit your business; regardless of industry? Read on to learn more about cloud computing today.

What is Cloud Technology?

Before discussing the benefits of switching to cloud services, let’s answer the question that’s likely on your mind. What is cloud computing and cloud technology, exactly?

Many companies still own their own computing infrastructure on-site. Others utilize data centers and rent access to applications, storage, and more. With cloud computing, you can access everything you need through your cloud service provider.

You won’t have to worry about the upfront cost and complexity of maintaining your own infrastructure. Instead, you can pay for what you need, when you need it.

Cloud computing services now involve a range of options, including:

• Networking
• Storage
• Processing power

You’ll no longer need to remain physically close to your computer hardware. Instead, you can access everything through the cloud. 

Types of Infrastructures

You can choose from different infrastructures, including IaaS, SaaS, PaaS, and serverless.

IaaS stands for infrastructure as a service. It’s an instant computing infrastructure that’s managed over the internet.

You can scale these services up and down as needed to ensure you only pay for the services you intend to use. This scalability allows you to avoid the costs of buying and managing physical servers.

Businesses can use IaaS for:

• Web apps
• Big data analysis
• Storage, backup, and recovery
• Website hosting
• Testing and development environments 
• High-performance computing

Software as a service (SaaS) allows companies to connect and use cloud-based apps using the internet. These apps can include office tools, email, and calendars. You can also use SaaS for sophisticated business applications like your CRM.

You can rent the use of an app and pay as you go.

Platform as a service (PaaS) is a complete development and deployment environment. It includes development tools, middleware, and business intelligence tools. PaaS is ideal for the complete web application lifecycle (building, testing, etc.).

Serverless computing, on the other hand, allows teams to build applications without managing the infrastructure. 

Cloud services allow for containerization, too. Containerization is a software development trend that allows you to package software code. It’s an alternative or companion to virtualization.

The symbiotic relationship between cloud computing and DevOps can help you innovate faster than ever before. Cloud computing can streamline the entire process, helping you deliver software quickly.

With IaaS, SaaS, or PaaS cloud services, you can save valuable time and money. You can use sophisticated tools without exceeding your budget. Meanwhile, your team will have an easier time accessing everything they need from the cloud.

The Benefits

Now that we’ve discussed the types of cloud technology, let’s dig into the benefits. Here are a few ways choosing the best cloud services can support your business.

1. Work Remotely

With COVID-19 still a threat, many teams are still working remotely. A cloud-based system can ensure your team can work without interruption. They can access everything they need from anywhere in the world.

You no longer have to pay for unnecessary operational costs. Instead, you can have your team work from home. 

With a cloud-based system, your team will have an easier time collaborating, too. They can share resources in real-time without delays or stress. Your productivity could rise as a result.

2. Remain Flexible

Using cloud technology can help your team remain flexible as well. For example, you can adjust your cloud as needed to ensure your team has the necessary tools.

Meanwhile, you can choose the storage space and bandwidths you need, when you need it. 

3. Easy Backups

A power outage, hack, or virus could erase all your data. With cloud services, you don’t have to back everything up to a hard drive. Instead, you’ll have daily, automated back-ups, giving you peace of mind. 

4. Cut Costs

One of the best benefits of switching to the cloud is the ability to cut costs.

You don’t have to purchase or maintain expensive equipment in-house. Meanwhile, you won’t have to hire and train an in-house tech team, either. Instead, you can work with a cloud computing company.

They can handle your IT needs for you. Meanwhile, you’ll only pay for the storage and equipment you need, helping you better utilize your budget.

5. Remain Up-to-Date

Completing regular software updates can take time out of your day. With cloud computing, you don’t have to worry about it. Instead, your cloud provider will ensure you remain up-to-date while handling everything off-site.

Remaining up-to-date can improve your security and help you remain competitive.

6. Stronger Security

About 94% of businesses report significant improvements in online security after switching to cloud technology. If you’re concerned about ransomware or a hack, consider switching to cloud services. Your cloud provider will ensure you have the strongest security in place.

Stronger information security can protect your customers, your business, and your reputation as a result.

7. Scale as Needed

If your business is growing faster than expected, you can scale your IT needs with ease. If you have more space than you need, that’s okay. You can cut back and save money.

Either way, you only pay for the space you need, helping you remain cost-efficient. 

You can learn more from these publications.

8. Gather Data

It’s difficult to make informed decisions regarding your business without data. By switching to the cloud, you can gather information about your:

• Data sources
• Storage
• Computing power

Then, you can determine what packages you need and start cutting costs.