Cloud technologies are the main trend today for both business and end users. Despite the fact that the concept of “cloud” is still not fully understood by many people, most of us actively use cloud solutions in our everyday life. For instance, whether checking your Instagram feed, using cloud computing in banking, or viewing a new episode of your favorite show on YouTube. So, how does this magic work?
What are cloud technologies?
The phrase “cloud” often refers to a group of servers accessible over the Internet, as well as the software and databases that run on those servers. The use of the Internet to do operations that people normally perform on personal computers is the foundation of cloud computing. This applies to anything from basic data storage to advanced data processing that necessitates a large network of computer power. Cloud servers are housed in data centers situated all over the world. Users and businesses who use cloud technology do not need to maintain physical servers or execute software programs on their own devices.
Cloud technologies give users the ability to access the same files and programs from almost any device. That’s why you can sign in to your social media account using your new phone instead of your old one and still have access to your feed, photos, videos, and more. The same goes for emails, such as Gmail, office suites such as Microsoft Office 365, and file storage such as Dropbox or Google Drive.
For companies, the transition to cloud computing is an opportunity to optimize IT costs, for example, avoiding the need to invest heavily in expensive equipment. Such savings are especially noticeable at the scale of small businesses. Cloud technologies also facilitate the work of international companies, because their employees and customers can access the same documents and programs from any location.
To understand what cloud computing is, you should remember the three most important abbreviations:
- SaaS (software as a service). SaaS enables end users to consume software over the Internet.
- PaaS (Platform as a Service). A PaaS is an Internet space designed for developers to build online applications or programs.
- IaaS (infrastructure as a service). IaaS is a service for large market players, such as Amazon or Google, through which they provide powerful computing infrastructure to other companies.
Although service models are rapidly evolving, these three remain the main ones.
Cloud storage and cloud computing
You probably want to ask – where is my data stored? Remember two words – data center. Customers send their files to a server maintained by a cloud service provider, rather than storing that data on their own hard drives. Everything you upload to the cloud or what you run in the cloud is stored on certain servers located in large data centers, even in the case of cloud computing in banking. Most often, these are entire campuses in which many such servers are located. Cloud service providers own data centers and are responsible for maintaining and supporting the servers.
Popular areas of use of cloud computing
- Business management
Cloud solutions for businesses have included corporate portals, remote workstations, and systems for managing client resources and planning company resources.
- Cloud computing on marketing platforms
Previously, businesses gathered all marketing data individually. The marketer and analyst then worked together to analyze the data and develop an overall picture, which was subsequently employed in business operations. A marketer now has various tools, including analytics tools, thanks to the advent of cloud computing. You can swiftly build and optimize marketing strategy with their assistance.
Multichannel marketing is frequently used by companies such as Inoxoft. This includes social media platforms, chatbots, messengers, emails, and phone conversations. Cloud platforms make it easier to implement and manage them. In this method, the marketer saves both time and money for the organization.
- Cloud computing and healthcare
Medical firms must gather and evaluate massive amounts of data before making any judgments. You may store and exchange data with other businesses using cloud technologies, allowing you to receive results faster. Many medical organizations are now preferring to build electronic medical records in the cloud. There is no need to look for a paper copy when a doctor, nurse, or patient can locate it online in 5 minutes.
- Streaming entertainment platforms
The key feature of cloud computing is the scalability of resources. If necessary, the user can pay a membership fee to zoom in or out. Netflix is one such example.
Is it safe to store sensitive data in the cloud?
Cloud service providers care about their own business reputation, and therefore the most important priority for them is the security and reliable storage of customer data. Furthermore, cloud computing technology provides several advantages in terms of cybersecurity.
Cloud technologies reduce the possibility of damage, loss, or theft of information. Hard drives or laptops can break or become prey for criminals. This will not happen with the cloud: even if you hack your device or lose it, you will keep access to files and applications.
Thus, cloud technologies are accessible to modern data centers, which are served by a team of the best, highly qualified IT specialists. They update systems in time and constantly monitor the perimeter to avoid attempted cyberattacks. In addition, providers protect information with multistep authentication, including usernames and passwords, and use strong encryption to prevent data interception. And they also create multiple data backups and store them in different locations to minimize risks.
Where did the name “cloud” come from?
This is an archaic slang expression. Servers and network equipment were shown as clouds on technical diagrams in the early days of the Internet. As more computer operations moved to the server-infrastructure section of the Internet, the term “cloud” became an abbreviated designation for the location where computing processes took place.
Cloud technologies, as you can see, are easy, convenient, and profitable. That is why many businesses prefer to relocate to the cloud. Collaboration with a skilled cloud service provider can also assist you in making the most of cloud computing.
Make sure that you also have a team that is well-versed in cloud computing and IT itself. As a rule of thumb, you should be hiring professionals with, at least, an ITIL 4 certification.
